Blast from the Past: Meet the Futuristic 2022 Mini Aceman Concept

The British brand presents the MINI Concept Aceman, an initial preview of its future model generation’s new design. In this concept car we can see design-based and technological innovations from MINI that outline the brand-typical driving pleasure of the future.

The first MINI crossover model for the premium small cars segment is striking, with purely electric drive, a clear and pared-back design language that has been dubbed “Charismatic Simplicity”, a new digital interior space experience and a material concept which uses absolutely no leather or chrome. Design features typical of the MINI brand have always been unmistakable.

With this approach we are redeveloping the MINI design icons, with all their analogue strengths, for the digital future. In the next model generation the MINI Cooper in the iconic three-door body shape, which has been reinterpreted time and again over its entire 60-plus-year history, will be joined by a crossover model for the first time.

Along with the clear and reduced exterior and interior design, the holistic user experience of light, movement, interaction and sound also combine to define this style. Surfaces constructed from knitted recycled textile with fresh colour contrasts combine with seamless digital controls with a new OLED display as the central interface

This all creates a unique interior experience that remains unmistakably MINI. The all-electric models of the next generation are also given an independent sound design for the first time, providing emotionally compelling drive sounds and an authentic background for the new Experience Modes.

“The purely electric vehicle concept means the design can again be geared more towards MINI’s traditional basic values, in terms of the principle of using space creatively.

This creates models that take up little space on the road while offering even more comfort, more versatility and more emotion on the inside than ever before,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

“The MINI Concept Aceman provides an initial glimpse of a completely new vehicle, bridging the space between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman in the model family’s future.

This concept car reflects how MINI is reinventing itself for its all-electric future and what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feel, an immersive digital experience and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

“The design language of the MINI Concept Aceman heralds the beginning of a new design era for MINI. We are returning to these now, but at the same time consistently combining them innovative technology,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

Everything about the appearance of MINI Concept Aceman expresses agility and a self-confident presence.

This merges distinctive features of the brand’s two most successful models, the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman, to create a modern interpretation of a crossover model.

A functional two-box design with short overhangs creates the maximum of space for occupants and luggage on a minimal surface area.

The MINI Concept Aceman has four doors and a large boot lid with interior seating for five. It also has the proportions you would expect of the brand with an exterior length of 4.05 metres, a width of 1.99 metres and a height of 1.59 metres, all in a particularly contemporary form. The classic three-way division of body, all-round window graphics and roof is reinterpreted.

A flush transition between the vehicle body and glass surfaces makes the most of the aerodynamic properties. The clear and reduced design of the MINI Concept Aceman completely dispenses with the chrome trim around the edges that was common in earlier model generations.

Wide surrounds on the lower edge of the body, strongly contoured wheel arches, large wheels, a striking roof rack, and front and rear valance panels styled as an underride protection emphasise the solid all-round characteristics of a crossover model for urban driving fun.

It also has the proportions you would expect of the brand with an exterior length of 4.05 metres, a width of 1.99 metres and a height of 1.59 metres, all in a particularly contemporary form.

The classic three-way division of body, all-round window graphics and roof is reinterpreted. A flush transition between the vehicle body and glass surfaces makes the most of the aerodynamic properties. The clear and reduced design of the MINI Concept Aceman completely dispenses with the chrome trim around the edges that was common in earlier model generations.

The upright front of the MINI Concept Aceman strikingly announces its presence. The brand’s iconic design features have been reinterpreted to reflect its crossover characteristics and purely electric drive.

The radiator grille element at the centre of the vehicle front is surrounded by clear surfaces, the traditionally hexagonal outline having been further refined into an octagonal contour. The new design is accentuated by an illuminated surround. The LED contour lighting in a shade of light green provides a striking light signature both in daytime running lights and in night design.

The continuous contour lighting of the daytime running light brings out its sense of independence. The contour of the lights follows through to the surfaces of the outer areas of the bonnet. This further accentuates their individual expression. The central grille element of the MINI Concept Aceman is completely closed.

Matrix LED units are integrated in its upper section to create impressive lighting effects to welcome its occupants.

The central grille element of the MINI Concept Aceman is completely closed. Matrix LED units are integrated in its upper section to create impressive lighting effects to welcome its occupants.

The radiator grille element at the centre of the vehicle front is surrounded by clear surfaces, the traditionally hexagonal outline having been further refined into an octagonal contour.

The new design is accentuated by an illuminated surround. The LED contour lighting in a shade of light green provides a striking light signature both in daytime running lights and in night design.

The continuous contour lighting of the daytime running light brings out its sense of independence. The contour of the lights follows through to the surfaces of the outer areas of the bonnet. This further accentuates their individual expression. Taking their cue from the bonnet, the wheel arches also feature flat and geometrically modelled surfaces.

This, too, is an expression of the clarity in the new MINI design style. Precise edges also structure the body’s tight surfaces. Combined with the MINI Concept Aceman’s assertive proportions and upright front, this “edginess” signifies a progressive interpretation of the robustness and versatility characteristic of a crossover model.