Automotive News Europe — 2024-04-24
Automotive Industry
The Aceman will initially be built only in China.
Mini says its full-electric Aceman premium small crossover has reinterpreted the original vision of the company's founder, Alec Issigonis, to create maximum utilization of space with a minimum footprint.
“The Aceman is perfect for navigating crowded city streets, while maintaining the versatility and functionality of a crossover and the go-kart feeling you can expect from a Mini,” Stefanie Wurst, Mini’s head, said in a statement.
At 4075 mm long, the Aceman slots in between the Mini hatchback (3876 mm), which was recently renamed the Cooper, and the larger Countryman small SUV (4433 mm).
The Aceman replaces the slow-selling Clubman station wagon, giving Mini full coverage of the small premium segment in terms of body style and powertrain options.
The Aceman will be Mini's third battery-electric vehicle, following the launch of BEV versions of the Cooper and the Countryman.
The Cooper and Countryman are also offered with combustion engines, with the former available with full-electric and gasoline powertrains and the latter with gasoline, diesel-mild hybrid and BEV drivetrains. The Aceman is the first Mini that will sold only as a BEV.
The Aceman will initially be built in China on a new platform developed by the Spotlight Automotive joint venture between BMW and China's Great Wall.
The car was designed alongside the new Cooper full-electric hatchback, which is also built only in China.
Starting in 2026, Mini will start production of both EVs at its plant in Oxford, England.
At launch, the Aceman will come with two electric motor and two battery combinations.