Mini Aceman electric SUV concept revealed

Mini has revealed the Aceman Concept, a small SUV designed to preview an all-electric production model set to launch in 2024.

The forthcoming model will slot between the next-generation Mini hatchback and the upcoming third-generation Mini Countryman, which is expected to grow further in size.

Providing our first look at the brand’s new design langage – dubbed ‘Charismaric Simplicity’ – the Mini Aceman Concept sees traditional materials, such as leather and chrome, replaced with different textures and knits.

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“We have reworked all the classic Mini cues, but have completely done away with chrome for the exterior,” said Oliver Heilmer, head of design at Mini.

“We wanted a cleaner and more contemporary look that would appeal equally to younger and older buyers alike.”

The vehicle has a two-tone finish, with a unique Icy Sunglow Green colour and British Racing Green on the roof.

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Mini has provided no technical specifications for the Aceman, but it has confirmed it measures 4050mm long, 1990mm wide and 1590mm high – 247mm shorter than a current Countryman, but 177mm wider and 33mm taller.

Up front, the Mini Aceman Concept sports an evolution of the brand’s current look, with a closed-off octagonal grille featuring dynamic LED illumination to show the Union Flag and a green outline, and angular matrix LED headlights.

When approaching the Aceman Concept, the exterior lighting will track the owner and the vehicle will play a sound based on the person’s distance from the car, along with ‘winking’ headlights and advanced puddle lamps.

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Mini has installed clunky plastic body cladding across the side profile, along with frameless doors, rounded side mirrors and 20-inch alloy wheels.

A panoramic glass roof features, along with a bronze-coloured, Union Jack-shaped roof rack up top.

Mini’s signature Union Jack tail lights remain at the rear, set inside a simplistic clamshell-style tailgate with black badging.

Inside, there is a minimalist look, with a slim circular OLED display in the centre of the dashboard – with no instrument cluster ahead of the driver, akin to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

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A similar unit is expected to feature in the new-generation Mini Cooper SE electric hatch.

However, a panel of physical buttons are found below the monitor, including the start/stop button, gear selector and parking brake toggle.

The infotainment screen in the production vehicle will run on an updated version of the Mini Operating System, based on the Android Automotive open-source software.

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This shift to an Android-based infotainment system was recently announced by the BMW Group, with the first models running the hybrid system set to launch next year.

The cabin has a “three-dimensional look”, with flat knit textile, velvet velour, and woven materials, along with embossed X and O graphics.

“In the interior of the MINI Concept Aceman, we have concentrated on a simplistic appearance in combination with premium materials and welcoming colours,” added Heilmer.

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The Mini Aceman Concept will be presented in-person at the 2022 Gamescom gaming conference in Cologne, Germany on August 23.

Mini has a slew of models currently under development, including the next-generation iterations of the classic Cooper Hatch and Countryman crossover.

As previously reported, the electric small SUV previewed by the Aceman is expected to be produced in China as part of the joint venture between the BMW Group and Great Wall Motor, alongside the electric Cooper SE.