The first-ever MINI Aceman has arrived in Australia in two all-electric versions - E and SE as the indirect replacement of both the three-door Paceman and the six-door Clubman. The five-door crossover keeps the dimensions tight but still seats five people on board.
Suppose you're confused as to why MINI now has two subcompact crossovers in its lineup. In that case, it's because the three generations of MINI Countryman models have constantly grown in size – from less than 4.1 meters for the original to over 4.3 meters for the second iteration and 4,433 millimeters (174.5 inches) for the current version. It's also slightly wider and taller than before, so now it's almost in the compact class.
That subtle growth has allowed MINI to replace the three-door Paceman and the six-door Clubman with an indirect successor – the first-ever all-new MINI Aceman. This is a subcompact battery-powered electric crossover SUV produced by BMW AG in association with China's Great Wall Motor through their Spotlight Automotive joint venture, and it is assembled at the company's plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, China.
Announced via a concept car in 2022, the fresh MINI Aceman debuted in April this year with front-wheel drive and a WLTP range of up to 406 km (252 miles). Now, it's ready to be introduced to the fresh MINI family during the fourth quarter of the year in Australia with the exclusive electric powertrain configuration in two stages – Aceman E and SE. This is the first EV-only MINI, and at "just over four meters in length" but "comfortably seating five," the new model offers "a contemporary interpretation of the original Mini inventor Sir Alec Issigonis' vision: maximizing space with a minimal footprint."
The base MINI Aceman E version kicks off in the Land Down Under from AUD 55,990 (which is almost $37k at the current exchange rate), featuring a battery pack with a net capacity of 38.5 kWh and 135 kW of power plus 290 Nm of torque – that's 181 horsepower and 214 lb-ft, by the way. With these credentials, the MINI Aceman sprints to 100 kph (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds and can zip around town for up to 310 km (193 miles) on a single charge. Meanwhile, the MINI Aceman SE has a 49.2 kWh battery, 160 kW and 330 Nm or 215 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, and can sprint to 100 kph in 7.1 seconds while the range rating increases to 406 km or 252 miles.
Both versions are compatible with DC fast chargers, but the Aceman E draws up to 75 kW for a 10-80% state of charge in 28 minutes, while the Aceman SE increases the charging rate to 95 kW, and the SoC time is 31 minutes. The standard AC charger zips power at up to 11 kW and needs over four hours or five hours and a half to top up the battery packs. Last but not least, the Aceman SE kicks off in Australia from AUD 60,990 – or a little over $40k.
"The MINI Aceman delivers a fresh and innovative take on the iconic MINI design while representing the next generation of MINI – one that is built for the future while staying true to the brand's heritage of go-kart driving fun and individuality," explained Alexander Brockhoff, General Manager of MINI Australia and New Zealand. "The Aceman provides our customers with a greater choice of electrified, premium compact vehicles that are perfect for urban living and beyond," he added.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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