Electric Mini Aceman being fast-tracked to production

Less than three months after it was unveiled as a concept car the electric Mini Aceman is being tested on the fast track to showrooms.

The new small SUV, set to sit between the Mini hatchback range and the family-focussed Countryman SUV, could be in production by the second half of 2024, according to overseas reports.

Two test cars have been caught by spy photographers in Europe and China, highlighting the joint development work on the electric architecture by BMW Group and Great Wall Motors.

A battery-powered Mini hatch is expected to use the same platform as the next full model change, as Mini uses a combination of petrol, plug-in hybrid and pure electric propulsion for its new-generation vehicles.

The Aceman was first shown as a concept car in late July, when Drive reported on the development of the car.

Although the test cars were caught in different locations, and one was on a car transporter, they share the same camouflage treatment – including special disguise patches over the tail lights.

They are likely to be different model grades, as one car has basic alloy wheels with high-profile tyres and the other – seen in China – has a more upscale design with lower-profile tyres.

The size and shape of the Aceman means it is expected to become the replacement for the Mini Clubman, which is likely to be phased-out in 2023.

Its body is just over four metres in length, it appears to have a lift-up tailgate – unlike the side-hinged 'barn' doors on the back of the Clubman – and it could rival the Countryman for cabin space without the intrusion of the engine and gearbox from a combustion car.

Design details caught in the Aceman spy pictures include a switch to flush-mounted doorhandles, replacing the old-school button-style units on previous Mini models.

A new design for the Mini's daytime running lights (DRLs), previewed on the Aceman concept, are also reflected in the nose of the test car.

Even so, the overall shape is pure mini with curvy bodywork and short overhangs.