With all-electric versions of just about every aspect of their range, Mini is making no bones about a definite intention to be an all-electric brand. This intention has only recently become more apparent with the launch of the first Mini to be built on a bespoke EV platform.
Called the Aceman, it’s the brand’s first electric urban crossover and while some may scoff at the idea, Mini claim the Mini-ness we have all come to know and love from the brand is still very much evident in here. To find out if this rings true, I spent a week with the top spec Aceman JCW. So, will this newcomer be an ace in the deck for one of the most brand oriented marques out there? Let’s find out.
The Aceman family is split into three different spec levels. The Aceman trio, which does sound a bit like a band come to think of it, starts with the entry level Aceman E at $51,990 before moving up to the Aceman SE at $69,990. My test car, and the focus of this yarn, was the flagship JCW Aceman E at $75,990.
The base Aceman E offers a 38.5kWh battery, while the JCW Aceman upgrades to a 49.2kWh pack with 170kW of power and 340Nm of torque. This increases to 190kW and 350Nm when you switch over to “go-kart” mode or flick down the boost pedal for your 10 seconds of extra grunt for overtaking. But wait, without meaning to sound like an “As Seen On TV” advertisement, there’s more. If you use eLaunch, it dials up the power to 200kW and 356Nm. Power is delivered to all four wheels, allowing it to accelerate from zero to the national speed limit in 6.4 seconds.
Compatible with both AC and DC fast charging, Mini claims an AC charge time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a snip over half an hour, 31 minutes to be exact, from 10 to 80 per cent if you use the fastest compatible 95kW DC fast charger. Total range naturally varies depending on your driving habits but for the JCW Aceman, you have up to 355kms distance at your disposal.
The Mini genes are still very much out in force when it comes to the Aceman’s look. Mini call this design language “Charismatic Simplicity”, and you have a svelte side profile but with a more aggressive front and a low, sporting roofline.
Those new LED headlights still sport the tell-tale signs of the wide-eyed Mini stare we commonly associate with Mini, be it with subtle octagonal tweaks to give the Aceman a more distinctive look. I will admit when I saw it first in pictures, I wasn’t that keen on the styling, but it does grow on you, especially clad in flamboyant John Cooper Works attire. This means a blacked-out front “grill” with JCW badging, 19-inch JCW alloy wheels, black Aceman with Mini emblem at the rear and lots of red highlights. Also, talking of red, I love the Chilli Red paint scheme which really makes it pop.
The cabin remains unmistakably packed with signature Mini features and the addition of further JCW bits like badging and dark black and red stitching and details give it an extra edge. Mini have also added a touch of sustainability when it comes to interior trim. The floormats, vehicle floor and other interior surfaces are all made with 90 per cent recycled polyester which apparently reduces production greenhouse emissions by 98 per cent. In addition, the light alloys are also made with 70 per cent recycled aluminium.
Back to the cabin, centre stage, like in all new Minis is the 240mm round OLED central touchscreen display screen. This slick screen really embraces the “mini-ness” of the brand, even allowing you to watch a fun video homage to Mini heritage featuring Monte Carlo rally winners, to Big Ben and even Mr Bean’s Mini complete with armchair on the roof.
The Aceman JCW gives you features like augmented reality navigation, parking assistant plus with 360 degree surround View, steering and lane control assistant, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a very nice Harman/Kardon premium sound system with 10 Speaker and a 315 Watts subwoofer an interior camera for those in-car stationary selfies, a panorama glass roof, heated and electric front seats and the latest voice interface system or Mini intelligent assistant. Simply say “Hey Mini” and you can command a wide variety of gadgets.
Like I found in the Cooper E JCW, I found the driving position would position my knee where the inside door handle is located which can make it a tad awkward opening the driver’s door. The JCW seats feel supportive but a tad firm in some places. Pop the boot and you have 300L of space which grows to more than 1000L with the second-row seats folded away. There are also decent places to store items, providing they aren’t too bulky.
The eagerness of any hot modern Mini with a John Cooper Works badge is very much evident here and with the extra oomph from the batteries low down, the keen terrier that is the Aceman JCW pulls strongly at the lead. Like the Cooper JCW hatch, you have access to what seems like an almost endless number drive modes like core, go-kart, vivid, timeless, personal, balance and trail, the latter ideal for those gravel roads.
I typically alternated among Core mode for daily driving, Timeless mode for a sense of nostalgia, and Go-Kart mode to experience heightened driving dynamics. The Harman/Kardon sound system emits an audible cue each time Go-Kart mode is activated, signaling an increase in performance responsiveness as the vehicle accelerates swiftly, utilizing substantial battery power. For a crossover, it maintains a notably stable and controlled feel while manoeuvring through traffic and navigating sweeping bends.
I enjoyed the new Mini Aceman more than I was expecting. While not Mini’s first electric rodeo, its abilities as a practical daily run around with much of the characteristics of what makes a Mini great. It’s a solid first effort of a bespoke all-electric product from what is still one of the most relatively eccentric brands on the market.
RATING: 7.5/10
