Mini may have only one EV in its current lineup, but it is well on its way to meeting the BMW Group’s directive of having at least half of its vehicles go electric by 2030. Mini is starting to tease that electric future one concept model at a time. It wasn’t long ago that the brand bought a “skunkworks” Mini Cooper SE convertible to Miami, Florida as a feeler.
Now Mini is pulling back more of its electric curtain with the debut of its Concept Aceman. The Mini Concept Aceman would be the brand’s first EV crossover and “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,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini in a release.
The Mini Concept Aceman is supposed to “reflect 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,” according to Wurst.
Mini’s new design language
Unlike the Mini Cooper SE convertible (or the Cooper SE hatch on which that model is based), the Mini Concept Aceman is more than a drivetrain swap into a current Mini chassis. The Aceman also serves as a preview for Mini’s new design language. Obviously, Mini wouldn’t completely abandon the major design elements that are synonymous with the brand but it is looking to make changes that better align with its so-called “reinvention.”
“With this approach, we are redeveloping the Mini design icons, with all their analogue strengths, for the digital future,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.
According to the official press release, Mini officially refers to its new design language as “Charismatic Simplicity.” One of the most noticeable elements is the octagonal front “grille” which is really more of an illuminated outline that borders the radiator area. The geometric theme continues to the headlights. It’s different for Mini, but there aren’t so many angles and creases that the overall design isn’t relatable to the classic rounded headlights that Mini is known for.
The interior is a study in tech minimalism
Passengers face a dashboard that is nearly devoid of tactile buttons, vents, or gauges. There is a round OLED touchscreen in the center of the dash, which serves as the hub of all of the infotainment as well as readouts like speed and battery range. Underneath the OLED screen is where traditional Mini toggle switches can be found.
The infotainment system utilizes the Mini Companion software which offers “sensor based animation” that choreographs light and sound for what Mini calls a “holistic user experience.” These animations extend into light arrays that are hidden in the dashboard and door panels. Different animations will playout through the OLED screen, dashboard, and door panels as passengers enter and exit the vehicle.
Moving image projections can also transfer graphics and animations from the Mini Operating System to the dashboard for an added wow factor. These animations can create “diversified interactions” on the OLED screen when stopped at a light or charging the battery.
The Mini Concept Aceman is set to make its debut physical appearance at the Gamescom video game fair in Cologne, Germany on August 23, 2022.
Keyword: The Mini Concept Aceman Is an Angular, Unusual Glimpse at the Brand's Electrified Future