The first test drives of the MINI Aceman are just weeks away, but this stylish and quirky electric crossover is already making its rounds globally. Its latest stop was in Poland, where the local BMW Group office showcased the car to media and VIPs. These newly released images offer a fresh look at the Aceman’s design, highlighting how it stands out from the larger Countryman. In mid-2022, MINI teased us with a glimpse of its future small electric crossover, the Concept Aceman.
The road-going model, known as the J05, brings a playful design to the market, standing out in a sea of mundane SUVs. While it may not carry the same charisma as the quirky six-door Clubman it indirectly replaces, the Aceman still manages to carve out its own identity in a crowded segment. The electric crossover is designed as a more practical crossover counterpart to the Cooper hatchback. Both vehicles will be manufactured at the same factory in China before production shifts to the UK in 2026. Unfortunately for U.S. customers, this means that neither model will hit American roads until after that.
Design and Dimensions
With dimensions measuring 4.07 meters (160.2 inches) in length, 1.75 meters (68.9 inches) in width, and 1.50 meters (59 inches) in height, the Aceman is naturally larger than the electric Cooper. MINI positions the new crossover between the Cooper and the larger Countryman. Practicality is a key selling point, with the Aceman offering between 300 and 1,005 liters (10.6 to 35.4 cubic feet) of luggage space, compared to the Cooper’s 200 to 800 liters (7 to 28.2 cubic feet).
Trim Levels and Features
MINI plans to offer the 2025 Aceman in four trims: Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW. Each trim level will feature unique design elements to distinguish them. While the John Cooper Works (JCW) trim brings sporty styling, it’s more about aesthetics than performance, as a true high-performance version is yet to be announced.
Inside, the Aceman borrows heavily from the Cooper’s interior, with the centerpiece being a 9.4-inch circular OLED screen that serves as the control hub for MINI’s version of the iDrive 9 infotainment system. Instead of a traditional digital instrument cluster, the Aceman offers an optional head-up display. The cabin is a vibrant mix of bold colors, intricate ambient lighting, and sustainable materials, including recycled polyester and synthetic leather. Real leather is not available, but the multi-colored knitted textile with red stitching adds a touch of flair to the interior.
Powertrain and Performance
On the performance front, the MINI Aceman will be available as a front-wheel-drive-only vehicle. For those seeking all-wheel drive, the larger Countryman will be the go-to option. The base Aceman E is powered by a 181-horsepower motor, delivering 290 Newton-meters (214 pound-feet) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h. For more power, the Aceman SE boosts output to 215 horsepower and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft), shaving the sprint time down to 7.1 seconds and increasing the top speed to 170 km/h.
Battery Range and Charging
Battery options vary between the two models, with the entry-level Aceman E equipped with a 42.5-kWh battery that provides up to 193 miles (310 kilometers) of range, according to the WLTP cycle. The Aceman SE features a larger 54.2-kWh battery, extending the range to 252 miles (406 kilometers). Charging speeds are also differentiated, with the Aceman E supporting up to 75 kW and the SE capable of charging at 95 kW. At maximum charging capacity, both models can be charged from 10% to 80% in about half an hour.
Pricing and Availability
MINI has released prices for the all-new MINI Aceman – a funky new EV Crossover – which slots in between the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman. The entry-level Aceman E uses a 42.5kWh battery that MINI expects to provide a range of up to 192 miles in one go, while its 181bhp front-mounted electric motor allows for 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. The Aceman SE gets a bigger 54.2kWh battery and a more powerful 215bhp e-motor, which cuts the 0-62mph time down to 7.1 seconds and increases the range all the way to 252 miles.
The Aceman E and SE have maximum charging speeds of 75kW and 90kW respectively, which MINI says will allow for a 10-80% top-up in under 30 minutes for both versions. It promises to be a fairly spacious too, with the rear seats able to accommodate six-footers with ease. There’s 300 litres of boot space available and 1,005 litres to play with when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded down.
Order books for the MINI Aceman open in June, and the first examples are set to arrive with customers just in time for Christmas. Prices will start from £31,800 for the Aceman E and £36,300 for the Aceman SE, and both will be offered in three trim levels: Classic, Exclusive and Sport. Standard kit on all models includes the circular OLED touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, a heated steering wheel, rear-view camera, cruise control and other driver-assistance tech like blind-spot detection and cross-traffic warning.
The Aceman SE gets more kit as standard, however, namely a head-up display, wireless charging pad, heated front seats, keyless entry and customisable front and rear light signatures.
The Future of MINI
The MINI Aceman represents a significant step forward for the brand, showcasing its commitment to electrifying its lineup. The Aceman is a stylish and fun-to-drive electric crossover that is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
The Aceman is the first step in a long journey for MINI, which is working on making its entire model lineup electric by 2030. In Germany, the MINI Cooper E starts at €32,900, while the Cooper SE is priced at €36,900 before options. [Photos: BMW Poland]
