MINI has unveiled the Concept Aceman, a concept study of the first all-electric crossover in the British brand’s new line-up.
“The MINI Concept Aceman provides an initial glimpse of a completely new vehicle, bridging the space between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman in the model family’s future,” said Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand. “This concept car reflects how MINI is reinventing itself for its all-electric future and what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feel, an immersive digital experience and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint.”
According to Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, “The design language of the MINI Concept Aceman heralds the beginning of a new design era for MINI.” Hooydonk further mentions that the concept crossover features “typical” MINI design language combined with innovative technology.
Oliver Heilmer, dead of MINI Design, added: “The purely electric vehicle concept means the design can again be geared more towards MINI’s traditional basic values, in terms of the principle of using space creatively … This creates models that take up little space on the road while offering even more comfort, more versatility and more emotion on the inside than ever before.”
MINI says the brand’s “iconic” design language has been reinterpreted to reflect the car’s crossover characteristics and purely electric drive. The Concept Aceman measures 4 050 mm nose to tail, 1 990 mm in width and 1 590 mm in height.
The closed-off front grille’s hexagonal outline has been refined into an octagonal contour. An illuminated surround accentuates the redesigned grille. Matrix LED units are integrated into the upper section to create “impressive” lighting effects. Round headlamps have made way for angular items. The Union Jack motif remains on the rear lamps.
The wheel arches house 20-inch light-alloy wheels. A triangular outline in the rim’s centre gives the spokes visual depth and dynamism.
The concept car’s minimalistic interior features only the bare essentials to offer occupants a holistic experience. “In the interior of the MINI Concept Aceman, we have concentrated on a simplistic appearance in combination with premium materials and welcoming colours. Digitisation enables us to make do with few operating elements and at the same time to maximise the experience in a way that is characteristic of MINI,” explained Heilmer. Inside, only one OLED display is present.
