MINI Aceman In-Depth – Size, Cost, Range & Where It Will Be Sold (+ New Photos)
The MINI Aceman is the brand’s first all new model since the original Countryman and a critical part of MINI’s EV strategy. But there are numerous questions ranging from how it compares to the Countryman, its overall size and even where it will be sold. As always, we’ve got answers on all of it.
How Does the MINI Aceman Fit in the Lineup?
The MINI Aceman slots into the lineup as a compact crossover, effectively bridging the gap left by the original R60 Countryman and the growing footprint of its modern successors. Measuring 4,079 mm (161 inches) in length, the Aceman is a full 14 inches shorter than the newest U25 Countryman, which comes in at 4,444 mm (175 inches). Interestingly, it’s also shorter than the original R60 Countryman (4,119 mm/162.2 inches), though its taller beltline and crossover design give it a more substantial visual presence.
| Models | J05 Aceman | R60 Countryman (’10-’16) | F60 Countryman (’17-’23) | U25 Countryman (’24-’32) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4079 mm / 161 in | 4097 mm / 161.3 in | 4298 mm / 169.2 in | 4429 mm / 174.37 in |
| Height | 1514 mm / 59.6 in | 1562 mm / 61.5 in | 1557 mm / 61.3 in | 1613 mm / 63.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 2526 mm / 99.44 in | 2596 mm / 102.2 in | 2670 mm / 105.1 in | 2670 mm / 105.11 in |
In terms of positioning, the Aceman steps into a niche that offers more space than the upcoming three-door J01 MINI Cooper but less bulk than the larger Countryman. MINI’s decision to make it electric-only adds clarity to its role in the lineup: it’s a fresh, forward-looking take on compact versatility, aimed squarely at urban drivers and small families who want a stylish, eco-friendly alternative to a traditional hatchback or SUV.
Is the MINI Aceman Electric-Only?
Yes, the Aceman is fully electric. Built on MINI’s new skateboard-style EV platform, the J05 Aceman shares its underpinnings with the J01 MINI Cooper. This architecture is designed exclusively for electric vehicles, making it impossible to accommodate internal combustion engines. By sticking to a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup, MINI simplifies the Aceman’s engineering, which helps keep costs down while differentiating it from the more powerful and all-wheel-drive-capable Countryman.
Will the Aceman Be Available in the Americas?
Unfortunately for American MINI enthusiasts, MINI USA has exclusively confirmed to MotoringFile that the Aceman will not be imported to the U.S. in the near future. Additionally the Aceman is not available in Canada and Brazil. The decision is tied to production challenges, including tariffs that would make the Aceman prohibitively expensive to sell stateside.
While the Aceman is available in Europe, the EU and UK’s new tariffs may have an impact on wide availability. However MINI plans to ramp up production in the UK likely in 2026 making EU and UK sales more profitable for BMW which would likely lead to larger availability.
How Does the Aceman Perform?
The quick answer is, steady but not fast. As you can see below, even the SE model doesn’t quite break the 7 second barrier on its 0-62 mph time. We don’t have a lot of data yet but what we do have points to a decisive win for the Countryman SE in terms of quickness. But with most electric vehicles speed is an enemy to range thus all these cars are limited to rather low figures.
| J05 Aceman E | J05 Aceman SE | J05 Aceman JCW | U25 Countryman E | U25 Countryman SE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 135 kW (184 hp) | 160 kW (215 hp) | 190 kW (255 hp) | 150 kW (201 hp) | 230 kW (313 hp) |
| Torque | 290 Nm (213 lb-ft) | 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) | 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) | 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) | 494 Nm (364 lb-ft) |
| 0-62 mph | 7.9 seconds | 7.1 seconds | 6.4 seconds | 8.6 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h / 99 mph | 170 km/h / 106 mph | 200 km/h / 124 mph | 169 km/h / 105 mph | 180 km/h / 112 mph |
Now what’s faster around a track might be a very different story. With its 800 lbs weight advantage and the right track, the Aceman SE might just nip the Countryman SE. But that’s just conjecture at this point and clear for another day.
What’s The MINI Aceman’s Range vs Countryman SE
As you can see below the battery size differs greatly between the Aceman and the Countryman. With more space to use, MINI was able to squeeze a larger battery pack into the new Countryman. This also helps to compensate for the larger size and weight of the Countryman. So how does this affect range? Let’s take a look.
| J05 Aceman E | J05 Aceman SE | U25 Countryman E | U25 Countryman SE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 42.5 kWh | 54.2 kWh | 66.5 kWh | 66.5 kWh |
| Usable Battery Capacity | 38.5 kWh | 49.2 kWh | 64.7 kWh | 64.7 kWh |
| WLTP Range | 310 km / 193 miles | 407 km / 253 miles | 462 km / 287 miles | 430 km / 267 miles |
Also interesting the Countryman E and SE share the same battery while the Aceman E and SE do not. This has a direct impact on range which you can see above.
Inside the MINI Aceman
The Aceman’s cabin offers a streamlined, minimalist interior very much in line with the rest of the new MINI family. The dashboard is dominated by a large, circular OLED display, which combines both infotainment and driver information into a single, intuitive interface, marking MINI’s first use of BMW’s latest software platform. The Aceman also retains MINI’s signature toggle switches, now given a digital twist with customizable functions.
However, there have been critiques of this new interior regarding the use of hard plastics and the lack of physical controls, particularly for heating and cooling. Another point of contention is the move to 100% synthetic leather (called Vescin) intended to reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing. While Vescin represents a significant upgrade from MINI’s previous leatherette and even leather (excluding the Lounge Leather option), some are still not convinced. Lastly, there is limited personalization of the interior; for example, the JCW version has no interior customization options.
Will The Aceman Sell?
Overall, the MINI Aceman is poised to be a critical vehicle for MINI. Its size and electric powertrain place it in a fast-growing category in many markets. Will it be successful? Much will depend on how quickly MINI can expand production to the UK to avoid tariffs. And broadening sales to the Americas could also be key. However, the Aceman’s look, size, and positioning appear promising given the current global buying trends.
MINI Aceman SE in Rebel Red: Photo Gallery
The Aceman should come to the US with perhaps a Toyota e-power plant unit connected to the rear wheels if they can’t engineer this one as a full-fledged AWD model. Otherwise, buyers will ignore it in cold areas.