The upcoming MINI Aceman concept will debut later this week with pure-electric power.
MINI is set to reveal a new concept car called the Aceman, and it’ll showcase a new design language for the firm. It’ll be sized up as a crossover, just like the similarly-named and short-lived Paceman, except it’ll receive an all-electric powertrain.
The switch to electrification is giving MINI an opportunity to look at new forms of design for its cars. Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design, said last month, “Purely electrically powered models from MINI give us a unique opportunity to rethink our design. At the same time, we retain the attention to detail, sense of tradition and passion for innovation that MINI is renowned for”.
A new, energetic character is on the horizon. Just two days left until the official reveal of the @MINI Concept Aceman. #BMWGroup #MINI #MINIConceptCar #MINIElectric pic.twitter.com/5waCRLs3Ge
— BMW Group (@BMWGroup) July 25, 2022
Judging by a new teaser video posted by MINI, the new Aceman concept should mix some of these new elements with traditional MINI design when it debuts on 27 July. MINI says the new crossover model will preview design themes used by the next-generation of all-electric MINIs. “We combine the core of the MINI DNA with innovative, aesthetic and technological inspiration in our new design language,” says Heilmer. “This means that every new MINI remains a genuine and at the same time future-proof original.”
An example of the core ‘MINI DNA’ Heilmer refers to is the Union Jack-style LED rear lights, which will feature on the Aceman. At the front, an LED signature is finished in a slightly angular and aggressive shape. Further snippets from the video teaser show a frameless wing mirror and LED matrix grille, which are all very conceptual.
Some of the traditional design will make its way to the cabin as well. We’ve seen spy shots of the next-generation MINI and its interior – which will use a fully digitised display in a circular shape. We expect this screen to sit in the middle of the Aceman concept’s dash.
As for the powertrain, MINI hasn’t disclosed what battery will sit under the Aceman, but we expect it to utilise the same BMW and Great Wall-developed electric platform as the next MINI Electric.
Alastair Crooks