New electric Mini Aceman: A Clio-sized crossover with premium pretentions?

The long-awaited Aceman finally breaks cover at the 2024 Beijing motor show as the brand’s steppingstone between the Cooper hatch and the new Countryman SUV. Find out if Mini’s on to a winner, below.

This is the all-new Aceman, and, in Mini’s words, it’s the “first crossover model for the premium small car segment”. But wait a minute, what about Volvo’s new EX30 and Smart’s #1? Well, while we can’t vouch for the veracity of Mini’s claim, we can tell you that the Aceman is a little like Dr Who’s Tardis: small on the outside, big on the inside.

By taking an electric Cooper, jacking up the ride height, and then elongating the wheelbase, the new model prioritises interior space, albeit at the expense of storage capacity — the 300-litre boot is smaller than the Volvo EX30s.  

You can’t deny the Aceman’s funky visual appeal, though. Designed with “charismatic simplicity” in mind, the model’s angular face exudes minimalism and should be distinctive enough to stand out amongst crossover rivals.

The interior’s Issigonis-inspired theme should also be a hit with typical Mini buyers, looking for some of the founder’s influential style. Benefitting from all the usual retro accoutrements we’re used to seeing on the Cooper, including the circular infotainment binnacle and toggle switches, our only real cabin-related gripe regards the central armrest, which looks as though it’s been lifted straight from a cheap plastic office chair. 

Perhaps the biggest news for this mid-range Mini is the fact that it’s powered exclusively by electricity. For most, the entry-level E with its 181-bhp motor and 7.9 second 0-60 mph sprint, should be urgent enough — although, the 193-mile range is on the tighter side for longer commutes. We suspect the slightly more potent Aceman SE (215 bhp) to be more popular, not for its marginally quicker performance, but for its more versatile 252-mile range.

When it comes to driving thrills, you can expect a strong showing from the Aceman. A quick and direct steering rack, standard Goodyear tyres, highly prestressed stabilisers, and various driving “experience modes”, all point towards this crossover being one of the class’s more entertaining steers. Plus, those after serious thrust will be well served by the imminent JCW high-performance model.  

Just what you’ve been looking for? Well, you won’t need to wait too long: deliveries begin in late autumn 2024. And, despite its premium billing, you won’t need to fork out much to put an Aceman on your drive. Starting at around £32,000 for the base E, and rising to £36,000 in SE guise, it’s broadly comparable to the EX30 and #1 on price.  

Is Mini’s new Aceman a bold and confident addition to the crossover class, or a confused halfway house between the marques’ more established offerings? Only you can decide.

Hero image credit:  Mini