Mini Aceman

Concept heralds an all-new, electric-only small SUV with a range of around 275 miles On sale 2024 Price from £35,000 (est)

- George Hill

IN POKER, THE ace is the most powerful card in the deck, so the Aceman could be just what Mini needs to bolster the strength of its hand.

While just a concept for now, it previews the brand's first electric SUV, which will go on sale in 2024. The production version will slot into the Mini line-up between the upcoming new Mini hatch and the next generation of the Countryman SUV. At 4.05m long, it'll compete against such cars as the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense and upcoming Smart #1.

The Aceman's underpinnings have been co-developed by Mini and Chinese firm Great Wall Motors, and will also be used by an electric version of the next Mini hatch. Combustion-engined Minis, meanwhile, will use different sets of underpinnings. Like most Minis, the Aceman is front-wheel drive only.

Although most technical details remain under wraps for now, the Aceman is expected to be powered by a single electric motor fed by a 70kWh battery, providing a range of around 275 miles. This would place it directly in line with the Smart #1, which has a 66kWh battery and an official range of 273 miles.