The Mini Aceman SE in search of good vibes

With its Mini Clubman look (inspired by the historic Clubman Estate and Morris Mini Traveller) to fill the gap between the Cooper and Countryman, the Mini Aceman aims to fill a gap. But only in 100% electric form.

Technically, Mini has chosen to extend the platform of the electric Cooper to make a 5-door with a little more boot space. The Aceman is 4.08 metres long, 1.99 metres wide with mirrors and 1.51 metres high. It's not exactly tiny, but the styling is clearly identifiable with that of a Mini. Despite the turpitude of marketing, the Mini's DNA is very much British, right down to the design of the rear lights with their Union Jack motif. That's if you want it to be, because you can opt for a different design. The same goes for the front daytime running lights, which can be customised. Yes, the Mini Aceman SE is a fun car. Just like the row of switches, with a start button that looks like a key. It's unique!

So let's dance!

Mini's soul is the go-kart spirit. That's even the name of the most dynamic driving mode (Mini Experiences). However, even if you choose a gentler solution, such as Core, Green or Timeless, you'll still be stuck to the tarmac. Very stuck, tight even. So much so that at the slightest irregularity, the car starts to undulate. And everyone on board wobbles. We're irrevocably transformed into St Bernard decorations with moving heads.

To set the pace, certain modes are combined with synthesised sounds vaguely reminiscent of engines. Even the Timeless, which is supposed to plunge you back into the interior of an Alec Issigonis Mini, is artificial. The ambient melody follows the rhythm, but it remains artificial. And the light show isn't going to make up for the absence of cylinders under the bonnet.

Having fun

Once you've accepted the fact that you're in direct contact with the road surface, the Mini Aceman SE can be enjoyed. Especially as the comfort of the seats compensates for the “suspension”. Behind the wheel, the car feels lively and precise to handle. Like a go-kart," says the sales rep. However, you have to hold on to the steering wheel, which is a little too thick. A rudder to hold on to when you want to unleash the full substance of the 218 bhp (160 kW) and 330 Nm of its electric motor. And that's really nice, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. All the more so as the synthetic sounds really set the mood. But for how long?

Compact

The Mini Aceman SE doesn't escape the limited battery space typical of a car of this size. This version has a 54.2 kWh battery, 49.2 kWh of which is really useful. On a combined cycle, consumption will be around 15 kWh/100km. And on the motorway, we're approaching 19 kWh/100km in spring. Consumption will shamelessly exceed 21 kWh/100km in winter.

The result is that, with a varied daily commute in town and country, you can expect to cover more than 350km in mild temperatures. On the motorway, however, you'll need to take a break after just over 200km (and a little less in winter). The fast charge speed is a maximum of 95 kW. The car sometimes approaches this peak, with an average of 70 kW, at least to reach 80% in less than 20 minutes. After that, you'll have to be a little more patient. At home, in a hotel or at work, the slow charge is set at 11 kW to recover all the energy in less than 6 hours.

An eye on the speedometer

Like other Minis, this Aceman has a round central screen. This is both the infotainment interface and the replacement for the dashboard. Behind the steering wheel, there's just a small heads-up display window giving the bare minimum, including speed and range, as well as a few route and navigation indications. Worst of all, it's an option included in a pack. So, if you don't tick this box, you'll have to train your right eye to check the central circle while leaving your left eye on the road.

This mix of information and the shape of the screen mean that pairing with the smartphone is displayed in a limited square area, while suppressing elements of driving information. All this can be modified to suit individual tastes, up to and including the display of a personal photo as a screen background. The lighting ambience will even take this into account for its colours. On the other hand, I still don't understand the purpose of the home icon, which doesn't point to anything in particular. I must have missed something.

Finding your audience

Let's not spit too much into the soup. The Mini Aceman has never claimed to be an adventurer. Despite its Trail mode for going out in the fields, it is above all a car for city dwellers in the upper suburbs or chic suburbanites. It's a safe bet that this type of user prefers to take the plane on holiday. So range is not a handicap. Especially since private parking or garaging means you can recharge your car in less than a night or a day.

Shopping trips and nightclubbing are all within easy reach. And a few trips to the nearby beaches or peaks won't make you miss the petrol, thanks to a well-calibrated recharge speed. What's more, although modest, the boot is big enough to carry a few bags. Of course, the bench seat can be folded down if necessary. However, if you manage to fit someone in the centre rear seat, take some photos! Their morphology must be out of the ordinary.

The eye-catcher

So, despite its limitations, this Mini Aceman SE has a lot of appeal. It is a real eye-catcher for those who appreciate a polished, luxurious ambience, both in terms of light and sound. The materials are pleasing to the eye and to the touch. All this in a car with an identifiable and sympathetic style. Our model even had a multi-tone panoramic roof, ranging from white to blue. Customisation is another of Mini's slightly snobbish but much appreciated touches. As long as you know how to get the money out to treat yourself. Pleasure that will benefit the driver.

The Mini in German (BMW) style is really fun to drive. The driving aids are perfectly set up, with warning signals that are not too intrusive. The vehicle settings menu and the parking assistance menu are simply accessible from the ramp of buttons below the screen. The transmission switch makes it easy to switch to B mode for regeneration before putting the D back on more serenely. This docile, dynamic car works perfectly with its driver's head and legs. A real treat. Provided you avoid rough surfaces.

The harsh one

A 184 bhp (135 kW) Mini Aceman E, with a 42.3 kWh battery for hardened city-dwellers, starts at €33,350 in Belgium. In comparison, the Mini Aceman SE is €4,000 more expensive, at €37,350, but without a head-up display, induction phone charger, automatic high beam, heated seats or Mini Experiences modes... However, the heat pump for air conditioning is standard. To benefit from the same options and colours with the John Cooper Works finish with 18-inch black wheels and the M package (among the S, M, L and XL), you need to spend almost €45,000 (Belgian prices). And do you know what? In spite of everything, its price list is rather competitive compared with the electric competition, provided you choose the right package.

In France, the Aceman SE also starts at €37,350. To find a configuration similar to its Belgian counterpart, you'll need to tick the right options to reach €45,000. In Switzerland, the Aceman SE starts at CHF 42,200. A configuration like the one tested here is just over CHF 50,000. Here are the entry prices for the Mini Aceman SE in various markets: €39,550 in Germany, €40,990 in the Netherlands and £36,300 in the UK. It is not sold in Canada or the United States.

 (MH with Olivier Duquesne – Source : Mini – Photos : © Olivier Duquesne)