It has been non-stop new models from Mini in 2024. First came the new Countryman, the heavily made over ICE-powered Cooper and Cooper S, followed by the all-new Cooper Electric, and now this Aceman, that is designed to slot in between them.
Aceman replaces the most conventional previous-generation model, the Clubman estate. This time around, when you first see the Aceman, it’s almost a smaller Mini Countryman. Although underneath, it shares BMW’s all-new electric car underpinnings with the Cooper Electric – in stretched form. Like the Cooper, it too is currently built in China – but like the hatch, production will transfer to Plant Oxford in the UK by 2026.
Design and interior
Rather than just a miniaturised Countryman, Mini has given the Aceman its own sense of style – it’s very angular! Starting at the front, the design is very upright, with its pointy headlights placed right at the top of the front wings. The octagonal family grille, curvy roofline, and distinctive rear LED lights are key modern Mini identifiers, and when parked alongside the Cooper and Countryman, if fits in well. In our opinion, its chunky design is a grower in the metal, looking best in darker colours.
Inside, like the exterior design, the Aceman fits in with the rest of the range. Like the Countryman and Cooper, there’s tactile woollen trim on the dashboard and doors. Although, the Aceman’s curvier door trims highlight the cheaper, scratchier plastics that now feature on all the latest Mini models – but perhaps are better hidden! Other design oddities are the unusual open door pulls.
Behind the wheel, you could be driving a Cooper – with a larger glass area, as the driving position is familiar. The switchgear and the Classic Mini-influenced toggle bar are identical to other Mini models. You will either love or hate the central, circular OLED display. As with other latest Mini models, it is running Android-based MINI Operating System 9, with all the functions of the car operated by touch or voice control. In our opinion, there’s a lot going on in a circular screen with a diameter of 240mm, however it is generally easy to operate, and surprises at how fast it is in operation. Although as with Countryman and Cooper models, we’d recommend the head-up display, included here as part of the optional Level 1 package (£2,000), which shows key information in front of the driver.
We welcome the Aceman’s five-door family practicality, but space in the back of the Aceman is best described as ‘average’. Children will be fine, but leg and especially headroom with the sunroof fitted, are compromised for taller rear passengers – meaning they will be only comfortable on short trips.
The Aceman’s practically shaped 300-litre boot has a high lip, which we think will hinder its usefulness.
Performance and drive
We’ve previously driven the sportiest SE, (the same as the UK car in the images) with its 218hp motor, 54.2kWh battery, 0-62 acceleration in 7.1 seconds, and the longest range at 252 miles. This time around, we’ve got the entry-level E, which is powered by a 42.5 kWh battery, and a 184hp electric motor, with a range of 192 miles. Both will have a BIK tax liability of 2%.
On the road, because of the E’s 213lb ft of torque, it doesn’t feel any slower off the mark than the SE – especially if you’re in ‘Go-Kart’ mode. It is as good to drive as the SE too. The steering is precise, it demonstrates excellent body control in corners and has engaging handling. But, unless you buy into Mini’s keen driving DNA, rivals might be easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.
When we drove the Aceman SE originally, we thought the ride was more comfortable and composed. After driving the E on UK roads, on smaller 18in wheels, we’re less sure this is the case – as the ride of our UK-spec test car proved still to be stiff, and unyielding at points. We also feel the 192 miles of claimed range isn’t enough, as during a particularly cold period while we had this car, it dwindled to just 100 miles! Although, in the Mini’s defence, this Aceman had covered less than 1,000 miles and it was a particularly cold time.
We still believe that if you’re in the market for an EV crossover, the Aceman is a more attractive choice with better residuals than the Peugeot E-2008, but not as spacious as the Smart #3. Or, if you’re a fan of the Cooper E, or SE hatch, but want more space, and five-door practicality, then this could be your pick of the Mini range.
Positive: Fun to drive, increased interior practicality, infotainment, stylish and quality interior
Negative: Some cheap-feeling interior plastics, compromised head and legroom, high boot loading lip, head-up display not standard, not a cheap choice.
Standard equipment: LED head and rear taillights, gloss black roof rails, 17in alloy wheels, MINI OLED display, DAB radio, MINI Driving Modes, two-zone automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, parking assistant and rear camera, Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.
Engines: Electric: 184hp, 218hp
Equipment grades: E, SE
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Mini Aceman 135kW E Exclusive |
| P11D | £34,495 |
| Residual value | 34% |
| Depreciation | £19,129 |
| Fuel | £2,805 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,772 |
| Cost per mile | 41p |
| Range | 192 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £14/£28 |
| Luggage capacity | 300 litres |
| Battery size/power | 54.2kWh/218hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
