Mini, one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands, has unveiled an all-electric crossover concept model called the Aceman which the company says will shape the brand’s future models.
Mini teased the unveiling of the Aceman earlier this week with a bright and peppy Twitter video showcasing a handful of the car’s exterior and interior features, including signalling, side mirrors, and leatherwork.
*Taps mic* we have a big announcement soon but until then👇#MINI #BigLove pic.twitter.com/fk5eDzhAK5
— MINI (@MINI) July 25, 2022
Properly unveiled on Wednesday, however, the Aceman is billed as a study of Mini’s first crossover concept model and showcases a new design language and technological innovations that will drive Mini’s future electric models.
“The Mini Concept Aceman provides a glimpse of a completely new vehicle, bridging the space between the Mini Cooper and the Mini Countryman in the future of the model family,” said Stefanie Wurst, head of Mini.
“This concept car reflects how MINI is reinventing itself for its all-electric future and what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feel, an immersive digital experience and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint.”
Designed for the premium small cars segment, the all-electric Mini Aceman boasts a striking and pared-back design language that the brand has dubbed “Charismatic Simplicity”. The five-seat model seeks to bridge the gap between the next generation of the iconic Mini hatchback and the next generation of the Mini Countryman.
With four doors and a large boot, the Aceman measures in with an exterior length of 4.05 metres, width of 1.99 metres, and a height of 1.59 metres, making it 247mm shorter yet 177mm wider and 33mm taller than the second-generation Countryman.
“The purely electric vehicle concept means the design can again be geared more towards MINI’s traditional basic values, in terms of the principle of using space creatively,” said Oliver Heilmer, head of Mini Design.
“This creates models that take up little space on the road while offering even more comfort, more versatility and more emotion on the inside than ever before.”
The matrix LEDs across the surface of the grille offer more than a pretty picture. Anyone approaching the Aceman are tracked by a cloud of light that gets brighter as one gets closer – which is matched by an interactive sound that gets louder. When the vehicle is unlocked, the grille surface displays a Union Jack and the right headlamp winks.
A reduced design dominates the interior with minimalist design cues emphasise a completely round OLED display up front.
Minimalistic door panels, a flexible-use central console that stretches into the back, and attractive colour contrasts combine with seats boasting a three-dimensional look thanks to a combination of different patterning and materials.
“In the interior of the Mini Concept Aceman, we have concentrated on a simplistic appearance in combination with premium materials and welcoming colours,” said Oliver Heilmer.
“Digitisation enables us to make do with few operating elements and at the same time maximise the experience in a way that is characteristic of Mini. The entire design is all about offering occupants a holistic experience in the interior space.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.