When you think of iconic British cars, the original Mini immediately comes to mind. It wasn’t just any small car — it was the Mini.
Launched back in 1959 by the brilliant Sir Alec Issigonis, this tiny car quickly became a symbol of the Swinging Sixties in Britain.
At just 10 feet long (about 3 meters), it was incredibly compact — especially compared to what we see today.
The original Mini wasn’t just small; it was light and nimble, weighing only around 590 kilograms.
From Classic to Modern: BMW’s Electric Mini Evolution
Fast forward to today, and the Mini brand is now owned by Germany’s BMW since 1994.
BMW has been steering the Mini through several updates and redesigns.
The latest model I got to drive is the all-electric Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) Aceman — a far cry from the original in size and tech but still proudly a Mini.
This new Mini SUV measures over 4 meters in length and weighs in at 1,820 kilograms, which is quite a leap from the tiny, featherweight original.
But it still carries the Mini spirit, especially with its sporty John Cooper Works branding, which is showcased through distinctive bodywork, sporty interior touches, and that classic red, black, and white JCW logo.
The Electric Powerhouse: Performance and Driving Experience
The JCW Aceman is a compact SUV with a fully electric powertrain.
It’s powered by a 54.2 kWh battery that pushes out a solid 255 horsepower.
This means it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, and it tops out at around 124 mph.
On the road, especially along the twisty Cotswold lanes, it feels lively and agile, but you do need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel as the power is pretty raw and demands respect.
Inside, the car is racing-inspired with high-set seats that give you a sporty feel.
However, the rear seats are a bit cramped — it’s snug for four passengers and even tighter if you try to fit five.
The boot space is modest too, offering 300 litres, which is small for an SUV but typical for a Mini.
Tech and Features: A Modern Driver’s Cockpit
A standout inside is the 24cm circular digital screen dominating the dashboard, giving you access to all the driving info you could need.
The Mini offers seven driving modes, including a fun “go-kart” mode, highlighting its sporty DNA.
Mini claims a range of 243 miles on a full charge, but in real-world driving, expect closer to around 200 miles.
Charging up to 80% at a fast charger takes less than 30 minutes.
Pricing and Extras: Not Exactly Cheap
This new electric Mini isn’t budget-friendly. Prices for the JCW Aceman start at around £40,920.
The version I drove came in at £44,570 after adding extras like £550 for the British Racing Green paint and £3,800 for the “Level 3” pack,
For comparison, the two-door JCW electric hatchback is slightly cheaper, starting from £39,120.
Size Matters: Comparing the New Aceman to the Original Mini
Compared to the original Mini, the Aceman has grown significantly.
It’s now over a meter longer (4.08m vs. 3.05m), nearly 60cm wider (1.99m vs. 1.41m), and taller (1.51m vs. 1.35m). The weight has tripled too, now tipping the scales at 1,820 kg.
It comes with standard roof rails, sporty 19-inch wheels with red brake calipers, and runs on performance tires, emphasizing its sportier stance.
Competition and Market Context: Facing Rivals in a Crowded Space
Though premium and a bit niche, the JCW Aceman competes in a tough market for sporty compact electric SUVs.
Prices are generally coming down as sales slow, with cheaper Chinese models and automaker discounts shaking things up.
Rivals include the Volvo EX30, Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and Smart #1.
A Nod to Heritage and Racing Success
Mini proudly reminds us of the brand’s racing heritage.
Over 60 years ago, John Cooper created the original sporty Mini, which became a rally legend with multiple Monte Carlo Rally wins in the 1960s.
The JCW badge continues this tradition by bringing racing-inspired performance to modern Mini models.
Final Thoughts on the JCW Aceman
The new JCW Aceman is a fun, fast, and nimble electric compact SUV.
It’s a bit more practical than the hatchback version but also slightly slower.
Its go-kart-like handling is thrilling but requires a steady hand to keep that powerful electric punch in check. However, it doesn’t come cheap.
Made in China but British at Heart
Although Mini still identifies as a British brand, the new Aceman is actually built in Zhangjiagang, China — about 5,000 miles from Mini’s traditional Oxford home.
BMW had plans to invest heavily to electrify the Oxford factory and bring production back to the UK, but those plans were put on hold earlier this year due to uncertainties in the automotive industry and slower EV adoption.
The Mini Legacy Continues
The original Mini might never have been hugely profitable, but BMW is determined not to repeat that mistake.
With the new electric Minis, including the JCW Aceman, the brand is evolving while holding onto its unique character — combining heritage, style, and cutting-edge technology.