The MINI Aceman – First Real-World Photos & Video
The Aceman the first all new model from MINI since the original Countryman in 2010 and the smallest MINI crossover ever. So to say this is just another new car launch for MINI is a huge understatement. But What does the Aceman look like in the flesh? We’ve finally got our first real-world photos that show off the car’s all new design language.
Today we have our first photos of the Aceman in the wild. Along with that we’re re-posting our first video look which we first published at the car’s launch.
The MINI Aceman crossover is actually based on the smaller J01 MINI Cooper EV. In fact it’s so heavily connected to the J01 that it shares an identical front drive layout including its electric motor, battery pack and electronics. In many ways the relationship between the J01 MINI Cooper and the J05 Aceman is not that different than the F56 two door hatch to the F55 four door hatch. The key difference of course is height and proportions thanks to its crossover design.
The Aceman crossover (or CUV as the industry call it) effectively replaced the Clubman in the MINI line-up. But it’s really not a replacement all as it’s both smaller and designed as a crossover rather than a wagon. Instead think of it as a product that fills the void left when the Countryman grew in size from the original R60 model to the recent F60 model in 2015.
| Models | J05 Aceman | F55 Cooper 5 Door (’14-’24) | R60 Countryman (’10-’16) | F60 Countryman (’17-’23) | U25 Countryman (’24-’32) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4079 mm / 161 in | 3982 mm / 156.8 in | 4097 mm / 161.3 in | 4298 mm / 169.2 in | 4429 mm / 174.37 in |
| Height | 1514 mm / 59.6 in | 142.5 mm / 56.1 in | 1562 mm / 61.5 in | 1557 mm / 61.3 in | 1613 mm / 63.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 2526 mm / 99.44 in | 2567 mm / 101 in | 2596 mm / 102.2 in | 2670 mm / 105.1 in | 2670 mm / 105.11 in |
While the Aceman is .2′” shorter than the R60 Countryman it has more room inside. The original R60 Countryman’s legroom measured 1025mm / 40.4″ while the Aceman delivers more with 1045 mm / 41.1″ – all in a smaller package. Similarly the original R60 Countryman’s front shoulder width is 1341m.
J05 MINI Aceman Release Info
The MINI Aceman will begin production this November with deliveries likely commencing in December. Both the E and SE will kick things off with the JCW variant scheduled for production early net year.
MINI Aceman Photo Gallery
I thought MF presented this car two months ago with video and photos. I am not sure what looks different here.
These photos were just released and are the first of the car in motion (other than one photo MINI released with the debut). As we mention in the article we’ve reposted the video as it’s a nice intro for all those that haven’t seen it previously.
I want to like the Aceman, but it might not even come to the US. Best to not get my hopes up. Range seems disappointing as well.
When I look at the designs sketches I feel like they lost a bit of the rounded bubbly face. The drawing gives it character, like a cartoon with big eyes. The production model looks a little flat with more sharp edges all around. Might just be the difference between a drawing with lots of color and reality. I don’t know. Something is missing.
See the design sketches here:
<a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/04/24/the-mini-aceman-the-brands-smallest-crossover-yet-comes-with-big-expectations/j01_aceman_sketches_824/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/04/24/the-mini-aceman-the-brands-smallest-crossover-yet-comes-with-big-expectations/j01_aceman_sketches_824/</a>
What’s the point of making a Mini in China if it results in disappointing range?
It was designed with maker Great Wall to save on costs. Production with start in Oxford allowing to make way for tariff free deliveries to the US/Canada by 2026. Hopefully by then they are smart enough to add an additional motor for AWD and more range.