The Mini Aceman electric was launched in Johannesburg recently, which was only a concept a few years that I saw in Munich. The Aceman sits between the Cooper and Countryman, completing Mini’s EV lineup in SA.

Unlike the single model Cooper SE, the Aceman will come in two variants, the Aceman E and Aceman SE. According to Mini, the decision to offer both E and SE locally was due to the Aceman being a brand new model, and to gauge customers preference. We drove the Aceman SE at launch.

The base model Aceman E is priced at R800 000, while the Aceman SE comes in at R892 000. Its price point makes it a direct competitor to the Volvo EX30.

For context, the Aceman is Mini’s first crossover, while the Cooper is a hatch and the Countryman is an SUV. Like the Cooper SE, the Aceman is also built in China.

Mini Aceman SE Quick Look

  • 160kW output and 330Nm of torque
  • 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds; top speed: 170km/h
  • 54.2kWh battery; 406km of range (WLTP)
  • Charges from 10-80% in 31 minutes on DC
  • Max 95kW DC charging; max 11kW AC

The Exterior

The Aceman has a distinct angular look from its LED headlights and lines on the bonnet, with a closed off octagonal grille, similar to the Countryman when compared to the softer look of the Cooper.

If you love the Mini for its unique characteristics, you will love that the LED headlights are customisable in three modes on the app, like my long-term test Cooper SE, which has the same output.

It measures 4m in length, is a five seater and has 300L boot space capacity, which extends to 1005L when the seats are folded down. Made for adventure, the Aceman has roof rails as standard, with wheel options from 17- to 19-inches.

Aceman

Mini says the Aceman will come in three different trims: Classic, Favoured and JCW. The Classic Trim has a contrasting roof, with exterior mirrors in either black or white. The front grille is finished in high-gloss black, while the inner surface of the grille and the bumper are finished in body colour.

The Favoured Trim has the option of the characteristic Multitone Roof, combined with white mirror caps and a grille frame in Vibrant Silver, while the JCW Trim features the JCW logo in the front and a contrasting roof in Chili Red and red bonnet stripes. The rear is more muscular in shape and the all-round panelling is finished in high-gloss black.

The Interior

The Aceman’s interior is like the Cooper SE, the mesh dashboard is made from recycled materials, characterised by its round OLED display on the centre, and physical buttons at the bottom.

The physical buttons let you power the vehicle, toggle between gears, flip between various Mini experiences or presets, and control the volume. The presets let you choose Go Kart Mode, Green, Timeless, Balance, Trail, etc. These buttons are so satisfying to use in a world where everything is now a touch screen.

The car is a five seater, but if you look at the seat sizes, it’s probably not best to put 5 adults in there. I think the Aceman is more suited a starter family car, and with the seat doing the split and folding, you can get some decent boot space.

The technology

The infotainment system runs on the latest Mini Operating System 9 with CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, Harman Kardon speakers, and USB-C ports. It includes two USB-C slots for the back passengers beneath the arm rest of the centre console, which the Cooper does not have (or does not need to).

Mini OS9 includes a digital assistant called Spike, so it also works with voice commands. I use it to go into settings or things like switching radio stations. It supports optional digital subscriptions with over the air (OTA) and remote software updates.

The map system supports cloud-based navigation with augmented reality overlays (like a video game!) as seen on the BMW iX, and provides routes optimised for charging.

The Mini Aceman also including driving and parking assist features from its 360-degree view camera plus adaptive cruise control with Driver Assist Plus, but this is subscription based.

The launch drive

The launch drive was short as expected from an EV launch without a charging stop, plus a co-driver. I drove from BMW’s Midrand HQ to a restaurant in Muldersdrift, which was about 46km.

After an adjustment of the steering wheel, I was comfortable behind the wheel, in a familiar cabin as I’m four months into my Cooper SE long term drive, and a Mini owner myself.

I toggled between Go Kart mode (which has fun sound effects in the cabin), and Green for efficiency and prolonging the range when I was not driving on the highways.

I personally love driving a Mini because it’s responsive; the instant torque is what adds to that allowing you easily zip and weave through traffic. The Aceman is every bit fun to drive, handles well and lets you play with customisation options at the flick of a button, based on where you are.

There was no time to link my smartphone to the car but it supports tech like Digital Key Plus, where a smartphone or watch with Ultra Wide Band support can double up as your car key, letting you ditch the physical one completely.

Final Thoughts

I know the target market between the Cooper and the Aceman is different, however they both have the same starting price of R800 000 with a key differentiator: The Aceman comes with a free home wallbox charger with installation assistance. If you’re unsure between the Cooper or the Aceman, but want more value and 5 doors, the Aceman is it.

Mini also throws in a charge card from Grid Cars loaded with R5 000 in credit and a year’s free insurance. However, Aceman owners can charge for free at any Mini/BMW dealership.

The Aceman comes with a five year/100 000km motor plan including roadside assistance. The battery has an eight year/160 000km warranty.

If you’re already shopping for an EV in a price bracket of under R1 million, and not under R800 000, big distinction, you’re probably looking at the Mini or the Volvo.

Interestingly, after the Aceman landed in dealerships South Africa earlier this year with this offer, Volvo responded by offering a free wallbox charger and free charging for two years, which the EX30 never came with at launch.

That said, in 2024, Volvo sold 406 units of the EX30 in South Africa, making it SA’s best-selling EV last year. A reminder, both the Aceman and EX30 are built in China.

The Aceman is certainly going to provide competition between the Cooper SE and EX30, and based on my experience so far from my long-term Cooper SE (I will share a post when my 6 month term ends), and long-term EX30, it’s easy to see why I’d pick the Aceman. It’s all about the tech working seamlessly.