2025 Mini Aceman SE Favoured review

There is now no shortage of choice when it comes to tailpipe emissions-free motoring in Australia, whether you're shopping in the mainstream or chasing a prestige electric vehicle (EV).

Everything from city-sized hatchbacks up to full-on seven-seat SUVs can be had with electric power, so how where does the new 2026 Mini Aceman fit in?

Mini Australia already has electric counterparts for its three-door hatch and Countryman small SUV, but the Aceman is ostensibly an in-between model and is only sold as a five-door EV hatch.

Why the different name? That's unclear. But, you can be sure ‘Aceman’ sounds infinitely better than ‘five-door hatch electric’.

As standard on the Mini Aceman SE, buyers get features like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, front sports seats with electronic adjustment, 19-inch Hexagram alloy wheels, a sweet Anthracite headliner, a surround-view monitor, interior camera, panoramic glass roof, and 9.4-inch circular infotainment touchscreen.

However, it likely won't be features that justifies the price of this Mini – or any other model from the same brand, as a matter of fact.

Instead, Mini is looking to win over hearts – not minds – with its standout styling and unique youth-oriented aesthetic.

With a funky and fresh design in line with Mini's new-generation products, the Aceman features hard edges and a flat design that feels contemporary and modern.

But, there are also enough throwbacks to its classic design, such as a prominent shoulder line and Union Jack tail-lights to keep purists on board.

The Mini Aceman straddles the line between old and new, and does a great job of it too – a point of difference it needs to stand out from the competition.

After all, for the same price you can also get a well-equipped Kia EV3 Earth Long Range ($58,600), or spend less for a Cupra Born ($59,990), but neither of those models look as bold as the Aceman, do they?

As a five-door hatchback bearing the Mini badge, it's fair to assume you don't get much space with the Aceman.

Pleasantly however, this Mini defies expectations.

Measuring 4079mm long, 1754mm wide, 1514mm tall, and with a 2606mm wheelbase, the Aceman's footprint is comparable to something like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class or the Audi A3. But, it's around 100mm taller.

The front seats feel generous and there are ample storage options strewn throughout.

Most notably, the centre console that extends nearly to the second row affords plenty of room to empty your pockets or stow a snack or two.

Of course, cupholders are there for drink bottles and coffees too, and in lieu of an underarm storage cubby, there is an enclosed box to tuck away valuables from prying eyes.

The Aceman also has an armrest for the driver attached to the seat, which is a nice solution for ergonomics that keeps the centre console clean.

The rear seats have traditionally been a shortcomings in Mini models, even if they had rear doors, and while the Aceman doesn't solve this issue, it certainly goes a long way to alleviating this concern.

The rear doors open nice and wide to make ingress/egress a little easier (as long as the front seats are positioned forward enough to get in), while the roofline is nice and high for generous headroom in the second row.

Mind you, the middle seat in the second row is nigh unusable, so it's better to think of the Aceman as an adequate four-seater rather than a squashy five-seater.

Second-row occupants have access to door pockets, backseat map pockets, and a fold down centre armrest, but there are no cupholders.

Instead, there is just one receptacle at the end of the centre console that can be accessed by rear occupants.

Speaking of that centre console, the single-piece design means there are no air vents for the second row, but the open layout of the cabin means airflow from the front vents can be felt from the back.

Family buyers can also rest easy as the second-row has more than enough space for two car seats, leaving plenty of space for the front occupants to be comfortable over long journeys.

Pop the boot and a cavity that can swallow 300 litres is revealed, which is expandable to 1005L with the seats folded.

While not class-leading by any stretch, the space on offer is very usable day to day, offering enough room for full-sized prams, a nappy bag, and even scooters and helmets all at once.

The Aceman's cutting-edge electric powertrain is not the only technological showpiece, as its circular infotainment touchscreen display is also a real showstopper.

Utilising OLED technology – the same screen technology found in high-end smartphones and televisions that can individually turn off pixels for deeper blacks and better colours and contrast – the Aceman's infotainment looks simply stunning.

If only the processing power behind the software was a touch beefier, the screen would feel a little more responsive and snappy.

However, most serious of all with this infotainment is that the Bluetooth connection would require manual pairing every time the car turned on.

Initially, I thought this was because the software was out of date, but even after an update to the latest version, the problem persisted.

I also tried creating a driver profile to link to my phone to no avail, while I also tried the connection on multiple devices across Android and iOS but the problem remained.

These two foibles really sour an otherwise fantastic looking screen, so hopefully Mini can remedy these problems with a software update. With such a big screen, there leaves no room for physical climate controls, with the functionality now found on the fringes of the touchscreen unit.

Again, this wouldn't be much of a problem if the screen software was a touch more responsive, as I found it took a few prods to get the climate options to 'pop up'.

The infotainment system is also backed up by a head-up display for the driver, but not one projected onto the windscreen.

There is a tiny pop up plastic panel behind the steering wheel where driving information, such as speed, is displayed.

While this works fine at night when there are no reflections, during the day the head-up display can reflect certain cabin panels.

The Aceman also comes with connected services, allowing locking and unlocking of the car via a smartphone, remote monitoring, and access to third-party apps.

Minis have always had a charming driving characteristic, often favoured by enthusiasts due to engaging dynamics and lighter kerb weight.

Going electric then, could ruin all of that, because batteries and electric motors have the potential to add on the kilograms like an unchecked trip to Costco.

And while the Mini Aceman isn't light, tipping the scales at 1710kg, Mini has done a wonderful job at managing that mass and making the Aceman still feel like an attractive option for drivers.

This specific car is the SE Favoured grade, which packs a 160kW/330Nm front-drive electric motor.

The numbers don't seem that much on paper, but given instant torque and response off the line, the Aceman feels quick – especially in its inner-city natural habitat.

With a zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 7.1 seconds, against something like the Cupra Born, the Aceman will keep pace.

But straight line performance isn't the ace up this Mini's sleeve, with a hunkered-down, flat-cornering qualities that genuinely make it fun to sling around a bend.

Now, mind you, this Mini is front-driven, unlike some electric competitors like the aforementioned Cupra Born and MG4, but it still handles remarkably well.

With plenty of feedback from the steering wheel and chassis, the driver always feels in control, and the Aceman imbues the person behind the wheel with a level of confidence.

Things can be dialled up a bit too, thanks to a 'Go Kart' driving mode (accompanied by an obnoxious 'Woo hoo' sound clip), that tightens up steering and throttle response.

The sportiest driving mode adds more fake driving sounds into the cabin, though it is appreciated that it doesn't try to directly emulate the revs of a petrol engine. At least the tech communicates an aural sense of building up speed.

There is even a simulated overrun noise that comes on when lifting the right foot after hard throttle input.

I'm still not sold on this inclusion, but it's minimal enough not to be annoying, and at least interesting.

Because of the dynamics however, ride comfort does take a hit.

With 19-inch wheels shod in 225/40 tyres, the Aceman's suspension also doesn't have a whole lot of rubber to insulate those bumps in the road, which also leads to unwanted tyre noise.

Wind noise, too, can be a little intrusive, but it's never to a level where you can't drown it out with a bit of music.

Ultimately, the Mini Aceman is a great choice for those wanting to go for an electric car, but still want it to be an eclectic drive.