Will the Electrified MINI Aceman replace the Clubman?

The MINI Clubman is the least successful model in the brand lineup. So instead of a next-gen Clubman, it’s possible we’ll see a new model called MINI Aceman joining the well-positioned Hatch and Countryman vehicles.

BMW Group has trademarked a name that’s similar to MINI’s Paceman – Aceman. According to BMW Blog, the Clubman faces the possibility of discontinuation, and the Aceman model could serve as its successor. This is pure speculation, though.

In December 2019, Autocar had reported that the next-gen MINI Clubman could be an SUV. However, in June 2020, Autocar went back on that speculation on learning that MINI does plan to replace the Clubman. In October 2020, Auto Express reported that MINI will stop offering slow-selling models like the Convertible and Clubman. In April 2021, Autocar claimed that MINI will replace both 3- and 5-door Hatch models, the Convertible, and even the Clubman.

Year	MINI Clubman sales
2016	63,509
2017	59,572
2018	47,795
2019	40,683
2020	32,958

There is much uncertainty surrounding the future of the Mini Clubman. One thing that’s for sure, though, is that whatever model replaces the Clubman, be it a next-gen Mini Clubman or a Mini Aceman, it will be electrified. It might be mild-hybrid at first and fully electric later.

MINI Aceman not the only EV in the pipeline

MINI’s EV sales have grown 106.6% between January and September 2021 to 20,104 units. There’s one EV in the line-up right now, the MINI SE (MINI Cooper SE), which became available in March 2020 and saw sales of 17,850 units in the first year (2020). However, several new MINI EVs are coming in the next few years, as MINI plans to become an EV-only brand in 2030. The next MINI EV will be a variant of the next-gen MINI Countryman, made in Leipzig, Germany, while the company has also confirmed the future of the MINI Convertible as an EV.

Featured Image Source: BMW Group