Aceman, is it still a real MINI?

The Aceman is the first exclusively electric MINI model. Unworthy of the MINI logo or heralding a bright future?

The inventor of the Classic MINI, Sir Alec Issigonis, had a vision: maximum use of space with minimal bulk for a very… mini price. It was only later that the charming little English car became a fashion icon and rally queen. Sir Issigonis only had an internal combustion engine at his disposal to propel his small car, so the question of choosing a powertrain never arose for him. In 2024, the brand he created, now part of the BMW group, presents its first exclusively electric model, the Aceman. What would he think of it?

Let’s already be certain that he would be glad his brand has survived! As for his vision of minimal bulk, with cars comfortably exceeding four meters, he would probably be more puzzled. But today, the small size is no longer trendy, so this visionary would certainly find a way to adapt.

A MINI today, more than yesterday…

Let’s focus on the Aceman, which comfortably seats five passengers thanks to its length of just over four meters, now the norm for so-called compact models. The use of an all-electric technical platform allows the engine and batteries to be placed very low in the chassis. This guarantees interior space and also maintains that characteristic MINI \”go-kart feeling\” thanks to the very low center of gravity. And that’s perfectly in line with the MINI spirit.

With its front face, clean lines, and athletic beltline, the Aceman fully embraces its crossover DNA. We’ve seen MINI models dominating icy and rough roads in Monte Carlo, so why not? Measuring 4.07 meters in length, 1.75 meters in width, and 1.50 meters in height, the MINI Aceman is positioned between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman, ensuring it does not compete directly with other models in the range, whether combustion, hybrid, or electric. An important detail: we totally fall for the reinterpretation of the round speedometer into a digital display. The engineers performed a miracle because round shapes and digital are typically incompatible, but the result is just perfect.

… and not a lightning bolt

Finally, let’s see what’s under the hood. When it launches this winter, the new MINI Aceman will be available in MINI Aceman E and MINI Aceman SE versions. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the MINI Aceman E delivers 290 Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 km/h. A bit underwhelming for the almost 2-tonne vehicle. With 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Aceman SE produces 330 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and a maximum speed of 170 km/h. Better, but not mind-blowing.

With a 42.5 kWh capacity, the battery of the MINI Aceman E offers a range of up to 310 km. The high-voltage battery of the MINI Aceman SE, on the other hand, has a capacity of 54.2 kWh, providing a range of up to 406 km. This clearly targets urban use, with less than or barely 200 km of autonomy on the highway. In any case, this was never the playground of the MINI of the 1960s.

In conclusion, yes, the spirit of MINI is alive because there’s ultimately no need to look to the past to judge the present. Well, except for a model like the Porsche 911, but that’s another story… The remaining question is the competitiveness of this model against its European or Chinese rivals, because with prices starting at €36,000 for the Aceman E and €40,000 for the Aceman SE, you’ll really have to be eager to drive a MINI at all costs…