Mini has pressed on in its electrification efforts with the reveal of the new Mini Concept Aceman electric vehicle. The SUV is packed with futuristic animation and lighting features, but it also honors Mini’s heritage by retaining the brand’s iconic silhouette and character. While Mini currently offers two electrified models, the all-electric SE Hardtop and SE Countryman plug-in hybrid, the Concept Aceman aims to be more competitive in a quickly expanding field of electric SUVs.
Exterior Blends Past and Future
Mini Concept Aceman | Manufacturer image
The Concept Aceman is sized below the Countryman. It’s approximately 10 inches shorter lengthwise but shares a similar height and width with the larger SUV. According to the brand, the concept shows off a new design language that retains the classic Mini shape but infuses it with futuristic features including an illuminated faux grille with customizable animation and new LED headlights that stray from the traditional round design. Boxy cladding for the wheel arches surround 20-inch wheels, and the rear features vertical LED taillights. Taillights display the Union Jack flag, which also resides in the vehicle’s roof rack as a salute to Mini’s British roots. One element that will not be found on the vehicle’s exterior is chrome: Mini says it skipped using chrome and leather materials, choosing sustainable materials instead.
All Fun and Games Inside
Mini Concept Aceman | Manufacturer image
Mini says it aimed for a pared-down design inside, but even with its flat dashboard and minimalistic door panels, the five-seat Concept Aceman’s interior is far from plain: A range of textures, bright colors, sound effects, lighting and animation can be found, including an organic light-emitting diode version of Mini’s circular center screen. Mini is using an Android-based operating system for the first time here, and a toggle switch bar is placed underneath to house various controls.
The center screen features a series of customizable modes that either displays user-generated images as animations or allows occupants to play video games while the vehicle is parked — a feature Mini says can be used while the car is charging. The Aceman also features a built-in projector that displays moving graphics across the dashboard and onto the door panels, though it’s unlikely to make it to production.
The interior features extensive use of sustainable materials: knit fabrics, a velvet-velour-covered steering wheel, waffle weave and embroidered tic-tac-toe graphics on the seats are all part of the playful design.
Will It Get Game-Winning Range?
Aside from claiming its future EVs will provide an “electrified go-kart feel,” Mini leaves us with no details about the concept’s performance, powertrain or range. In order to compete with the growing list of all-electric SUVs, however, the theoretical production Aceman would need a significantly longer range than the SE Hardtop offers: The brand’s only pure EV is EPA-rated at just 114 miles. In comparison, competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y all get over 300 miles of maximum range.
Although Mini did not provide estimated range numbers, the brand has stated that global versions of the all-electric Mini Cooper E and SE will offer up to 248 miles of range, which may indicate a similar range for the Aceman.
More details are expected when the Mini Concept Aceman makes its full debut the week of Aug. 23 at Gamescom 2022, a video game convention in Germany.
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