2025 Mini Aceman First Drive Impressions

The Mini Aceman slots neatly into a sweet spot in Mini’s lineup. It’s larger than the familiar Mini Hatch — whether in its three or five-door form — but smaller than the family-friendly Countryman SUV. Think of it as the missing link, bridging the gap between hatchback agility and crossover practicality.

Mini describes the Aceman as a compact urban SUV, but in reality, it feels more like a chunky hatchback with crossover flair. It shares its platform DNA with the latest generation Mini Cooper Electric, but stretches the dimensions slightly to give buyers a bit more cabin space and versatility, without stepping fully into SUV territory.

What sets the Aceman apart from its petrol-powered siblings is its fully electric drivetrain, making it the first standalone EV crossover in Mini’s growing electric portfolio. It’s clearly designed to target drivers who might have outgrown the Hatch but don’t need the bulk of a Countryman.

Whether you’re threading through Melbourne’s tight laneways or parking in suburban driveways, the Aceman offers that just-right footprint. It’s perfect for city slickers who want something more versatile than a hatch, but without the visual heft or dimensions of a full-blown SUV.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Engaging “go-kart” handling and classic Mini driving dynamics
Distinctive, quirky interior with high-quality recycled materials
Good standard tech, including a circular OLED touchscreen and head-up display
Zippy performance from both powertrains, with strong torque delivery
Easy to maneuver in tight city spaces thanks to compact dimensions

Comprehensive safety suite with 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control

Cons:

Rear seat and boot space are limited compared to some rivals
Ride can feel firm over poor surfaces
Ergonomic quirks, such as low-set door switches

Two Trims, One Mission: E Classic and SE Compared

Mini has distilled the Aceman range into two key trims for now — both sharing the same fundamental architecture but tailored to meet different needs and budgets.

E Classic: The Smart Urban Choice

The E Classic is the entry-point into the Aceman lineup and is aimed squarely at city dwellers looking for a no-nonsense electric crossover. Even as the more affordable option, it’s far from barebones. Mini has packed in a surprising amount of kit, ensuring that buyers still feel they’re stepping into a premium product.

Standard highlights on the E Classic include:

A 38.5 kWh battery paired with a 135 kW / 290 Nm electric motor.
A 7.9-second 0-100 km/h sprint, offering peppy acceleration for urban commuting.

19-inch alloy wheels, constructed with 70% recycled materials.
A panoramic glass roof as standard, bringing a light and airy feel to the compact cabin.
Heated steering wheel and heated front seats for colder mornings.
Configurable ambient lighting throughout the cabin to match your mood or drive mode.

OLED circular central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation.
Keyless entry, along with Mini’s signature toggle switches and quirky design touches.

While the E Classic is tuned more for efficiency and affordability, it still has that essential Mini DNA, delivering a playful, go-kart-inspired feel in city driving scenarios. However, its smaller battery limits range to a claimed 310 km (WLTP), making it more suited to those whose driving habits keep them close to home.

SE Favoured: A Touch More Grown-Up

Step into the SE Favoured trim and things get more refined, both inside and out. This version is for buyers who want a bit more punch, range, and luxury, without straying too far from the Aceman’s compact roots.

Upgrades with the SE Favoured include:

A 49.2 kWh battery, boosting range to a claimed 406 km (WLTP).
A more powerful 160 kW / 330 Nm motor, cutting the 0-100 km/h time to 7.1 seconds.

10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system for crisper audio on the go.
Wireless smartphone charging pad in the front console.
Electric driver’s seat with memory function, improving everyday comfort and convenience.
Unique exterior and interior trim elements, including custom wheels and contrast roof/mirror options.

The SE trim also opens up additional personalisation options through Mini’s online configurator, with a wider range of exterior colours and interior upholstery choices, including Mini’s distinctive recycled knit weave finishes.

While both models share the same single-speed transmission and front-wheel-drive layout, the SE’s extra torque and range give it more flexibility for those venturing beyond city limits. It’s better suited to weekend road trips without introducing range anxiety.

Tech & Features: Sustainability Meets High-Tech Charm

Mini has always been about character, and the Aceman delivers that with a modern twist. While it’s unmistakably quirky in its design, underneath the playful styling is a forward-thinking approach to tech and sustainability. Both trims — the E Classic and the SE Favoured — come packed with clever touches and environmentally conscious materials that give this small electric crossover a distinct identity.

Sustainable Inside and Out

Mini has made a point to reduce the Aceman’s environmental footprint, without compromising on style or comfort.

Eco-friendly highlights include:

Recycled materials throughout the cabin, including the dashboard and door cards which feature a black knit weave made from 90% recycled materials.
Wheels made from 70% recycled aluminum, standard on both trims.

Vegan leather upholstery that still manages to look and feel premium, replacing traditional hides across the range.
Even the panoramic glass roof contributes to efficiency, with UV protection helping to reduce cabin heat and, in turn, air conditioning usage.

OLED Tech Meets Mini Quirkiness

The cabin is dominated by a striking 240mm circular OLED touchscreen, which acts as the centerpiece for all your key controls and infotainment needs. While it’s fun and fresh, there’s real depth to the tech offering here.

Tech features shared across both trims:

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving seamless smartphone integration without the clutter of cables.
Integrated satellite navigation, with real-time traffic updates.
Head-up display, projecting vital driving information directly into your line of sight.
Digital driver’s cluster, displaying your speed and battery range clearly and intuitively.

Mini has also leaned into its playful side with configurable driving “Experiences” — custom modes that not only adjust drive settings but also change the ambient lighting, sound profile, and even the on-screen graphics. Want to put the car into “Go-Kart” mode? Expect brighter, sportier visuals paired with sharper steering and throttle response.

User-Friendly Touches

For all its charm, the Aceman still offers real-world practicality where it counts.

Physical shortcut buttons and a rotary dial beneath the screen help you bypass the sometimes-menu-heavy touchscreen interface.

A brake regen toggle allows you to adjust the regenerative braking settings on the fly, or simply leave it in “B Mode” for stronger one-pedal driving around town.
The gear selector toggle is a unique Mini touch — simple, satisfying to use, and unlike anything in the segment.

While some controls may take a little learning (Mini still loves doing things its own way), once you’re up to speed, everything from adjusting climate settings to customising your driving profile becomes second nature.

Sound and Comfort

In the SE Favoured, the standout is the 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, which fills the cabin with clear, rich audio.
Dual-zone climate control, seat heating, and a heated steering wheel are standard across both models, ensuring year-round comfort.

In short, the Aceman blends eco-friendly materials with a tech-forward cabin that still retains the cheeky character Mini fans expect.

Interior Feel: A Quirky, Mini-Typical Approach

Step inside the Aceman and you’re instantly reminded that this is a Mini — just with an EV twist. The brand’s signature design language is on full display here, mixing retro inspiration with modern-day tech in a way few rivals dare to attempt. It’s playful, tactile, and not afraid to be different.

A Cabin Full of Personality

The dashboard layout is dominated by the bold circular OLED touchscreen, positioned front and center like the iconic Mini speedometers of old. It immediately sets the tone for the rest of the cabin — fun and a little rebellious, but with purpose.

Quirky highlights include:

Toggle switches below the screen, controlling key functions like drive modes, ignition, and even regenerative braking — reminiscent of classic Mini fighter-jet style controls.

A “strap” detail on the bottom of the steering wheel, almost as if the designers couldn’t decide between a two-spoke or three-spoke wheel, adding an unexpected but endearing flourish.
Door grab handles mounted higher on the door cards, giving the interior a rugged, almost outdoorsy vibe while breaking away from conventional cabin layouts.
Configurable ambient lighting strips tucked subtly along the doors and dashboard, pulsing or changing with different drive modes and moods.

Material Choices: Sustainable and… Unique

Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate that much of the trim is crafted from recycled knit weave fabric, found on the dashboard and doors. However, this textile isn’t without its quirks — it’s slightly coarse to the touch and may take some getting used to, particularly for those who prefer smoother surfaces.

The seats, meanwhile, feature vegan leather upholstery with a premium look and supportive feel. In the SE Favoured, both front seats are power-adjustable with memory settings, while the E Classic sticks to manual adjustment but still offers ample comfort for most drivers.

Cabin Space & Layout

The Aceman’s interior feels surprisingly open for a compact crossover, aided by the floating center console design, which leaves a large, open storage area beneath the dashboard. This not only helps visually declutter the space but also gives occupants room to stow bags, devices, or even a small handbag.

Other thoughtful touches include:

Dual cupholders up front, positioned ahead of the gear toggle.
A small, jewellery box-style compartment between the front seats for valuables.
Decent-sized door bins with space for bottles.
A center armrest with additional storage and a comfortable perch for your elbow.

A Few Ergonomic Oddities

While the Aceman’s character is undeniable, there are a few quirks that might divide opinion:

The window and door lock switches are positioned unusually low on the door panels, close to where your legs rest, which may require a little muscle memory adjustment.
Rear-seat passengers miss out on air vents and a center armrest, which may be noticeable on longer journeys.

Still, for many buyers, these will be viewed as charming quirks rather than outright flaws, reinforcing Mini’s ethos of doing things its own way.

Space Check: Practicality in a Compact Package

While the Mini Aceman wears the badge of a crossover, it leans heavily toward the hatchback end of the spectrum in terms of size. That’s not necessarily a downside — especially for city drivers — but it does mean practicality is more tailored to urban life and short getaways rather than full-blown family hauling.

Front Row: Surprisingly Airy

Thanks to its upright design and clever packaging, the Aceman’s front row feels more spacious than you might expect from the outside.

The floating center console frees up space in the footwell, making it easy to stash bags or other personal items.
Both trims offer good leg and headroom up front, with plenty of seat adjustment to dial in your preferred driving position.
The panoramic glass roof, standard on both models, enhances the sense of openness and floods the cabin with natural light.

Driver visibility is generally excellent, aided by the Aceman’s relatively upright driving position and short overhangs. Although it’s classed as a crossover, the Aceman’s footprint and seating height are more in line with a large hatchback, making it easy to thread through Melbourne’s tighter suburban streets.

Second Row: Tight but Usable

In the back, space is best described as adequate for adults on short trips and ideal for kids or smaller passengers.

At 6-feet tall, I found my knees brushing the back of the front seats, but there was enough foot room under the seats to get comfortable for city drives or quick jaunts out of town.

Headroom is reasonable even with the panoramic roof, but wider passengers or those needing regular access to child seats might find it a squeeze.
Access is a touch compromised by small rear door apertures and higher-than-average door sills, which could make entry and exit a bit awkward for taller occupants.

Boot Space: Small but Clever

Pop open the manual tailgate (note: no powered tailgate available on either trim) and you’ll find a compact but well-shaped cargo area.

The Aceman offers a modest boot capacity, enough for a couple of weekend bags or a solid grocery haul.
There’s a false floor, revealing a hidden compartment beneath — perfect for stowing charging cables, small tools, or a tyre repair kit (there’s no spare wheel).
The squared-off design of the boot makes the most of the available space, but don’t expect it to swallow large prams or bulky suitcases without folding the rear seats.

Practicality touches in the boot include:

A 12-volt outlet for powering accessories.
A cargo cover to hide valuables and charging cables.
No bag hooks or underfloor nets, which feels like a missed opportunity given the urban focus.

Best For: Couples and Small Households

Ultimately, the Mini Aceman makes the most sense for singles, couples, or small households who don’t need cavernous space but still want everyday usability. It’s an ideal second car for growing families or a primary runabout for city dwellers who want a fun EV with just enough versatility for weekend escapes.

Range, Charging & Battery: The Numbers That Matter

As with most EVs, the Mini Aceman’s appeal is heavily shaped by its battery size, charging speeds, and real-world range. Mini offers two battery options in line with the E Classic and SE Favoured trims, giving buyers a choice depending on how far — and how often — they plan to venture beyond city limits.

E Classic: Urban-Focused Efficiency

The entry-level E Classic is clearly aimed at city drivers who value affordability and efficiency over long-distance capability.

Battery & Performance:

Powered by a 38.5 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery.
Paired to a 135 kW (181 hp) motor delivering 290 Nm of torque.
Claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds, brisk enough for city and suburban driving.

Range & Charging:

Offers a claimed 310 km of range (WLTP), which is adequate for urban commuters and weekend runs.
AC charging at up to 11 kW, providing a full charge in around 4 hours and 15 minutes (using three-phase power).
DC fast charging capability maxes out at 75 kW, which will get you from 10% to 80% in roughly 28 minutes at a compatible fast-charger.

This version is perfectly suited for daily city driving and shorter regional trips but might feel limiting for those planning frequent long-distance travel.

SE Favoured: Longer Legs, Faster Charging

The SE Favoured steps things up with a larger battery and quicker fast-charging capabilities, making it a better pick for those who split their time between the city and occasional open-road adventures.

Battery & Performance:

Equipped with a 49.2 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery.
A punchier 160 kW (215 hp) motor delivers 330 Nm of torque.

Shaves the 0-100 km/h time down to a claimed 7.1 seconds, but it feels even more urgent thanks to the immediate electric torque delivery.

Range & Charging:

Boosts range to a healthier 406 km (WLTP) — making weekend getaways much more doable without needing to plan charging stops.
11 kW AC charging remains, with a similar home-charging time of just over 4 hours on three-phase power.

DC fast charging climbs to 95 kW, cutting the 10% to 80% recharge time to about 31 minutes — perfect for a quick top-up at a highway fast charger.

Charging Port Placement & Notes

The charging port is located at the rear driver’s side, a convenient spot for most street-parking and garage setups.
Both trims lack vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, meaning you won’t be able to power external devices directly from the car — something some rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric now offer.

Efficiency Observations

On test, we observed respectable efficiency figures for both variants:

In the E Classic, we saw consumption hovering around 14.6 kWh/100 km, which is impressive given the vehicle’s footprint and weight.
The SE Favoured returned a slightly higher 16.6 kWh/100 km — unsurprising given its additional power and spirited driving during our mountain road testing.

While neither is the class leader in outright range or charging speed, the Aceman’s balance of range, fun-to-drive nature, and fast-charge capability should suit most buyers who primarily operate in urban and suburban settings, with occasional longer drives.

On the Road: Does It Still Have Mini’s Go-Kart DNA?

For Mini, preserving that “go-kart” feeling is non-negotiable — and thankfully, the Aceman continues the tradition, even in this new electric form. Whether darting through tight suburban streets or sweeping through the winding roads, the Aceman proves it still has plenty of that trademark agility.

SE Favoured: Punchy & Playful

We started our day behind the wheel of the SE Favoured, and it didn’t take long to realize this isn’t just another small EV — it’s got character.

The 160 kW motor delivers instant torque, giving it a lively feel when pulling away from lights or overtaking on twisty backroads.
Steering is direct and nicely weighted, offering precision through corners, whether navigating Melbourne’s tighter inner-city streets or carving through the forested bends near Puffing Billy.
The low-slung battery pack (mounted under the floor) contributes to a balanced, planted stance in corners, keeping body roll to a minimum.

Even when pushing the Mini Aceman SE through fast corners, it stays composed. There’s a hint of torque steer under heavy throttle, a byproduct of sending all power to the front wheels, but it’s mild and never detracts from the fun factor.

E Classic: Lighter but Still Engaging

Switching to the E Classic later in the day, we were curious if the less powerful version would feel like a watered-down experience — but it held its own impressively well.

Despite the drop to 135 kW, acceleration still feels zippy, especially around town.

It shares the same responsive chassis tuning, so it continues to feel eager and nimble through roundabouts and tighter suburban corners.
With its lighter battery, the E Classic feels a touch more agile than the SE, especially at lower speeds.

Sure, it’s not as fast as its bigger sibling on paper, but it still captures that playful Mini spirit.

Ride Comfort & Refinement

True to Mini tradition, the Aceman’s suspension setup leans toward the firmer side, prioritizing agility over outright softness.

On smoother urban streets and well-maintained rural roads, the ride is controlled and confidence-inspiring.
Over potholes and sharper bumps, the ride can feel a little busy, but never crashy.

Road noise is well-managed, though tyre roar becomes more noticeable on coarse-chip country roads.

The regenerative braking is also adjustable. In “B mode,” it offers a satisfying one-pedal driving feel, perfect for city traffic. Alternatively, regen can be dialed back for a more natural, coasting sensation — ideal for spirited runs through the hills.

Is It Still a Mini at Heart?

Absolutely. Both versions of the Mini Aceman carry the playful, light-on-its-feet DNA that Mini fans expect, even if the electric drivetrain adds a layer of refinement and silence that petrol Minis can’t match.

If you want an EV that still makes you smile on a twisty backroad — even on a casual drive past Puffing Billy — this could be one of the most engaging options in the compact electric crossover space.

Safety and Ownership: Warranty, Tech & Peace of Mind

Mini has ensured that the Aceman isn’t just about quirky styling and spirited driving — it also comes loaded with essential safety kit and solid ownership credentials to make the transition to EV ownership smoother.

Comprehensive Safety Suite

While the Aceman hasn’t yet been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, it leaves the factory equipped with a generous suite of active and passive safety features across both trims.

Standard safety equipment includes:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Adaptive Cruise Control, helping take the strain out of highway and suburban commutes.
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, which gently nudges the car back between the lines.
Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, useful when reversing out of busy carparks or navigating tight inner-city spaces.

Front and rear parking sensors, plus a 360-degree surround-view camera, which is particularly handy given the Mini Aceman’s slightly chunky rear pillars.
Seven airbags, including a front-center airbag designed to prevent head clashes in side impacts, along with curtain coverage for both rows.

Opting for the SE Favoured adds a slightly more sophisticated version of lane-keeping assist, but otherwise, both trims share the same core safety tech.

Ownership Program

Mini backs the Aceman with a competitive ownership package that aligns with what we’re seeing from most premium and mainstream brands in Australia.

Ownership benefits include:

A 5-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, matching rivals like Volkswagen and Hyundai.
An 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term EV ownership.

8 years of roadside assistance, a useful inclusion given the early adoption stage of EV infrastructure in some areas.

Service & Running Costs

Mini offers a prepaid servicing plan, available in either 4-year or 6-year options, which can be bundled into your purchase or finance deal. This helps lock in maintenance costs upfront and is transferable to future owners — potentially helping resale value down the line.

In addition:

The Aceman is eligible for Mini’s Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) program through their finance arm, offering certainty around trade-in values should you choose to upgrade in a few years.

Like most EVs, service intervals are less frequent than traditional petrol Minis, with no engine oil or spark plugs to worry about. However, regular checks of the brakes, battery system, and cabin air filter are part of the schedule.

Peace of Mind for New EV Buyers

While the Aceman may be quirky and fun, Mini has taken a mature approach when it comes to protecting buyers and ensuring long-term peace of mind. From its extensive driver-assist tech to its customer-focused warranty and finance packages, this compact crossover is positioned as a compelling and secure entry point into the world of electric motoring.

First Verdict: Aceman’s Place in the Electric Landscape

The Mini Aceman enters the EV game as a refreshing counterpoint to the increasingly uniform world of small electric crossovers. It manages to balance Mini’s classic playful driving character with the needs of today’s urban and suburban EV buyer — all while offering just enough practicality and range to make it a real contender.

If you’re after a compact electric vehicle that doesn’t feel like it was designed by committee, the Aceman makes a strong case. Its bold interior, customizable tech, and quirky design details give it personality where some rivals feel sterile. And yes, the go-kart-like handling is still present, meaning Mini hasn’t sacrificed fun in its switch to electric power.

Who’s It For?

City dwellers who need a maneuverable, stylish EV with enough range for daily driving.
Couples or small families who value premium touches and don’t need loads of boot space.

Buyers looking for something more distinctive than an MG4 or BYD Dolphin, but without stepping into the premium pricing of larger European EVs.

Key Takeaways:

The E Classic is a smart choice for urbanites, offering enough range and features for city life at a sharp price.
The SE Favoured feels like the more versatile pick for those who want extra range, added comfort, and a stronger punch of power for longer road trips.

Ride comfort is on the firmer side, but it’s in service of a nimble and engaging driving experience that sets the Aceman apart from softer, more comfort-focused competitors.
Its tech-heavy cabin may take a little learning, but once mastered, it blends fun, functionality, and sustainability with Mini’s signature charm.

The Mini Aceman is unlikely to be the one-size-fits-all solution for every EV buyer — its compact rear space and limited boot capacity will steer some toward larger options — but for those who “get” the Mini way of doing things, this is arguably one of the most fun and characterful EVs in its class right now.

In a world of increasingly serious small EVs, the Aceman stands out simply by daring to be different.

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Zachary Skinner

Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.