MINI Aceman electric SUV unwrapped

The wraps have come off the all-new MINI Aceman concept, previewing a real-world battery-electric small SUV that will be unveiled in 2023 ahead of global deliveries commencing in 2024.

Created to sit below the sole existing SUV in the BMW-owned compact car brand’s model range – the MINI Countryman, which will grow considerably in its next generation – the 2023 MINI Aceman will be an indirect replacement for both the current MINI Hatch 5-door and the MINI Clubman wagon.

About the same size as the first-gen Countryman, the MINI Aceman will be underpinned by an all-new dedicated electric vehicle architecture co-developed with MINI’s Chinese partner, GWM, and will share its pure-electric powertrain with the upcoming new battery-powered MINI Hatch.

Crucially, the Aceman also introduces the British brand's next-gen 'Charismatic Simplicity' design language that will inspire all future MINIs and kicks off a "new design era for MINI".

Said to reduce the number of body components, the Aceman's simpler exterior is more minimalist than previous designs.

The pure-electric SUV concept's design is tipped to be between 70-80 per cent identical to the production version.

That means you can expect to see the octagon-shaped LED matrix headlights to make a return appearance, along with the illuminated single-frame grille and complete lack of brightwork externally.

At the rear, the dog-bone-shaped plastic bumper and prominent Union Flag light graphics will carry over to the showroom version, along with the concept’s rugged, squared-off wheel-arches.

What won't make it to the final design are the frameless mirrors, LED matrix front grille and Union Flag roof rack, all of which will be binned and replaced with more conventional items.

The reductive theme continues within the cabin, where all vehicle functions are included into a single discus-shaped fully-digital OLED display that was first previewed by the MINI Urbanaut concept and can display your own wallpaper.

Using a toggle switch that alters the car's 'experience modes', images can be projected onto the fabric-wrapped dashboard. These include graphics that could aid directions, or even provide tourist information in an unfamiliar city.

There's also an unusual fuzzy steering wheel and disco-lighting puddle lamps, matching the fun, youthful look.

Both leather and chrome have been banished in favour of more sustainable reclaimed materials.

MINI has yet to release details about the Aceman’s powertrain, but it's thought both two- and all-wheel drive configurations will be offered.

Top-spec all-wheel drive versions are expected to come with dual motors producing up to 225kW, while versions with the biggest batteries should be able to cover up to 500km between top-ups.

There's been no official confirmation, but MINI insiders have confirmed engineers are aiming for a sub-20-minute 0-80 per cent top-up which should correspond to an 800V architecture capable of charging up to 350kW.

MINI has already declared that it has begun the transition to becoming an all-electric brand by 2030. Its last combustion-powered vehicle is set to debut in 2025.

The MINI Aceman is scheduled to be built at a factory near Shanghai, China, where the iconic compact car brand is hoping to win a larger share among Chinese buyers.

First production models are tipped to begin rolling off the line in late 2023 ahead of 2024 deliveries.

BMW Australia has yet to officially confirm the Aceman will be sold Down Under but the evidence it imported the battery-powered MINI Cooper Electric makes it almost a dead cert for our market.

As well as the new MINI Aceman, a much larger new SUV will also be introduced at the other end of the MINI range, positioned above the existing Countryman and potentially bearing the Traveller nameplate.

Instead of being all-electric, however, it's thought MINI’s upcoming SUV flagship – which will share its CLAR platform with the BMW X5 – could offer buyers the choice of both plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains.

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