The development of the Mini Aceman, an all-new electric crossover based on the latest-generation Mini hatchback, is in its final stages after completing rigorous testing in extreme temperatures.
Engineers conducted tests in the Arctic Circle to evaluate the performance of the charging system, battery thermal management system, and electric motors in extreme cold. Then, the all-electric crossover was subjected to temperatures of up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) in the desert to assess its capabilities in high heat conditions.
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Mini gets the Aceman EV ready for prime time
The Mini Aceman, the British automaker’s smallest electric crossover, is set to make its world premiere in April after completing rigorous testing in extreme conditions
These tests are a crucial part of the vehicle’s development process and are intended to ensure that the Mini Aceman can withstand a wide range of conditions once it goes on sale. Such testing is a standard practice for established automakers, but it holds particular significance for Mini as it aims to ensure that everything is right from the start with this new model.
The Mini Aceman will be the automaker’s smallest crossover, catering to the popular demand for SUV-style vehicles. Measuring 160.4 inches long and 69 inches wide, it is smaller than a compact hatchback and falls between the new Mini hatchback and the new Countryman crossover.
Expect to see the first-ever Mini Aceman revealed in April at this year’s Auto China car show, available in two power versions with front-wheel drive only. The Aceman E will feature an 181-horsepower electric motor with a 40-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering an estimated range of 186 miles. The Aceman SE will deliver 215 hp with a 54-kWh battery pack and a range of 249 miles on a full charge.
The Mini Aceman will be manufactured in China by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between the BMW Group and Great Wall Motor. Additionally, Mini’s production plant in the UK will start manufacturing the electric three-door hatchback and the battery-powered Aceman in 2026. It remains to be seen if the Aceman will be available in the United States.