New MINI Aceman EV Officially Bows At Auto China 2024

The new MINI Aceman EV crossover SUV officially bowed during Auto China 2024 earlier today.

After endless preview teasers and an early leak, the highly anticipated new MINI Aceman EV crossover has officially bowed at Auto China 2024 in Beijing earlier today. As a refresher, the Aceman is set to slot in between the regular MINI 3-door hatch and larger-sized Countryman crossover.

Whilst the other two models see combustion (ICE) version available, the Aceman stands apart as it comes solely as an EV with no ICE twin. The Aceman will be offered in two main variants – E and SE – and each also comes with four different trimlines – Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW.

The new Aceman slots in between the Cooper 3-door hatch and larger Countryman 5-door crossover. Crucially, unlike the other two, the Aceman sees no ICE-powered twin available.

Two main variants - E and SE - plus four trimlines - Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW - are available for the Aceman.

In terms of size and dimensions, the Aceman sits 4,075 MM long, 1,754 MM wide, and 1,495 MM tall, all of which conforms the Aceman as a sub-compact (B-segment) SUV. For contrast, it’s 217 MM longer than the MINI hatch and just 354 MM shorter than the Countryman.

Despite its tiny footprint, Mini designers remained faithful to the brand’s “Clever Use of Space” design principle. They also highlighted the practicality of the Aceman’s cabin which can easily sit five occupants and still offer a respectable 300-litre boot.

Both a 40.7 kWh (Aceman E) and 54.2 kWh (Aceman SE) battery sizes are available that promises up to 310 KM and 406 KM range (WLTP) respectively.

Underneath, the entry-level Aceman E guise packs a 40.7 kWh battery that juices a single e-motor outputting 181 HP and 290 NM to the front wheels. Altogether, this promises up to 310 KM of WLTP-rated range, according to MINI.

As for the Aceman SE, it harnesses a larger 54.2 kWh battery instead, which also juices a more potent e-motor that drives the front wheels with 215 HP and 330 NM instead. The larger battery in the Aceman SE also sees it promise longer WLTP range of 406 KM too.

The overall design of the Aceman combines elements from both the 3-door hatch and larger Countryman crossover. Notable touches include the abundance of black cladding, as well as signature MINI traits like the octagonal grille design.

As for its design, it’s apt to see the Aceman combines elements from both the 3-door hatch and larger 5-door Countryman. These get presented with generous amountrs of matte black plastic cladding, skid plates, and roof rails.

Typical MINI touches like the wraparound greenhouse and floating roof remains, as do the brand’s signature octagonal grille up front. Also striking and distinct here are the LED headlights that offer three different LED graphics modes, followed by the pixel-styled taillights at the rear.

Depending on trimline, rolling stock measures between 17- and 19-inches, but the sporty JCW range-topper stands out thanks to its unique front bumper design, Chili Red roof and bonnet stripes, as well as high-gloss black finish for the bodywork’s cladding.

On board, the Aceman's cabin mirrors the Cooper 3-door hatch. It features just one 9.44-inch OLED round infotainment display and just a few toggles and switches, the latter granting easier access whilst maintaining the cabin's overall minimalist look.

On board, the Aceman’s cabin design mirrors the Cooper 3-door hatch as it features a 9.44-inch round OLED touchscreen display in the centre of the dash – the sole display primed on board. Most functions are integrated into which, but there are still a few switches and toggles.

The latter controls allow access to the start/stop ignition switch, parking brake, gear selector, drive or ‘experience’ mode, as well as volume control. These, according to MINI, was fashioned in such a way to make life easier for drivers.

Despite its tiny footprint, MINI touts the Aceman in having abundantly comfortable amonts of cabin space to seat up to five occupants. At the same time, it also offers a respectable 300-litre standard boot space too.

The infotainment display mentioned earlier runs on the new MINI Operating System 9 software that integrates a new Intelligent Personal Assistant named “Spike”. As for the ‘experience’ modes mentioned, a total of eight are available, and each has their own interior ambience too.

Crucially, MINI have laced the Aceman with 12 ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras, all supporting the active driver assistance (ADAS) suite that can include sophisticated systems like the Driving Assistant Plus and Remote Parking.

Production of the Aceman is slated the begin in China first ahead of planned core market entries starting later this year. The Aceman will also be made at MINI's Oxford plant starting from 2026. 

By the way, the debut of the new MINI Aceman at Auto China 2024 is somewhat symbolic too. The BMW-owned British marque is set to being production of the Aceman in China first before it is inducted into the assembly line at MINI’s spiritual UK home at Oxford in 2026.

Following its debut today, the MINI Aceman is expected to go on sale in markets like China, Europe, and the UK first towards the end of the year. Check out more images of the new MINI Aceman EV crossover in the extensive gallery prepared below.