You're looking at the MINI Concept Aceman, an electric crossover design concept that shows how the next generation of the company's cars will look. It previews a production model using the same name that will slot in between the incoming new generations of MINI Hatch and Countryman, the latter of which will grow in size.
Fresh takes on MINI's signature design elements pave the way for a shift in how its cars will look as it enters the purely electric era. Headlights move away from the classic round MINI shape into a more angled design that retains a continuous contour as the daytime running light signature.
Electrification renders the octagonal grille redundant, but an illuminated outline keeps its shape. A cloud of light tracks the driver as they approach, increasing in brightness as they get closer and capable of presenting numerous displays. Sound from the car's external speakers emanates in relation to their distance from the vehicle. Inset matrix lights present an animated welcome display when the car is unlocked and the right headlamp gives a friendly wink.
Configurable lighting
The oblong shape of the external speakers repeats on the frameless door mirrors and flush door handles. MINI equips the Concept Aceman with 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels, though the production version will start with smaller options. Eye-catching as the front may be, the rear of the Concept Aceman is every bit as striking. Adding a modern take to its signature Union Jack headlights (and knowing that not everybody likes them), MINI's designers have created animated tail light units that can alter their design to suit owners' preferences.
Being purely a design concept, for now, MINI hasn't gone into more practical details, such as how large the boot is. However, it should be larger than the current Countryman due to its underfloor battery and predominately front-wheel-drive setup. An extended rear spoiler adds to the sporty image and helps to improve the aerodynamics to the benefit of battery range. A matte green diffuser doubles down on these aspects.
Exclusively electric powertrain
Senior management did reveal to Complete Car that there will be two battery options, both with front-wheel drive and the target of a 400-plus-kilometre driving range. A high-performance John Cooper Works version with a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive is also in the works. MINI is also targeting ultra-rapid charging time of 20 minutes from empty to 80 per cent, though stopped short of confirming if it will utilise higher-voltage electrical systems.
A more sustainable interior
As MINI moves towards being a fully electric brand by 2030, it is also shifting to using more sustainable materials inside its cars. The Concept Aceman doesn't use any leather or chrome in its cabin - something MINI intends to continue doing - preferring to showcase how materials such as soft knitted textiles for the dashboard surface and seats.
There's lots of space in the front thanks to the electric powertrain and the lack of a traditional centre console. A round OLED display will reach the production can (joined by a smaller digital display in front of the driver) and it operates a new generation of MINI's Operating System, which for the first time is built on an Android Open Source Project software stack. Greater personalisation will be possible, including uploading your favourite photos as the background as your can on a smartphone or computer. Along the base of the display are toggle switches in the traditional MINI sense, which control gear selection and driving modes.
"In the interior of the MINI Concept Aceman, we focus on a reduced appearance combined with high-quality materials and friendly colours. Digitalisation allows us to get along with a minimal operating concept and at the same time maximise the experience in a typical MINI way," explains Oliver Heilmer. "The entire design is completely geared towards providing occupants with a holistic experience in the interior."
Aceman coming in 2024
MINI has already teased some images of the next three-door Hatch, which will come with both petrol engines and a fully electric version, which the brand will produce in China in partnership with Great Wall. The Aceman will also be produced in China and will debut in production form in 2023 and is slated to go on sale in 2024. That will be followed soon after by a new, larger Countryman using similar underpinnings to the new BMW X1.