MINI's new Aceman crossover SUV was launched at the end of last year exclusively as a fully electric vehicle. It sits between the MINI Cooper and the larger Countryman.
The exterior is impressive, measuring 4,079mm in length. I liked the overall look of the car, especially the high roof and long bonnet. Squarish headlights have replaced the previous rounded ones.
My test car featured a blue exterior with gold trim to add brightness, a black roof, privacy glass, and prominent wheel arches that give a rugged off-road look, although the car is front-wheel drive. Despite its bold styling, it is primarily designed for city use rather than serious off-roading. The MINI badge appears on side badges and the rear, along with the Aceman name. While 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on the SE S version, 18- or 19-inch wheels are available as options.
The high roof creates a sense of spaciousness inside, complemented by the far-forward windscreen. Build quality is excellent.
The blue/black interior scheme has a more masculine feel, which I believe will appeal more to men. The seats are made from various materials, including synthetic VESCAL leather, edged with orange. I would not opt for the blue knitted material with orange accents on the dashboard and doors. I prefer a splash of silver, but there is no chrome in the Aceman.
The standout feature is the circular 9.4-inch OLED screen, the world’s first of its kind. It functions as a touchscreen or via voice control and acts as the instrument cluster (displaying your current speed at the top), infotainment system, assistance hub, cloud navigation, media, and climate controls. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a striking piece of design with stunning displays.
The small gear selector is positioned below the round screen, with an ‘Experiences Mode’ button that lets you choose from seven modes to match your mood. Each mode changes the cabin’s colour scheme, lighting, style, and soundscape. These include Go-Kart mode for sporty driving and Trail mode, intended for light off-road adventures.
The typical BMW-style thick steering wheel feels comfortable in your hands. A transparent Head-Up Display (HUD) appears from the dash, showing your current speed within your line of sight, then retracts when the vehicle is turned off.
Inside, there’s a decent glovebox, two small USB ports, a wireless phone charger, a handy lidded box beneath the front armrest, and well-designed door bins.
Rear headroom and legroom are adequate for most adults, although there is a fairly high transmission tunnel.
Boot capacity is 300 litres with all seats up, expanding to 1,005 litres with the rear seats folded, and there’s a storage area beneath the floor for cables.
The trims available are Classic, Exclusive, and Sport, each featuring distinct design details and equipment. Standard features include LED headlights and rear lights, roof rails, dual-zone climate control, navigation, Parking Assistant, and ISOFIX child seat points.
Additional safety features include good blind-spot detection, front collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional active cruise control and exit warning systems that alert the driver when vehicles or cyclists approach from behind or when someone is opening their door. The Parking Assistant Plus adds features such as the Back-up Assistant for automated reversing, Surround View with 3D imaging, and Remote 3D view.
Power outputs start with the Aceman 184hp E Classic, powered by a 38.5 kWh battery with a range of 300 km. The Exclusive and SE models feature 218hp motors with a 49.2 kWh battery, offering approximately 400 km of range, while the E Sport shares the same battery and range as the E Classic. The top-tier John Cooper Works Aceman Sport boasts 258hp and a range of 345-391 km, though real-world range may be lower. Energy consumption is claimed to be 14.7 kWh/100 km.
The SE S version provided an enjoyable driving experience, with instant sporty acceleration from the 218hp motor and 330Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The accelerator pedal supports one-pedal driving. The suspension feels firm across most roads and city streets. Its tight 12-metre turning circle, along with excellent parking aids, front and rear sensors, and a good reversing camera, make manoeuvring in narrow streets and parking straightforward.
DC fast charging from 10-80% provides a range between 305-406 km in 28-31 minutes. Home AC charging at 11 kW takes between 4 hours 15 minutes and 5 hours 45 minutes.
Aceman has not yet received an official safety rating from Euro NCAP.
The Aceman E starts at €30,856.80. My SE Sport test vehicle costs €34,430.70; additional packages and options totalled €8,520.59, bringing the overall price to €56,896, which is quite steep for a MINI. The John Cooper Works Aceman begins from €40,390.50. All prices include the SEAI grant.
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