Over the summer, Mini introduced its Aceman crossover concept, and time seems to be flying by, as we’ve already got spy shots of the prototype being tested near BMW’s Munich office. The all-electric Aceman crossover is meant to slot in between the Mini Cooper and Mini Countryman — the Countryman will grow in size for the next generation, and while it may not be marketed towards big families, I for one, would be happy with a bit more space, considering my family barely fit into a 2022 tester.
Of course, Minis aren’t necessarily meant to be any kind of typical — even this car’s camouflage is more flamboyant than the typical black-and-white swirls on other secretly tested vehicles. No matter how camouflaged, a Mini is always recognizable, and while the brand is clearly trying to portray style and innovation, calling it “Charismatic Simplicity,” it’s still clearly a Mini.
“We stick to tradition where it makes sense, and we never break with tradition without a very good reason,” said head of design Oliver Heilmer. Visually speaking, if you squint, you can see the new octagonal “grille,” one of just a few breaks from tradition on the Aceman.
The Mini Aceman is expected to have a length of 4.05 metres, a width of 1.99 metres, and a height of 1.59 metres. It could likely take on the competitors like the Nissan Juke, VW T-Cross, and Renault Captur, none of which are available in Canada, because Canada gets nothing fun, or small, apparently.
The Aceman will only be offered with front-wheel-drive and a choice of two powertrains, a 40-kWh battery and 186-hp e-motor; or a 50-kWh energy cell and a 234-hp power unit. Moving to the inside, it will feature new controls, an Android-powered operating system, an interior dashboard that will appear flat “in the style of a soundbar” and run the full width of the car, as well as a redesign of the circular OLED display.
“The Aceman is our first 100 per cent leather- and chrome-free proposal,” said Heilmer. “Not because we don’t like leather and chrome, but because there exist planet-friendlier alternatives which offer more variety, more creative freedom, and a more emotional user experience.”
While Mini has previously offered a selection of powertrain for its vehicles, the Aceman is said to be only offered as an all-electric — a strong move, considering the automaker plans to sell only electric vehicles by the early 2030s. The Aceman will be built in China in a collaboration with local manufacturer Great Wall, and is expected to make a full debut in June 2024.
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