What We Like
What We Dislike
Like parent company BMW, MINI is still covering its bases by producing both internal combustion and electric models. That's why the latest Cooper hatchback and Countryman SUV are available with either petrol engines or electric motors.
But the march towards electric-only vehicles continues, so it was a matter of time before MINI debuted a pure electric model. And since MINI doesn't have a compact crossover - one of the most popular body styles today - why not produce both simultaneously?
The Aceman certainly has its work cut out for it, for MINI is wading into a segment with rivals already waiting to take it on. But could the brand's offbeat design and exuberant driving dynamics still make it a potential best-seller?
A niche model
MINI says the Aceman fills the niche between the Cooper and Countryman. It's an attractive proposition for buyers who feel that the former is cool but too small, whereas the latter is too big and/or costly for their needs.
Here's an interesting analogy: The Aceman is a new student at a design school who seems out of place, for its peers subscribe to the popular aesthetic best described as 'clean minimalism'. But the Aceman is liberal-minded and prefers anything but the norm.
Size-wise, it sits between the Cooper and the Countryman, measuring 4,079mm from front to rear and standing 1,514mm tall, so its size is ideal for a densely built-up city like Singapore.
However, that puts the Aceman at a size disadvantage against competitors such as the Zeekr X, Smart #1, and Volvo EX30, which are all bigger in comparison. And design-wise, the Aceman also swims against the tide of 'clean minimalist' designs preferred by many buyers who can't seem to get enough of button-free interiors.
But instead of being a weak point, the Aceman's styling and approach is what strengthens its appeal. It stands out, rather than being lost in a sea of numerous new entrants with roughly similar styling.
The Aceman's looks will definitely polarise opinions. Its octagonal grille and D-shaped head lights give it an unusual mien, yet one that you'd recognise as a MINI.
Walk along the sides and you'll notice the slightly swollen front and rear fenders that lend it muscularity. The rear end looks pert, and thankfully, there are rounded taillights instead of the triangular ones on the Cooper. There's an outdoorsy vibe thanks to the roof rails, and plastic cladding on the lower portion of the body.
The elements fascinate, or at the very least draw attention to the car. And if a discussion or disagreement ensues, then all the better. After all, a nondescript and boring design is one that nobody remembers.
It's about (interesting) details
The Aceman's extroverted character shows inside, too, with numerous elements to pique your interest. You get generous pops of colour on the seats and on the dashboard, and a variety of round shapes can be found throughout the space.
The highlight is the 9.4-inch round OLED touchscreen. Powered by MINI Operating System 9, the infotainment is presented in bold, rich colours and stunning graphics. Better still, the menu becomes intuitive after a short learning curve.
Even the numerous Experiences (there are frankly just too many) become a cinch to browse after a while. I learnt to just swap between Personal (which I set as default) and Go-Kart, which makes the powertrain more responsive.
Infotainment aside, the recycled polyester covering the dashboard and its abstract pattern, is as well-executed here as it is in the Cooper and Countryman. The same material is also used to trim the door panels.
I also like the little 'belt' in front of the driver that visually connects to the lower spoke of the steering wheel. At night, the ambient lighting is cast from the sides of the round display, with the light pattern giving the dashboard a new look and seemingly different texture.
MINI has wisely kept physical buttons on the steering wheel for convenience and retained some of the toggles that fans love. Turning on the car, for instance, is by turning a switch like you would turn a physical key. Toggles are also used for selecting gears and Experiences. Thank heavens not everything is on a touchscreen.
In terms of practicality, the Aceman has storage points along the centre console, and a bin with whose lid can also be opened by pulling a strap. That said, the centre console does protrude rearwards, effectively eliminating legroom for the backseat's middle passenger.
Speaking of which, the Aceman's 2,606mm wheelbase results in a rear bench that's better for two adults instead of three. Legroom and headroom are decent for occupants up to 1.75m tall, but given the car's dimensions, it's hard to expect more.
The same is true for the boot volume, which is 300 litres with the rear backrests up. This expands to 1,005 litres with the backseats folded, which again given the car's size, is relatively generous.
Bubbly personality
Despite not being aimed at keen drivers, the Aceman SE has enough oomph to keep them entertained. Its electric motor, delivering 215bhp and 330Nm of torque, enables the crossover to finish the century sprint in a respectable 7.1 seconds.
Could the Aceman SE have been tuned to go quicker? Sure, but this would limit its appeal, since not everyone wants a stupendously fast EV. Besides, with such immediate response, the Aceman hardly feels slow.
In fact, electric cars that aren't insanely rapid are nicer to drive. The Aceman has linearity and controllability, which help make it enjoyable. So, instead of zooming off and doing stupid speeds when you nail the throttle, the car's acceleration still leaves your body time to process what's happening.
This is also aided by the sound effects, which differ from one Experience to another. I rather like the one for Personal, which reminds me of the sound the spaceships make in The Jetsons.
The Aceman's size makes it easy to punt around corners, with its liveliness always coming to the fore. It's always predictable, too, so unless you're purposely trying to wreck the vehicle, it's unlikely to scare you.
The 'Moderate' setting for the regenerative braking provides a good balance - there's enough 'engine braking' when you release the accelerator, but most of the stopping is still via the brake pedal, which makes the drive more engaging.
Speaking of regeneration and power, the Aceman is animated by a 49.2kWh (net) lithium-ion battery that MINI says can deliver a WLTP range of 405km. In Singapore, an EV with a range of 400km or more is typically enough for a driver who averages 50km daily to go a week between recharges.
Think out of the box
The Aceman is the car that MINI has needed, and probably the one many consumers, especially those without kids, have been wanting all along. It has good range, plenty of poke, and decent practicality.
It's not the biggest crossover, though, and those seeking a roomier one will end up looking elsewhere. But here's the thing: In this segment, there isn't any other contender with these looks, and against a backdrop of similar-looking electric models, this is more memorable and endearing.
Flair and drama are the aces up the Aceman's sleeve. 'Clean minimalism' might seem cool to some, but the more you think about it, the more uninteresting this aesthetic seems. So, free your mind and discover how fun a car can be when it goes against the norm.
