2024 has been a manic year for Mini, with the all-new Countryman and Cooper Electric, plus heavily made-over ICE-powered Cooper models being launched in the UK within months of each other. Think Aceman, and you might be thinking Mini’s Countryman-based Range Rover Evoque rival from 2013 – minus the P! Instead, it’s the all-new replacement for the quirky Clubman estate.
This time around, rather than adding Mini design features on a mid-size estate, the Aceman is a smaller crossover in the style of the Countryman. Underneath, it shares a stretched version of BMW’s all-new electric car underpinnings with the Cooper. And like that Mini, the Aceman is also currently built in China – although it is due to transfer to Plant Oxford in the UK by 2026.
Angular looks
This Mini has its own sense of style – with a more angular look. Compared to the Countryman, the Aceman has pointy headlights and an upright front design. The octagonal family grille, curvy roofline, and distinctive rear LED lights mean it couldn’t be anything other than a Mini, and the Aceman fits in well with the rest of the range. Overall, its chunky design looks much better in the metal and in darker colours.
Inside, the look and feel are as the Countryman and Cooper. So, think woollen trim on the dashboard and doors. Although, the curvier trim on the doors highlights the cheaper, scratchier plastics that now feature across the rest of the range – but perhaps are better hidden in other models! Other design oddities are the unusual open door pulls.
The space and driving position are good in the front and will feel familiar to anyone who has driven the Cooper. The switchgear and the Classic Mini-influenced toggle bar are as other Mini models. You can’t miss the circular OLED display, again running Android-based MINI Operating System 9, with all the functions of the car operated by touch or voice control. There’s a lot going on in a circular screen with a diameter of 240mm, however it is easy to operate and impressively fast in its operation – although we’d recommend choosing the optional head-up display, which brings key information closer to the driver.
Despite the promising design, 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 for short trips.
The Aceman’s practically shaped 300 litre boot has a high lip, which we think will hinder its practicality.
Performance and drive
The Aceman range starts with the E, which is powered by a 40.7 kWh battery, and a 184hp electric motor. This is capable of a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.9 seconds, and a range of 192 miles. Choose the sportiest Cooper SE, and you get a bigger 218hp motor, 54.2kWh battery, 0-62 acceleration in 7.1 seconds, and an improved 252-mile range. Both will have a tax liability of 2%.
On the road, the performance of the ‘S’ version that we drove, feels largely in-line with the smaller Cooper SE hatch that we’ve been living with. So, think very willing from the off – especially if you’re in Go-Kart mode. When the roads open out, the Aceman lives up to the Mini badges, as it is good to drive, with precise steering and engaging handling. In fact, considering the Aceman’s taller dimensions, it surprised us how much speed could be carried through corners.
Where the Aceman differs from the Cooper, is the more comfortable, composed ride – probably because of the longer wheelbase. If you’re in the market for an EV Crossover, the Aceman is a more attractive choice than the Peugeot E-2008, but not as spacious as the Smart #1. Or, if you like the Cooper, but need more space and practicality, the Aceman could be the Mini for you.
Positive: Fun to drive, comfortable and composed ride, 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 160kW SE Sport |
| P11D | £42,945 |
| Residual value | 46% |
| Depreciation | £22,845 |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,832 |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 252 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £14/£28 |
| Luggage capacity | 300 litres |
| Battery size/power | 54.2kWh/218hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
