Electric Mini Aceman aces final tests before official debut

Mini, a subsidiary of BMW, has taken a step closer to production with the new Mini Aceman EV. This electric SUV has recently been undergoing rigorous testing, and BMW was more than happy to share a few spectacular photos from it.

Mini took the Aceman extremes, subjecting it to both the icy tundra of the Arctic Circle and the scorching heat of the American desert. These extreme climate tests are important for gauging an EV's performance, but also identify potential weaknesses in design.

The Aceman is set to bridge the gap between the Mini Cooper E and Mini Countryman models, measuring 160.4 inches in length.

The Aceman will feature five doors and offer seating for five passengers. It will be equipped with a 54.2kWh battery pack, and rumors pointed to it sharing the 218 hp electric motor from the new Mini Cooper SE. The possibility of a two-motor, all-wheel-drive variant in the future is not ruled out.

Mini is committed to providing an all-electric vehicle that maximizes interior space while minimizing external dimensions. The company promises "plenty of interior space with the smallest possible external dimensions, agile driving characteristics, and efficiency."

While the Aceman is still covered in a colorful disguise, we can see the large headlights at the front and the ring of daytime running LEDs. At the rear, Mini will feature the signature Union Flag taillights.

Though the interior of the Aceman remains a secret for now, it should be close to the Aceman concept we saw last summer. This suggests a clean, minimalist design with a central round digital display and a multi-function steering wheel.

While Mini has not yet confirmed the exact launch date, they hint that it is just a matter of "months". Pricing should fall between the Mini Cooper Electric and Countryman - somewhere in the $37,600 to $48,300 region.

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