Concept heralds an all-new, electric-only small SUV with a range of around 275 miles On sale 2024 Price from £35,000 (est)
George Hill George.Hill@haymarket.com
IN POKER,THE ace is the most powerful card in the deck, so the Aceman could be just what Mini needs to bolster the strength of its hand.
While just a concept for now, it previews the brand’s first electrlc SUV, which will go on sale in 2024.The production version will slot into the Mini line-up between the upcoming new Mini hatch and the next generation of the Countryman SUV.At 4.05m long, it’ll compete against such cars as the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense and upcoming Smart #1.
The Aceman’s underpinnings have been co-developed by Mini and Chinese firm Great Wall Motors, and will also be used by an electric version of the next Mini hatch. Combustion-engined Minis, meanwhile, will use different sets of underpinnings. Like most Minis, the Aceman is front-wheel drive only.
Although most technical details remain under wraps for now, the Aceman is expected to be powered by a single electric motor fed by a 70kWh battery, providing a range of around 275 miles.This would place it directly in line with the Smart #1, which has a 66kWh battery and an official range of 273 miles.
A cheaper, lower-powered Aceman could also be launched, with a battery capacity in the region of 50kWh and a range of around 200 miles.This would rival the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense’s 206-mile official range.
When it comes to looks, the Aceman concept follows an evolution of Mini’s established design language.There’s a closed-off, illuminated version of the traditional Mini grille, topped by angular LED headlights and a sculpted bonnet. Short front and rear overhangs and wheel arches with plastic surrounds emphasise its nature as an SUV.
However, on its journey to becoming a production car, the Aceman is likely to lose some of the concept’s more frivolous features, such as the speakers built into the front and rear bumpers, as well as the roof rack, illuminated grille and customisable tail-lights.
When we sat behind wheel, we found the Aceman to feel airy inside, thanks in part to its simple, curved dashboard.The interior is also completely leather-free (faux leather will be optional), an
