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The MINI marque has entered an all-new era under parent firm BMW Group, especially in this new and exciting age of electrification. Aside from the latest fourth-generation Cooper hatch and third-generation Countryman crossover, there’s now a third all-electric choice in the First Ever All-Electric MINI Aceman.
Revealed globally not too long ago, the MINI Aceman sits in between both the Cooper and Countryman models mentioned, serving as somewhat of a ‘bridge’ between the two, albeit with its own unique twist to the ever-growing sub-compact premium crossover genre. Basically, the Aceman pips itself as the ‘sweet spot’ between the two, and its design speaks for which the loudest.
At a glance, it’s easy to see how the Aceman shares plenty of aesthetic elements and touches as seen in the other two models mentioned, but it’s worth noting that this novel ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ approach was pioneered by the Aceman whilst it was in concept stage still. Bold, edgy, distinct and boasting a slew of tasteful quirks, the Aceman has it all, and that’s despite its pint-sized stature.
Much of this compact-sized magic stems the Aceman’s shared bones as the Cooper hatch, albeit with slight tweaks to its length, wheelbase, and height. Driving this front was MINI’s “Clever Use of Space” principle, which resulted in a highly practical and respectably spacious cabin in such a small package, evident through its standard 300-litre boot space that’s expandable to 1,005 litres!
As for luxe, the Aceman again brings forth the novel yet sustainable touches as seen in the Cooper and Countryman. For the uninitiated, MINI’s new interior design motif sees rich use of high-end knit fabrics and recycled materials all around, but these are fashioned in high style and luxe with just a touch of quirkiness – just like the exterior – whilst remaining ecologically-conscious too.
Should that not impress you, then the tech tour-de-force endowed into the Aceman ought to be convincing to say the least. Leading the bill here is the signature new and massive 240 MM circular OLED touch display mounted front and centre powered by the brisk new MINI Operating System 9. Here, high connectivity is matched with both snappy access for any need and occasion.
That, plus other key amenities like the heads-up display (HUD) module and inclusion of the MINI Digital Key Plus suite that enables owners to transform their smartphones into a digital vehicle key, are just several key highlights awaiting keen prospects in the Aceman.
Another exciting new addition is the inclusion of ‘Spike’ – MINI’s new and highly loveable ‘digital companion’ who’s mission is to make life behind the wheel aboard the Aceman – or any current-gen MINI, for that matter – more convenient and fun. Our only gripe? Spike’s nature as a ‘virtual’ dog means you can’t physically play ‘fetch’ with it, but that’s no deal-breaker for most.
Of course, we cannot talk about modern day tech without addressing safety, and the Aceman has an arsenal of advanced driving assistance (ADAS) features primed aboard to safeguard all. Key features include Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, and Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, all help drivers navigate with confidence, and that’s not all.
With the Parking Assistant Plus primed as standard, the Aceman takes the stress out of parking through features like Active Park Distance Control, Reversing Assist Camera with Panoramic View, and even Remote 3D View, all of which allow drivers to park and exit spaces effortlessly. In other words, this Aceman could almost – ALMOST – drive itself. However, like any modern MINI, the drive is its magic!
Aptly, this is largely borne out of the MINI marque’s impeccable repertoire at building and engineering chassis that inspires fun driving, and the Aceman stands as no exception to this fact. Like its two other all-electric stablemates, the recipe to this includes a punchy powertrain to match which, in the Aceman’s case, sees it adopt the same e-motor from the Cooper SE hatch.
With 160 kW (215 HP) and 330 NM of twist on tap, the latter almost instantaneously, dashes from nought to 100 KM/H are despatched in 7.1 secs – just 0.5 secs off from the Cooper SE hatch, in fact. Moreover, said speed can be matched with fitting theatrics granted through the ‘Go Kart Experience’ – one of EIGHT selectable drive modes or ‘Experience’ offered by the Aceman.
Of course, with any EV, blistering acceleration is merely a by-product, and the real ace to this drivetrain is its versatility granted by the many selectable drive modes (Experiences) mentioned. Second to which comes its equally respectable range granted by its 54.2 kWh battery pack as each full charge grants up to 406 KM of travel (based on WLTP testing cycles).
As for charging, the Aceman doesn’t settle for less here either, evident through the flexibility granted by said battery’s maximum AC and DC charging speeds of 11 kW and 95 kW respectively. The latter ability ought to ease range anxiety indeed as it enables 10-80% re-charges in just about 30 minutes, whilst automatic preconditioning function ensures optimal overnight AC charging.
Packaging high style, substance, tech and, most of all, the charismatic charm to match all of which, many will indeed find it difficult to loathe the First Ever All-Electric MINI Aceman. Like most of the finer things in life, there is a price to pay should one seek to adopt one, and it currently retails for RM213,888.
Suffice to say it, words aren’t enough, hence why MINI Malaysia openly invites you to sample the new Aceman first hand today. You can do so by booking your test slots online by visiting your nearest MINI dealers. Should you seek to find out more about the Aceman, MINI Malaysia has you covered online via this dedicated microsite: The First Ever All-Electric MINI Aceman.
So, are you ready to be the ace in your pack with the First Ever All-Electric MINI Aceman?
