Mini’s next electric vehicle will look very much like this Aceman concept

Mini has revealed a first glimpse of its new Aceman concept, which is the “dawn of a new design era” according to Mini. It looks so completely different you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a Lexus.

That name isn’t a spelling mistake, either – you might remember back in 2012–2016 when Mini sold the 3dr Paceman SUV. This isn’t that, it’s completely different. No P, for a start, and it has two extra doors. Plus it’s going to be all-electric, likely using the powertrain bits and pieces from BMW’s iX3.

Mini insists that its Aceman is an actual crossover, not just a slightly shorter SUV – it’s a true blend of Hatch and Countryman, offering the agility of the Hatch and the space and lifestyle-oriented practicality of the latter. The Aceman certainly doesn’t look as dumpy as the Countryman.

Neither does Brexit appear to have overruled Britannia just yet – Mini is leaning even more heavily on the Union Jack cues with the Aceman. There’s even one on the roof-rack that will only be seen by people on buses or bridges. Still, the Queen will appreciate the royalties. 
Inside, the designers have said they’ve gone right the way back to the 1959 Issigonis original for interior inspiration, which means the return of the bare dash and single central speedo. That’s not to say it’s austere – they’ve tried to chuck in a bit of fun too, with nifty LED graphics and smart infotainment that attempts to curate an experience for you. 

As well as the zero emission environmental pleasantries of the electric powertrain, Mini says that the Aceman eschews the use of leather inside, instead featuring “high-quality materials selected with a conscious eye on sustainability”. 

The Aceman isn’t getting a conventional unveil – its first public appearance will be at the Gamescom videogame fair in Cologne in late August. The production version of the perky little crossover will be revealed at a later date and go on sale in 2024. It all bodes well for the next-gen Hatch too, we reckon.