By Sagar Parikh & Shrawan Raja
About 33 percent of global MINI sales in 2025 were electric, and the Aceman, the brand’s first electric crossover, has played a important role in achieving a record sales of 100,000+ EV units.
While it’s been on the market since 2024, recently, we had a chance to get up close with the small EV and understand its key aspects like styling, features, and comfort in detail. Here are our thoughts from our experience:
Design
The Aceman replaces the signature circular lights and other rounded exterior bits with rather angular design elements, but it still has the unmistakable charm of a MINI. We feel the new design language is more mature and restrained, aligning with MINI’s transition toward an all-electric lineup.
The polygonal headlamps and the octagonal grille, the upper and middle sections of which are covered to reduce drag, lend the MINI Aceman a confident look. The lower-body side cladding is less pronounced than on most crossovers and SUVs, indicating that MINI is not aiming for an overtly rugged look. The upright rear combination lamps, which incorporate elements of the British Union Jack flag, can be configured with switchable light signatures, a feature rare in this segment.
Interior
The interior of the MINI Aceman goes well with its playful exterior, incorporating offbeat design elements and innovative materials. The curved dashboard integrates slim AC vents and features a recycled polyester textile material that appears even on the doors. An oblong panel incorporates the signature toggle switch strip, and the classic look is evident in the compact steering wheel as well, which features a textile strap in place of a six o’clock spoke.
The absence of an instrument cluster looks odd and, more importantly, presents inconvenience. There’s a 9.4-inch round central touchscreen that can double as an instrument cluster, but that inevitably adds a layer of distraction. It’s an OLED display with a slick UI, albeit one that takes some time getting used to.
Experience in the MINI Aceman
Getting into the MINI Aceman feels more like entering a hatchback than an SUV-style crossover. At six-feet tall, the seating position sits “into” the car rather than above it, and the door closes with a solid, signature thud. I immediately noticed the cabin materials feel creative and distinctly MINI in character.
In the front, I felt well held by the seat. The side bolsters keep me centred, back support feels strong, and under-thigh support feels very good. I am six feet tall, and headroom feels adequate. I would have preferred a more comfortable armrest, although the driving position encourages both hands staying on the steering wheel.
The Aceman uses the circular central display as the main interface. I also noticed a head-up display ahead of me. There is no traditional instrument cluster, and I expect that would take some time to get used to compared with other MINIs.
In the rear, knee room is tight for my height and my knees touch the front seatbacks. The floor is shaped to create some extra space for feet, which helps slightly. Headroom remains acceptable, and the rear side windows keep the area from feeling claustrophobic.
Under-thigh support feels only average, and the high floor leaves the legs in a slightly raised posture. Rear ingress and egress feel closer to a hatchback than a crossover because the roof sits relatively low.
Specifications
Based on a platform co-developed by BMW Group and China’s Great Wall Motor, the MINI Aceman measures 4,079 mm in length, 1,754 mm in width, and 1,514 mm in height and has a 2,606 mm wheelbase. It offers 300 litres of boot space, expandable to up to 1,005 litres by folding the rear seat.
In the UK, MINI gives a choice of two variants: E and SE, both with a single-motor system, which powers the front wheels.
The Aceman E, packing 135 kW (181 bhp) and 290 Nm (214 lb.-ft.) of torque, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 99 mph. The Aceman SE, with 160 kW (215 bhp) and 330 Nm (243 lb.-ft.) of torque, hits 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and achieves a higher top speed of 106 mph.
MINI equips the Aceman E with a 38.5 kWh (net) battery pack and the Aceman SE with a 49.2 kWh (net) battery pack, which support charging at up to 75 kW and 95 kW, respectively. According to WLTP, the Aceman E can travel up to 192 miles on a single charge, and the Aceman SE up to 251 miles.
Price
Also Read: First Look Review: 2026 Vauxhall Astra (facelift) feels techy, sharp
The MINI Aceman’s prices range from GBP 29,060 to GBP 32,560 in the E variant and GBP 32,060 to GBP 35,560 in the SE variant.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
