New MINI Aceman: specs, prices and on sale date for the funky EV crossover

Meet the all-new MINI Aceman: a chunky compact crossover that’s been designed to squeeze neatly in between the three-door MINI Cooper hatch and MINI Countryman family SUV. The latest edition to the MINI family is actually the brand’s first electric-only offering, and is aimed squarely at the Volvo EX30.

Of course, the EX30 it’s the only rival the Aceman will face. Other potential foes include the Renault Megane E-Tech, Jeep Avenger and Smart #1. The forthcoming Ford Puma Gen-E and Kia EV3 are likely challengers too, as are electric C-segment hatchbacks such as the Peugeot E-308 or Astra Electric.

The styling might have more in common with the larger Countryman, but under the metal the Aceman uses the same EV-dedicated platform as the electric MINI Cooper. It’s offered with the same choice of 42.5kWh and 54.2kWh batteries too, the larger of which gives the Aceman a 252-mile range.

What will the MINI Aceman look like? 

‘Honey, they shrunk the Countryman’ is probably the simplest way to describe the styling of the MINI Aceman. That’s because both cars were designed using MINI’s new design philosophy of “charismatic simplicity”,  and share some styling cues like rhombus-shaped headlights, octagonal grille shapes and a floating roof effect MINI has created by blanking off the pillars.

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That said, the wheelarches on the Aceman are more angular and pronounced than those on the Countryman, while the mostly plastic bumpers and side cladding help it look tougher and more 4x4-like. The same goes for the roof fails, which are standard on all models, and skid plates at the front and rear.

How big and practical is it?

The MINI Aceman measures exactly 4,079mm long, 1,754mm wide (without mirrors) and 1,514mm tall. That means it’s almost exactly the same length and width as the Jeep Avenger, but not as tall, and is only slightly bigger than the Renault Clio supermini. The Volvo EX30 is roughly 150mm longer and nearly 100mm wider than the MINI, however.

When we were given a chance to sit in a MINI Aceman prototype ourselves, we found that with the wheels pushed out to the far corners of the bodywork the Aceman offers enough space in the back for a six-foot-tall passenger to sit behind a similar-sized driver.

There’s 300 litres of boot space available – 55 less than in the Jeep Avenger EV – and 1,005 litres to play with when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded down. Unlike some electric cars, there’s no ‘frunk’ or a storage area under the bonnet of the MINI Aceman.

What’s the interior design like?

The Aceman’s cabin is identical to those of its new MINI siblings. The focal point is an ultra-slim 9.4-inch OLED circular display responsible for the infotainment, climate control and vital driver information like your speed and state of charge – just like the setup in the aforementioned Volvo EX30.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come as standard, as do a selection of eight ‘MINI Experience Modes’ that change the look of the screen and interior lighting, and provide their own unique soundtrack. In the Aceman, drivers have a choice of Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vibrant, Timeless, Balance and Trail modes.

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MINI says it wanted to give the Aceman’s interior a “homely” feel, so it has used some funky materials, such as a knitted fabric, recycled polyester and its own vegan-friendly leather replacement, Vescin.

What is the range of the MINI Aceman?

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 – roughly the same as the electric Jeep Avenger can cover on a single charge.

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.

Head of MINI, Stephanie Wurst has previously told Auto Express that hot John Cooper Works versions of every new MINI are on the cards, so a sporty Aceman JCW with extra power could serve as a range-topping model somewhere down the road.

When will it go on sale?

Order books for the MINI Aceman open on 12 June, and the first examples are set to arrive with customers in November this year. 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.

Initially, the Aceman will be built alongside the three-door MINI Cooper Electric in China, however, following £600m of investment in MINI’s Oxford plant, both cars will be built in the UK from 2026. The first examples should arrive later this year.

Now read our list of the best small electric cars on sale right now...