Despite being deeply rooted in tradition, MINI is currently preparing for a shift to an all-electric lineup within the next decade or so. And rather than waiting until the 11th hour to develop its future EV lineup, the British firm is already working on its next generation of cars. And while this transition is still several years out, MINI has opted to give the motoring public an early glimpse of future design language with the unveiling of what’s been dubbed the MINI Concept Aceman.
Measuring 13.28’ in length, 6.52’ in width, and 5.2’ in height, MINI’s Concept Aceman is a fully-electric crossover SUV that puts a sleek spin on the car’s iconic three-door body shape. Engineered from the ground up to create a unique and holistic user experience, the Concept Aceman boasts a slew of proprietary lighting and sound systems including multicolored projection lights embedded in the roof lining that colorfully illuminates the dashboard and door panels, plus a graphics projector beneath the vehicle when its doors are opened. MINI’s iconic circular central display has also been updated with a multifunction OLED unit while the vehicle is now helmed via a multifunction buttons-equipped steering wheel that’s laminated in a dark green velvet velour.
Completely devoid of any leather or chrome, the interior of the car features seats with integrated headrests that are trimmed in a combination of textile flat knit, velvet velour, and waffle weave fabrics. A flexible center console along with a relocated gear selector and parking brake — which are now controlled via toggle buttons — creates a more spacious and streamlined cockpit for the driver, as well. Flared wheel arches also open up space to accommodate the crossover’s 20” light-alloy wheels. In addition to sporting Matrix LED headlights, the Concept Aceman also features a sleek, all-new grille design that’s also fitted with matrix LED units. Boasting a taller ride height, the concept also retains the current gen MIN’s LED Union Jack taillights.
While there’s still no word on when MINI’s electric crossover concept may enter production, the company has announced the Concept Aceman is slated to make its global public debut at the upcoming Gamescom 2022 in Cologne, Germany beginning August 23rd.
