New MINI Aceman will be a small electric SUV
MINI’s upcoming all-electric SUV has been spotted out testing before it arrives in 2024
- Based on MINI Aceman Concept
- Maximum range of 250 miles
- Expected to arrive in 2024
A new electric MINI SUV is on the way, rumoured to be called the Aceman. As the British marque transitions to becoming an all-electric brand by 2030, the MINI Aceman will slot into the gap currently filled by the Countryman, which is set to grow even larger for its next generation.
Due to arrive by 2024, the upcoming MINI Aceman has already been spotted testing out on German roads and is expected to take much more than just its name from the MINI Aceman Concept. Just like that car, the production model will adopt the brand’s signature retro styling, with a boxy shape and rounded headlights.
Unlike the similar-sounding three-door MINI Paceman which was discontinued in 2016, the Aceman will have four doors like a traditional SUV. We expect it to be around four metres long – slightly smaller than the current Countryman. The overall design of the production model’s cabin will be almost as minimalist as the concept car; although, it won’t get the same projected images on the dashboard.
What we do think will make it to the final car, however, is the circular OLED infotainment display, which calls back to the central speedometer of the first-generation BMW MINI hatchback. This will run MINI’s latest Android-based software – complete with suitably funky graphics – and will sit above a set of physical climate control dials.
In an interview with our sister publication, Auto Express, MINI’s head of design, Oliver Heilmer stated that customisation will be a big part of future models. He suggested that buyers “might be able to choose between two or three different [taillight] signatures”, hinting that the polarising Union Jack insignia may not be the only option available.
MINI has recently shifted its focus more towards sustainability, so we also expect that to play a key role in customisation, too. The Aceman Concept features a leather-free interior, so it’s likely that will be an option available to buyers when the production Aceman goes on sale. Of course, traditional leather upholstery will almost certainly also be offered.
As is the case with most MINI models, we expect there to be both Cooper and Cooper S variants of the upcoming Aceman. The base Aceman Cooper model is likely to use the same 181bhp electric motor as the MINI Electric hatchback, alongside a 40kWh battery to provide a range of around 190-200 miles. The top-spec Cooper S could use a more-powerful 215bhp motor, alongside a larger 50kWh battery pack for a maximum range of 250 miles.
What does this mean for car buyers?
A frequent complaint with modern MINIs is that they are rather large compared to the original Austin Mini from the 1960s. However, while the MINI hatchback is set to return to its roots and shrink in size for its next generation, the British-German brand is well aware of the market’s current obsession with SUVs.
We predict the new MINI Aceman will start from around £40,000 when it goes on sale – slightly more than the equivalent Kia Niro EV. While this sounds like a lot of money, MINIs typically demand a higher price than competitors due to their sporty drive and desirability. Regardless, unless the current SUV trend slows down, we expect the Aceman to sell well – potentially even challenging the likes of the MINI hatch.
