Next-Gen MINI EV Line-Up Specs Unveiled – 3 Models Incoming

MINI has reportedly unveiled the specs for its upcoming EV line-up featuring the all-new MINI Cooper EV, MINI Countryman EV, as well as the MINI Aceman EV. This new, all-electric line-up is part of the British marque’s plan to transition into a full-fledged EV automaker by the end of this decade.

According to reports from Autocar UK, the upcoming MINI Cooper EV supermini will be part of the next-gen MINI Cooper models, as MINI plans to launch it with both ICE and all-electric variants. The new Cooper EV will harness a single electric motor layout rated at 181 HP for the E variant, while the range-topping SE model outputs 215 HP.

Underpinning the all-new Spotlight EV that is borne out of the marque’s venture with Great Wall Motors (GWM), the electric MINI Cooper comes with a pair of battery choices, either the 40-kWh for the entry-level E spec, or the bigger 54-kWH for the up-specced SE variant. Thanks to the bigger battery options, the maximum travel range for the new Cooper EV starts at 386 KM for the base model – around 145 KM more than the previous model’s claimed travel range (241 KM). 

In terms of design, the new MINI Cooper EV boasts a wider track, longer wheelbase, as well as a shorter front overhang – giving it a better stance compared to the current-gen Cooper models. Its front fascia features ring-style daytime running lights (DRL) that surround the main headlights. Apart from that, not much can be further derived from the camouflaged car.

Next in line is the new Aceman EV, the spiritual successor to the MINI Clubman estate. This compact crossover measures  1590 MM high, 4050 MM long and is 1990 MM wide, slotting it perfectly between the compact Cooper EV and the now bulkier Countryman EV.

The Aceman shares most of its design cues with the upcoming Cooper, also featuring the ring-style DRL lights. Unlike most of the old MINI models that came with boxier designs and silhouettes, the Aceman EV features a more rounded design with less upright stance for better aerodynamic efficiency. Just like the Cooper EV, the camouflage really has covered many details of this vehicle’s exterior design.

Beyond the design cues, the Aceman EV also shares the same battery pack options as the Cooper EV, which are the 40-kWh pack for the entry-level E spec, and the bigger 54-kWH for the range-topping SE model. However, expect a much less maximum travel range for the bigger Aceman EV, thanks to its bulkier physique compared to the electrified supermini.

Finally, MINI’s next-gen EV line-up will also feature the new MINI Countryman EV. Bigger and better than the previous-gen models, the upcoming MINI Countryman will also come in the gas-powered version, aside from the all-electric version.

Dubbed as the first-ever MINI model to be manufactured in Germany, the Countryman EV is poised to be the marque’s flagship mid-size SUV, thanks to its bigger dimensions compared to the model it replaces.

Visually, the new Countryman EV also boasts the new ring-like DRL headlights, but with more angular shape. Unfortunately, the camo paintjob really hinders us from extracting more details on the exterior design cues, just like its two smaller siblings.

Powering up the Countryman EV is the same 54-kWh battery pack as the top-spec Aceman and Cooper EVs, albeit it is for the baseline E spec in the Countryman’s case. As for the range-topping SE spec, MINI offers a larger 64-kWh battery unit – the largest battery pack offered in any MINI EVs. Maximum travel range is expected to match its German counterpart – the BMW iX1’s 437 KM claimed EV range.

Unlike both the Aceman and Cooper EVs, the Countryman EV will come with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The base E spec however, will rock a single motor layout rated at 188 HP, while the SE spec is rated at a higher 268 HP.

In comparison, the MINI Malaysia currently offers the current-gen MINI Electric that boasts a rather limited maximum travel range of only 232 KM, powered by the 28.9-kWh lithium ion battery pack.

Photos Credit: Autocar UK