Summary
- Mini Aceman is a compact and cute electric crossover that is popular in Europe but may not be available in the U.S.
- It offers good proportions, a fun-loving character, and a unique interior design featuring a cool infotainment screen.
- The Aceman has a maximum range of 252 miles (WLTP) with a 54.2 kWh battery and 218 hp electric motor.
- The driving experience is fun, although the battery thermal management system may cause some vibrations in the car.
- While the Aceman may not appeal to American buyers who prefer larger crossovers, it offers a blend of driving fun and practicality that makes it a unique choice among small EVs.
Article
The Mini Aceman is a compact electric crossover that has made a big impact on many people at first sight with its cute design, strong proportions, and pug-like appearance. While it is a strong contender in the European market for compact EVs, its availability in the U.S. is uncertain due to factors like being made in China and potential tariffs. The Aceman may have proven to be more popular than initially anticipated, but its official launch plans in America are still “TBD.”
The Mini Aceman features a typical crossover exterior design with unpainted plastic accents and subtle roof rails that add a rugged touch. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Aceman is a hatchback at heart and offers a surprisingly roomy interior that can comfortably accommodate four passengers. The interior features a 9.5-inch circular OLED display running on Mini’s Android Automotive-based operating system, along with a unique knitted plastic material on the dashboard and door cards.
In terms of performance, the Mini Aceman SE model is equipped with a 218 hp electric motor and a 54.2 kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 252 miles on a single charge. The car features a front-mounted electric motor, stiff and sporty ride, and plenty of power. However, the observed efficiency during testing was lower than the claimed 4.4 miles/kWh due to sub-freezing temperatures and snowy road conditions.
The driving experience in the Mini Aceman is fun and planted, with a suspension that sacrifices comfort for Mini’s legendary go-kart handling. However, there were some issues with the car’s software during testing, leading to the need for a hard reset. The driving position in the Aceman was a point of contention, with the front seats sitting quite high, making it difficult to feel connected to the car.
Overall, the Mini Aceman blends Mini’s signature driving fun with the practicality of a compact five-door hatch, offering a characterful alternative to generic small EVs. While its absence in the American market may not seem significant, it represents a missed opportunity for a unique and fun-sized electric Mini. Tariffs and production localization issues may continue to keep the Aceman off U.S. roads for the foreseeable future, but for those who have experienced it, it deserves a chance to thrive in the American market.
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