Mini Aceman: New electric car from China
The BMW subsidiary introduces a new, purely electric model series. The Aceman joins the ranks between the Cooper and Countryman.
A Mini from China - that's nothing new. The new generation of the Mini Cooper is already based on a Chinese platform from Great Wall Motor (GWM). However, only the electric version is available, as Mini continues to offer the Cooper with a combustion engine, which still comes from England.
However, it is only understandable that Mini is using this GWM architecture for further e-models. On the one hand, the electric drive fits perfectly with the hip, urban brand, and on the other, this platform is a very good basis, as the new Cooper SE shows. And so the new Aceman was born: a cheeky e-crossover with a unique "Made in China" design.
Fun machine
With a length of 4.08 meters, the Aceman ranks between the Cooper and the Countryman. It easily offers space for four adults plus luggage (300 to 1005 liters) and is therefore much more practical than the small Cooper. The typical go-kart feeling is not lost: the crossover scurries through city traffic in a lively manner, while behind the wheel you can't help but be in a good mood. The cockpit with a round, razor-sharp touchscreen in the middle is simply fun.
But the new Aceman doesn't just produce a permanent grin in the city; as befits a Mini, it is particularly impressive out of town on winding roads. The entry-level Aceman E (from 41,700 Swiss francs) has a perfectly adequate engine with 135 kW/184 hp, while the sportier Aceman SE (from 45,400 Swiss francs) is much more powerful with 160 kW/218 hp.
On a long overland tour, however, the range indicator should not be ignored: The Aceman E only has a range of 310 kilometers with its 42.5 kWh battery, while the SE should still manage 406 kilometers according to WLTP thanks to its 54.2 kWh. Charging is possible with a maximum of 75 or 95 kW (DC), with 11 kW possible at home on the AC wallbox. In this one point, the China-Brite cannot shine.
