Another piece of the Mini’s future product puzzle is in place.
electricity SUV Acemanwill fall between the traditional and larger Mini Hatch countryman in the range, has been rapidly tested on the roads in Munich ahead of its launch in 2023.
Essentially, the Aceman is expected to use the same platform as the new electric Mini hatch. Co-developed with Great Wall Motor (GWM), the platforms will be stretched longer than the hatchback’s to support the 4.0-meter Aceman.
Based on these spy shots, Aceman will look… exactly as we expected. At the front, there are slightly more angular headlights than the current model, while the angular rear has an evolution of the current taillights.
A prototype electric 3-door Hatch Mini and the Aceman concept (both below) provide a closer look at how the details on the Aceman could shape up.
Despite being electric, even this prototype has what looks like a bonnet spoon (or iPhone dock) on its bonnet.
At launch, the Aceman will be built in China as part of BMW’s joint venture with Great Wall Motor.
Replacement production for the current 3-door Mini Electric will also be moved to China, while the upcoming Mini Countryman EV will be built alongside its product. BMW X1 cousin in Leipzig, Germany.
A version of the current gasoline-powered 3-door Hatch will also exist, albeit in a heavily updated form.
A report for Time revealed that electric vehicle production at the Cowley plant in Oxford, England, will end in 2023.
However, production will continue in Oxford. Mini has confirmed it will continue to build internal combustion models in the UK and has previously said petrol power will last in its range until 2030.
A spokesperson for Oxford Oxford will always be the home of Mini. Time. A spokesperson said electric Minis built in the UK would need to be manufactured on an assembly line developed by GWM, in lieu of an existing production line.
“Oxford is not prepared for electric vehicles,” the spokesperson said. “It will need innovation and investment.”
Time reports that a spokesperson has provided “no date” for EV production to return to the UK.
