MINI Aceman E Review

Driving a MINI Aceman is like clubbing - figuratively speaking. Even though EVs are silent, the Aceman's entertaining character is like pulsing music, thumping bass and flashing lights.

Using that analogy, driving the range-topping John Cooper Works Aceman is like entering the club as a VIP. If you're piloting the mid-range Aceman SE, you're a longtime member and frequent guest.

Now, where does that leave the entry-level Aceman E?

There's no 'E' badge, but the Aceman E's styling is otherwise identical to the SE

The walkaround

Visually, it's hard to distinguish the Aceman E from the more powerful Aceman SE. Both crossovers have unpainted plastic cladding and are equipped with the same wheels.

However, unlike its siblings, the Aceman E does not have model variant badge, unlike the 'S' badge found on the SE model and the 'John Cooper Works' badge found on the JCW.

The missing 'designation' does not lessen the car's appeal as the practical and realistic choice for a MINI. Even if drivers aspire to the Cooper, few can live with the limitations of a three-door hatchback, unless it's the second or third car in their garage.

MINI's interiors are distinct - they look minimalist while retaining the convenience of physical controls

Inside, the Aceman E's cockpit is essentially like the Aceman SE's. Lots of sustainable and recycled materials are used here, the heads-up display and mood lighting are still present, and the colourful 9.4-inch round touchscreen infotainment system continues to dominate the dashboard. Even the steering wheel is identical.

While many EVs today have featureless dashboards bereft of physical controls, MINI's use of toggles and buttons is refreshing. For instance, if you're driving in the rain and the rear windscreen fogs up, you won't need to enter the climate menu - the demister button is right below the gearshift toggle.

The toggles and buttons, along with the 'key turn' to switch on the car, add to the unique MINI experience

Lively reception

As the entry point to the Aceman range, the Aceman E has a smaller 42.5kWh battery instead of the 54.2kWh battery used in the SE and JCW models. That means it has the shortest driving range, offering just 310km versus 407km for the SE and 355km for the JCW.

The Aceman E is also a Cat A COE model. Its electric motor delivers 110kW (148bhp) and 290Nm of torque, giving the car a century sprint time of 9.2 seconds. That's 2.1 seconds slower than the Aceman SE.

These paper figures, however, don't tell the real story. Once you select Drive and get going, the Aceman E is as keen as the Aceman SE, even in the default 'Core' Experience setting.

The Aceman E is always ready to party, even in the default 'Core' mode

Indeed, the Aceman E scampers like a puppy excited to greet houseguests and show them its favourite toys. Stab the accelerator pedal a bit too hard and torque steer makes its presence felt. Suddenly, 9.2 seconds feels more like 7.2 seconds.

It's only when you push harder that you feel the performance limitation. Low-end torque is plentiful and makes city driving a breeze, but demand more on the expressway and it takes a few moments longer to reach your desired cruising speed.

The busy ride is bearable, but not everyone can cope with the limited 310km range

Although the Aceman E isn't the most agile MINI around, the lack of outright power makes it easier to control, especially if you're going to be ham-fisted. The exuberance is what makes the Aceman E so different and so enjoyable compared to other electric crossovers.

There are some downsides, though. The ride quality is on the firm side, sound insulation could be better, and the meaty steering wheel is better suited to the higher-performing models.

Let loose

At time of writing, the Aceman E is going for $220,888 or $32,000 less than the Aceman SE. It's the most affordable variant in the lineup, but its driver will have to contend with not just less performance, but less range and a lower charging rate (70kW vs 95kW) compared to the SE model.

Buying a MINI though, is an emotional decision. Yes, the Aceman is practical, but you don't buy it because it has five doors. You're getting one because the design speaks to you and its keen nature makes you laugh out loud.

Now, if buying a John Cooper Works Aceman or Aceman SE are out of reach, don't worry. The Aceman E will still get you inside the club. More importantly, you'll be attending the same party and dancing to the same tunes.

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