Mini Aceman: The new ace up Mini's sleeve?

Mini fills the gap in the family – and completes the program renewal for now: The new five-door Aceman comes with two fully electric drives: At market launch, the new MINI Aceman is available in the versions MINI Aceman E (WLTP energy consumption combined in kWh/100 km: 14.1-14.9) with 135 kW (184 hp). With a 42.5 kWh battery, according to WLTP, depending on the configuration, a range of 294 to 310 km should be possible, of which in reality little more than a good 200 km is likely to remain. The 160 kW (218 hp) Aceman SE (WLTP energy consumption combined in kWh/100 km: 13.9 to 14.8) should reach 382 to 407 km with a 54.2 kWh battery, which in reality in the worst case means 250 to 300 km. With this, Mini places importance on “rightsizing” for the batteries, and even the base version should satisfy 80% of all driving requirements.

The Aceman E achieves a torque of 290 Nm, accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h. With 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Aceman SE reaches a torque of 330 Nm. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and achieves a top speed of 170 km/h.

DC Charging with up to 75 and 95 kW respectively

The batteries can be charged with AC at 11 kW. DC fast charging is possible in the Aceman E with up to 75 kW and in the Aceman SE with up to 95 kW. According to Mini, this means that the battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent at a corresponding fast charging station in just under 30 minutes. When MINI Navigation is activated, the high-voltage battery can be preconditioned to the ideal temperature for efficient charging, depending on weather conditions. This considerably reduces the charging time in cold outside temperatures.

For a transparent and simple charging process, the customer can optimize the charging of the vehicle battery through easy-to-understand settings. For example, the start time for charging can be chosen or a specific time window for charging can be set. A specific target value for battery capacity can also be predetermined. The Mini App provides an overview of the charging process, even when the customer is not near the vehicle. The current battery status can be read, a charging-optimized route plan can be created, or the previous charging history including all costs and savings can be viewed.

Exciting numbers: 59.5 mm rack travel per steering wheel turn

It is clear that the Aceman has also been tuned on the sporty side. The agile driving behavior is to be emphasized by the direct steering with a rack and pinion ratio of 59.5 mm rack travel per steering wheel turn, which we assume is rather little. This is complemented by a “short and firm feeling when braking”. It could work out, as it is not yet too large.

In terms of space utilization, Mini wants to orient itself to the original Mini, but allowed itself a meter more length and several centimeters more width and height. Nevertheless, it should be the “golden mean” in the Mini portfolio: Large enough for four, without being as expansive as the X1 clone Countryman. Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini, explains:

“The Mini Aceman is perfect for navigating the city while offering the versatility and functionality of a crossover, as well as the go-kart feeling you expect from a Mini. I am sure that the extroverted design, performance, and versatility as a 5-seater crossover will make the Mini Aceman a resounding success.”

The loading volume of 300 liters can be individually expanded to up to 1,005 liters through numerous adjustment options, although the rear seat is only split 60:40 – 40:20:40 would be even more flexible (but also more expensive).

The Aceman comes in four different trims: It starts in the Essential Trim. In the Classic Trim, the contrasting roof and side mirrors can be selected in black or white. The front grill is in high-gloss black, the inner surface of the grill and bumper are in body color. The Favoured Trim offers the option of the characteristic Multitone Roof in combination with white mirror caps and a grill frame in Vibrant Silver. Maximum sportiness comes in the JCW Trim, which unfortunately (yet) does not offer more power but has its own front and rear design. A contrasting roof in the color Chili Red and red bonnet stripes underline the strong overall look. Various aerodynamic wheel designs in sizes between 17 inches and 19 inches complement the exterior options of the Aceman additionally.

Inside, Mini also relies on knitting

Inside, known elements are taken over: The soft, rounded design language of the interior continues in the convex surfaces of the dashboard. Its surface is also covered with a knitted material here, with the underlying color showing through the top. This gives the interior a homely character with strong color contrasts. The easy-care, versatile structure is made of recycled polyester and extends to the interior trim of the doors. Comfortable seats, optionally with textile surface or perforated Vescin, complete the equipment in the cockpit.

Also familiar is the round OLED display: The circular central instrument with a high-quality glass surface has a diameter of 240 mm. The Mini Operating System 9 enables intuitive operation of all driving functions via touch or voice – which, in our experience, works well since parent company BMW is very advanced in this area. Practical: The temperature for driver and passenger is permanently displayed on the left and right edges of the screen. Climate control settings are always integrated at the top level in the Mini Interaction Unit and can be operated via touch or voice. A single tap on the speed display transforms the entire MINI Interaction Unit into a typical MINI speedometer, depending on the Experience Mode.

Also here: The classic toggle switch bar

There is also a toggle switch bar in the middle of the cockpit. The most important driving functions (parking brake, gear selection, start/stop key, Experience Mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible in the Aceman via five individually designed toggle switches. Therefore, no additional gear selector is necessary, and the center console has space for practical and spacious storage options. In addition to cup holders, smartphones can be charged wirelessly on an additional storage surface.