New Mini Aceman small EV confirmed for SA
Meet the new Mini Aceman, a small electric crossover set to be positioned below the Countryman and already confirmed for South Africa…
The new Mini Aceman has been revealed as a fresh-faced small electric crossover positioned below the new Countryman. The EV-only newcomer has already been confirmed for local roads, with the BMW Group announcing that it “will be available in South Africa by the end of 2024”.
Measuring 4.07 metres long and 1.75 metres wide (while standing 1.50 metres tall), the Aceman will slot in above the upcoming new Cooper hatchback but below the almost 4.5-metre-long Countryman. Still, endowed with short overhangs and a 2-box design, the Aceman will offer seating for 5 as well as what Mini describes as a “versatile luggage compartment” adjustable from 300 to 1 005 litres.
At launch, the new crossover – which was loosely previewed in mid-2022 in concept form – will be offered in 2 powertrain forms. First, there’s the Aceman E, which employs an electric motor generating 135 kW and 290 Nm. According to Mini, the E-badged model will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in 7.9 seconds and top out at 160 kph. Equipped with a 42.5 kWh battery pack, the Aceman E will offer a WLTP single-charge range of up to 310 km.
Meanwhile, the Aceman SE’s electric motor churns out loftier peak outputs of 160 kW and 330 Nm, which sees the obligatory sprint to 3 figures fall to a claimed 7.1 seconds and the top speed climb to 170 kph. The SE’s battery pack boasts a capacity of 54.2 kWh, improving the WLTP range to a maximum of 406 km.
The Aceman’s high-voltage battery pack can be charged via alternating current at speeds up to 11 kW, while fast charging with direct current maxes out at 75 kW in the Aceman E and at 95 kW in the Aceman SE. According to Mini, fast charging will see the battery’s state of charge move from 10 to 80% in “just under 30 minutes”.
In South Africa, the new Mini Aceman is expected to be offered in a choice of 3 equipment levels: Classic Trim, Favoured Trim and JCW Trim. Inside, there’s a central, circular OLED display and a “toggle bar” that pays tribute to the classic Mini.
“The Mini Aceman brings a new level of excitement to our all-electric line-up, packed with a truly enjoyable immersive digital experience,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini.
“The Mini Aceman is perfect for navigating crowded city streets, while maintaining the versatility and functionality of a crossover and the go-kart feeling you can expect from a Mini. I am certain that the sleek design, the performance and the versatility as a 5-seater crossover, will make the Mini Aceman a resounding success.”
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