The Mini Aceman SE is an intriguing new addition to the British marque's all-electric lineup. Positioned between the Cooper hatch and the bigger Countryman, this model would be called the Medium to the Cooper's Mini and the Countryman's Maxi. Poor jokes aside, considering its funky styling and art deco interior, I was excited to sample this product! For context, we had its smaller sibling, the all-electric Mini Cooper SE, in for review, so it was nice to compare the two!
Related: Mini Cooper SE (2025) Review
Pros
- More practical than the Cooper SE with five doors and a larger boot.
- Modern, quirky interior
- Fun to drive
- Good alternative to the Volvo EX30
- Distinctive and contemporary exterior styling
Cons
- Overreliance on the central screen for functions
- Not as good to drive as Cooper SE.
- Not as practical as the Countryman
Styling
The Aceman adopts a distinctive design language, evolving the familiar Mini aesthetic into a more upright and EV-forward look. While it retains the signature round headlights and a contrasting roof, the overall silhouette feels fresh. That's because its design did not have to factor in the fitment of an internal combustion engine like its Hatch and Countryman siblings, making the Aceman quite distinct. However, it shares its underpinnings with the hatch models.
The five-door configuration and slightly increased ride height immediately set it apart from the three-door Cooper SE. Our test model's gradient roof, blue exterior hue and flashy wheels made it quite a hit among my colleagues at the AutoTrader office.. The Aceman's design is sure to turn heads, and is distinctly Mini, so a job well done, I'd say!
Interior
Stepping inside, the Aceman boasts a modern and minimalist cabin. The large circular touchscreen dominates the dashboard, the central hub for infotainment and vehicle controls. While visually striking, navigating all the functions through touch isn't ideal. The digital display can access climate control, media, vehicle settings, and driving data. A head-up display replaces a traditional instrument cluster, contributing to the minimalist look.
The Aceman offers a more spacious rear passenger area and a larger boot (300 litres vs the Cooper SE's 210 litres). This increased practicality is a key differentiator. The Aceman's air vents and overall dashboard design feel more contemporary than other Mini products. You're unlikely to find a more original interior design within this segment, which has to count for something!
The five doors make rear passenger access significantly easier, and the increased legroom and headroom in the back are noticeable, too. The larger boot capacity provides more flexibility for carrying luggage and everyday items. For families or those who regularly need to transport more than one passenger, the Aceman is a more practical option than the hatch. However, those requiring actual usability but still want the brand's quirks would have to opt for the Countryman, which is now a truly practical option from the British brand.
Performance and Handling
The Aceman SE and the Cooper SE share the same electric powertrain, delivering 160kW and 330Nm of torque to the front wheels. As a result, the driving experience feels quite similar. The instant torque provides brisk acceleration, but there is some torque steer to negotiate. Despite being down on power versus the entry-level Volvo EX30 single motor, the Aceman SE's slightly larger battery (54.2 kWh vs 51 kWh in the Volvo) is good to see. At the same time, its 130kg lower kerb weight means the Aceman feels every bit as nippy as the Volvo.
Despite being slightly larger and heavier than the Cooper SE (1710 kg vs. 1605 kg), the Aceman still manages a respectable 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds (compared to the Cooper SE's 6.7 seconds). The handling remains typically Mini–direct and engaging, with overly sharp steering and a hard ride. However, the Aceman's slightly higher centre of gravity means it doesn't feel as agile in tight corners as the lower-slung Cooper SE.
Energy Consumption
The Aceman SE claims an average energy consumption of 14.1 kWh/100km, but in our testing, the real-world figure is closer to 17.8 kWh/100km. With the 54.2 kWh battery pack, the Aceman boasts a claimed electric range of 380 km, but realistically, 300km is on the upper end of what you can expect on a full charge.
Pricing*
Verdict
The Aceman SE offers a middle ground between the Mini hatch and Countryman while offering a genuine alternative to the Volvo EX30. If you're after an all-electric crossover that is reasonably practical and entirely different from most things on the road, the Aceman will appeal to you; however, I find it hard to justify when the new Countryman is so much more practical and the hatch offers more of the fun-to-drive dynamics you'd expect from the Mini brand!
