Take a good look at this car. Because it previews the future of the Mini brand, and it will go on to be Mini’s biggest weapon in the electric compact SUV segment.
Dubbed the Aceman – similar in name to the short-lived Paceman coupe-SUV from the early 2010s – Mini is calling it a concept, but the design is believed to be 80 per cent close to the production model that will be uncovered in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The Aceman is an exclusively electric model and it will go into production in China, with the global launch set for 2024.
It’s also Mini’s first new model line since the introduction of the 5-door Hatch in 2014.
It will slot into Mini’s line up above the 3-door Hatch and below the Countryman small SUV due in 2023 that will grow in size for its next generation.
There are rumours that the 5-door Hatch might not live on for another generation, and that the Aceman will fill that gap in the Mini line-up.
BMW Group Australia isn’t saying anything about the production version yet, but given the group’s steady rollout of EVs and plug-in hybrids in the past couple of years, there is a good chance it could make it Down Under.
Given it’s a concept, Mini is yet to confirm any mechanical details like battery capacity, power and driving range.
However, it will be underpinned by a new all-electric architecture developed by Mini in partnership with Chinese giant Great Wall.
Mini owner BMW Group and Great Wall Motor announced a joint venture in 2018 under the name Spotlight Automotive Limited with the target of producing Mini-branded EVs at a new plant in Zhangjiagang in China’s Jiangsu Province.
Mini has previously announced that it will launch its last new model available with internal combustion engines in 2025, and by 2027 it is targeting EV sales of 50 per cent before becoming completely electric in the early 2030s.
The four-door Aceman has seating for five and its dimensions are 4050mm long, 1990mm wide and 1590mm tall, meaning it will be more compact than the upcoming BMW iX1 EV. In fact, it will be almost exactly the same size as the first-generation Countryman. It will be more compact in some dimensions than current crop of small premium electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX300e and Volvo XC40.
The model represents the start of a new era of design for Mini, ushering in the so-called Charismatic Simplicity philosophy that will carry through to all new models, with the next-gen three-door Hatch the next cab off the rank, followed by the next Countryman.
Mini says the idea behind this is to emphasise the traditional characteristics of Mini models.
Design elements found on the the Aceman include a octagonal closed grille that’s also illuminated, bulging shoulder lines, large wheel arches, short overhangs, restyled headlight design and a new take on the signature Union Jack tail-lights.
It also feature roof racks, 20-inch wheels and front and rear valance that looks like underbody protection. The concept is bathed in a turquoise shade with a British Racing Green roof.
A focus on new technology and clean design is clear in the Aceman’s cabin, which features a flat dash running the width of the interior that’s been designed to look like a sound bar. This element can also project images. It was inspired by the dash and interior of the original Mini.
In keeping with the traditional Mini circular theme for the central multimedia display, the Aceman has a completely round Oled display which uses the entire screen. For the production model, it will house a new multimedia system with modern graphics and be built on an Android Open Source Project software stack.
Underneath the screen are some Mini-signature toggle switches, although there are far fewer of them than you’ll find in current Mini models.
It features a customisable centre console that allows users to add their own touch to the car. The designers have even put a new spin on the traditional hound’s tooth trim.
Unsurprisingly there are various personalisation options and the new Mini Companion displays animation light effects and sounds when you approach the vehicle.
Being a concept, it is unclear how many of these elements will make it to the production version.
No leather is used in the interior, nor are there any chrome elements, as Mini pushes its sustainability credentials.
Head of Mini brand Stefanie Wurst says the Aceman exemplifies Mini’s future as an electric-only brand.
“The Mini Concept Aceman provides a glimpse of a completely new vehicle, bridging the space between the Mini Cooper and the Mini Countryman in the future of the model family,” she said.
“This concept car reflects how Mini is reinventing itself for its all-electric future and what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feel, an immersive digital experience and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint.”
Keyword: Mini's future revealed! Aceman electric SUV to bring the fight to Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX300e and more