Mini Reveals All-Electric Aceman Crossover Concept

Mini has revealed the all-electric concept Aceman, giving us a glimpse into the future of the brand’s crossovers.

The company says the Aceman is an “initial preview of its future model generation’s design” and shows off “design-based and technological innovations” that “outline the brand-typical driving pleasure of the future,” apparently.

Regardless of the spiel, the Aceman’s outward design certainly looks familiar to the existing Countryman crossover — though it does have some jazzy accents on the roof, wing mirror, and grille. 

The radiator grille element is surrounded by clear surfaces and has been changed from the traditional hexagonal outline into an octagon. Flat wheel arches, an upright front, and the Aceman’s “assertive” proportions give the car an edginess, according to Mini.

The Aceman also gets flush-fitting door handles, a first for any Mini. 20-inch alloy wheels are also on offer — a far cry from the 14-inch wheels fitted to the original Minis.  

“The design language of the Mini Concept Aceman heralds the beginning of a new design era for Mini,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

“We are returning to these now, but at the same time consistently combining them [with] innovative technology.”

On the inside, the Aceman has Surfaces constructed from knitted recycled textiles with “fresh” colour contrasts and a new OLED display serving as the central interface. The upcoming all-electric Minis will also get “an independent sound design” for the first time, which the company says will provide “emotionally compelling drive sounds and an authentic background for the new Experience Modes.”

“In the interior of the Mini Concept Aceman, we have concentrated on a simplistic appearance in combination with premium materials and welcoming colours. Digitisation enables us to make do with few operating elements and at the same time to maximise the experience in a way that is characteristic of Mini,” explains Oliver Heilmer, Head of Mini Design.

“The entire design is all about offering occupants a holistic experience in the interior space.”

The gently curved door panels should lend the Aceman a feeling of space while the dashboard, which covers the entire width of the car, offers a “modern and homey atmosphere.”

We’ll get to see Aceman in the flesh next month at Gamescom 2022 in Cologne. We’ll have to wait and just how many of the flashy design choices make it to production models, however.