Mini has revealed the Concept Aceman electric crossover, which it says previews a new vehicle designed to sit between the Hatch and Countryman in its next-generation lineup.
The Concept Aceman also previews the design language for the carmaker’s forthcoming model range.
Dubbed ‘Charismatic Simplicity’, this new design approach includes the use of different textures and knits in the place of leather, which is being phased out from the range, along with chrome.
Mini is also looking to move its next generation of vehicles even further upmarket.
The Mini Concept Aceman measures in at 4050mm long, 1990mm wide and 1590mm tall and has a typical, boxy crossover silhouette with five doors.
For context the current Mini three-door measures 3863mm long, 1727mm wide, and 1414mm tall, whereas the Mini Countryman is 4297mm long, 1822mm wide and 1557mm tall.
The Concept Aceman also looks somewhat similar from some angles to the rival Smart #1 all-electric crossover which measures 4270mm long, 1820mm wide, and 1640mm tall.
Mini didn’t detail any specifics about the Concept Aceman’s electric powertrain, but head of the Mini brand Stefanie Wurst claims the concept has an “electrified go-kart feel”.
At the front, the Mini Concept Aceman has a closed-off octagonal grille with dynamic LED illuminated elements, as well as Matrix LED headlights.
Around the side the Concept Aceman has 20-inch alloy wheels with triangular elements, contoured wheel arches, rounded side mirrors and recessed door handles.
On the roof there’s a panoramic glass sunroof with a roof rack above it, that has a Union Jack design.
At the back there are signature Union Jack LED tail lights. Mini head of design Oliver Heilmer has previously confirmed that every model in its next-gen range will have a variation of these.
The primary exterior colour is Icy Sunglow Green, with Legendary British Racing Green metallic acting as a contrast colour on the roof.
There are also dark green hues on the lower edges of the bodywork, as well as blue and pink-orange highlights which “emphasise the vehicle’s lively character”.
Inside of the Concept Aceman we get our first proper look at the round OLED infotainment, which was previously spied in a new-generation Mini Electric hatch prototype.
The infotainment display in the Concept Aceman has a new look with a “modern layout and attractively designed widgets”.
Mini says the infotainment system in the production version will use the latest version of the Mini Operating System, which will be built on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. This mirrors a similar move that BMW announced recently.
In addition to this round OLED infotainment display there are physical buttons and knobs underneath, and a flat illuminated dashboard that spans the entire width of the interior.
Mini says the Concept Aceman is able to provide a “holistic user experience consisting of light, movement, interaction, and sound”.
For instance when a person approaches the concept car it “delivers a welcome scenario consisting of light effects and sound”.
There are also a number of “experience modes” which provide moving image projections that extend all the way from the dashboard to the door panels.
The interior as a whole is very minimalist-looking with contoured door panels, and a “flexible-use” centre console that extends all they to the back and offers wireless charging and cupholders.
The Concept Aceman’s seats have a “three-dimensional look” with a combination of flat knit textile, velvet velour and waffle weave upholstery, as well as an “over-dimensional” houndstooth patten and embroidered X and O graphics.
The steering wheel is finished with dark green velvet velour and there are backlit multifunction buttons.
Mini is planning to publicly present the Concept Aceman at the ‘2022 gamescom’ gaming event in Cologne, Germany on August 23.
Based on previous updates from Mini, its next-generation model lineup will include the following cars:
- The classic 3-Door Hatch, available with petrol and electric power. It’s expected to be smaller than the current car
- The Countryman SUV, grown up to take on the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA with petrol and electric power, closely related to new-gen BMW X1
- The Aceman electric SUV to slot between the 3-Door Hatch and Countryman
- Another premium compact car in an as-yet unrevealed segment, potentially based on the Vision Urbanaut concept
- A new Convertible, due in 2025
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MORE: Mini Concept Aceman teased, previews brand’s design direction
