Mini Aceman: small car with plenty of ground clearance or already an E-SUV?

Contents

Anyone who still equates the SUV format with "huge box" is overlooking the fact that the majority of models sold are between around 4.2 and 4.5 m long. On the other hand, there are a number of SUVs that are even slightly smaller than this size. The Seat Arona and VW T-Cross are among them, as is the Kia Stonic. The Aceman is a battery-electric representative that takes up about as much road space as a Renault Zoe. However, small only refers to the dimensions, as the Aceman is unlikely to be cheap.

Animal companion

With a length of 4.07  meters, it corresponds to the usual dimensions in today's small car segment. The trunk holds between 300 and 1005  liters, which is also average for this class. Unfortunately, Mini does not have a sliding bench seat. This would have made it possible to use the available space more flexibly. The Aceman is furnished in the style of the Cooper and Countryman. Instead of an instrument cluster, there is a functionless buckle behind the steering wheel. The dashboard is dominated by an OLED display with a diameter of 24 cm, which is probably not far off the size of a pizza plate. Mini has come up with a few gimmicks there, including a virtual animal companion called Spike. Innovations can sometimes be found in unexpected places.

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Mini Aceman interior view (9 Bilder)

Almost all functions are operated via the screen, apart from which there are only a few things that can be selected directly. These include volume, changing tracks and radio stations and also the defrost setting for the air conditioning. There is always a row at the bottom of the screen that can be used to quickly access basic function levels. There is also a favorites menu that can be accessed by swiping down from the top. Radio stations, telephone numbers or even destinations can be stored there, for example.

Two drives

The Aceman is being launched with two drive configurations, and we have put the most important details in a data sheet. Two things are missing from the first model, and it is quite possible that Mini will soon make up for this. Firstly, only 11 kW charging power is possible on alternating current. Some electric cars from the competition now offer more. Secondly, the 135 kW drive cannot be combined with the larger battery. This is a shame, if only because the smaller 42.5 kWh battery can only be charged at a peak of 75 kW. At 95 kW, the 54.2 kWh version is certainly not fast, but it is a little less lame.

The standard preconditioning of the battery is more than just a consolation. The package insert for the press states that this is switched on with an activated navigation system. If a charging station is specified as the destination or a route with charging stops is planned, the maximum charging power can be called up - provided the journey to the charging station was long enough. In some BMW models, preconditioning can also be switched on manually - presumably this is also possible in the Aceman.

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Mini Aceman exterior view (9 Bilder)

No price yet

Mini has not yet named a price, but the Cooper and the significantly larger Countryman, whose battery always has a higher energy content ex works, provide a rough framework within which the Aceman will operate. A sparsely equipped Cooper E is currently available from 32,900 euros. If you expect a surcharge of 2000 to 3000 euros for the Aceman, this should be very close to the list price of the base model.

(mfz)