Interested in teaching in an EV?
Owning an electric car isn't as expensive as you might think.
In this article
- Goes from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds
- Top speed: 105mph
- Maximum range: 251 miles (WLTP)
A stylish British-born staple, the MINI has gone electric. The 5-door Mini Aceman Electric Hatchback SE model offers a dynamic driving experience, and it looks very swish indeed.
Specification highlights
With a range of up to 251 miles (WLTP), the Aceman boasts a sleek, modern design with signature MINI styling elements, including adaptive LED headlights and a panoramic glass roof. It also comes equipped with advanced driver assistance features such as cruise control, lane keeping assist and front and rear parking sensors.
Comfort
The seats are comfy, upholstered in good-quality, sustainable materials. The well-insulated cabin reduces road noise, while the heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel add a touch of luxury to the driving experience, making it a real treat for both new drivers and experienced ones alike.
Visibility
As a small SUV, the higher driving position and large windows give you great visibility. Its slim pillars reduce blind spots, and the rear-view camera helps you see behind. Automatic LED headlights help provide a clear view in bad weather.
Instrumentation
The MINI Aceman Electric is equipped with a lovely 9.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With the sat nav, you can find nearby charging stations and see range estimates, helping you plan your journey smoothly. Additionally, you can customise the heads up display so that it displays information on the windscreen.
Space
As mentioned, the compact nature of the vehicle means that there has to be a space compromise somewhere – and here it’s in the back seats. The cabin is generally compact, but actually completely fine for those in the front. There’s also a 300-litre boot, which is ideal for everyday use or for those long weekends away..
On the road
As you might expect from an electric MINI, it’s like a go-kart. The Aceman is a fun drive – quick off the mark, yet stable round corners due to the low centre of gravity. It’s great for urban driving. You can also customise the performance to your liking with sport and eco modes.
Charging
Charging the MINI is straightforward and generally pretty speedy. According to MINI, charging the Aceman SE on the go takes 31 minutes (95 kw DC charging 10-80% SOC), and at home takes roughly 5 and a half hours (11 kw AC charging 0-100% SOC). If you have a 7.4kW wallbox, it should take roughly 9 hours. You can also get real-time updates on charging status with the MINI app, in addition to other remote control features.
Verdict
The MINI-est of SUVs, the Aceman is eye-catching and fun to drive. It’s also an ideal first-time vehicle for learner drivers, especially those doing mostly urban driving. The tech is good, including a decent array of safety features.