MINI Aceman review

Is the MINI Aceman a good car?

The MINI Aceman is a talented small SUV in its own right, and has plenty of personality to set it apart from the competition. It looks funky, drives brilliantly and in Cooper SE guise, offers a usable 200-plus miles of range. The classy, uniquely styled and beautifully built cabin sets a high class benchmark, too. But it’s far from perfect. The interior packaging is poor, and the ride is typically firm – just as it is in all modern MINIs. We’d have hoped for slightly faster charging, too.

How much does the MINI Aceman cost?

MINI’s ever-expanding product line-up is almost complete. The Aceman slots into the range between the entry-level three-door Cooper and the larger Countryman SUV. Only available as an electric car, you can think of it as a zero-emissions alternative to the five-door hatch.

With prices starting at around £31,000, the MINI Aceman probably can’t be considered a bargain. But take into account a price premium of only around £1,800 versus the equivalent three-door and the small electric SUV starts to look like a better-value proposition.

For your money, you get an extra pair of doors, a more accessible cabin and slightly bigger boot. This isn’t a large car; space is at a premium anywhere but up front, so it would probably suit those looking for occasional rear seats or the ability to put small kids in the back. People may complain that the Countryman has grown beyond recognition, but the Aceman remains a MINI through and through.

That starting figure also throws it among some pretty talented rivals. The base MINI is priced on par with the cheapest Volvo EX30, and undercuts Stellantis stalwarts like the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot E-2008 and Alfa Romeo Junior. So actually, in context, the MINI is not as expensive as you might think.

There are two core models to choose from, the latter of which brings a bigger battery for more range; the basic Aceman E uses a 42.5kWh battery for up to 192 miles on a charge, while the Aceman SE ups this to 54.2kWh, boosting the official range to 251 miles.

Base models are badged Classic and get LED lights front and rear, roof rails and 17-inch wheels made from 30 per cent recycled aluminium. Inside, there’s a big circular touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus two-zone climate control and a long list of driver-assistance systems.

Upgrade to Exclusive and you get – as the name suggests – a slightly more exclusive look, with bigger wheels and a ‘Vibrant Silver’ grille. There are also different roof options plus a wider paint palette, and different interior trim; Exclusive costs roughly £2,200 more than Classic.

Above this sits the raciest-looking Sport trim (not including the recently announced JCW model) which boasts a subtle bodykit and badges, plus different wheels, body stripes, a red roof and rear spoiler. These versions are an additional £1,300 more than you’ll pay for the Exclusive trim.

Then, on top of this, MINI offers different equipment packs – bundling key bits of kit together for a fixed fee. All cars get the ‘Level 1’ pack with a head-up display (there is no conventional instrument cluster), wireless phone charging and heated front seats. ‘Level 2’ (+£2,000) brings a panoramic roof, tinted windows and a Harmon Kardon stereo, while ‘Level 3’ (+£4,500 – only on Exclusive/Sport) throws in electrically operated massaging front seats with a memory function, as well as virtual-reality navigation and extra safety features. 

MINI Aceman alternatives 

This part of the market is awash with talented alternatives to the MINI Aceman. It’s impossible to ignore the range of Stellantis small cars, which includes the Jeep Avenger, Alfa Romeo Junior and Peugeot E-2008, as well as the less premium-feeling Vauxhall Mokka and Citroen e-C4. 

Then there’s the Volvo EX30, plus the larger Honda e:Ny1, BMW iX1 and Mercedes EQA. You’d be unwise to dismiss the Hyundai Kona and Kia EV3, too, while the Ford Puma Gen-E due soon should give the MINI a run for its money when it comes to driving thrills.

If you’d prefer petrol power, then the B-segment isn’t short of compelling cars, the best of which include the Renault Captur, as well as mild and full-hybrid versions of the Kona and Puma.