The MINI Concept Aceman showcases a new design language that is focused on reduction, modernity, environmentally-conscious choices, and the harmonious yet vibrant mix of digital and physical.

‘We are creating an entirely new MINI family. The two bookends will be the original icon, the Hatch, and the MINI Countryman, which will grow slightly in size within the next generation. We identified a gap in between those two products. This is the Concept Aceman."

"As the youngest family member, we saw the design as a chance to stretch the brand in terms of form language, modernity and so forth,’ begins Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

A Refinement Of Exterior Design:

‘The vehicle is a city crossover so is slightly higher and a little longer than our other models. However, it still has classic MINI proportions: the wheels in the corners, really short overhangs, and the contrast between the roof, greenhouse and body.’ Oliver Heilmer continues.

‘Its design still means people will be able to recognize it as a MINI.’

Progressive crossover proportions lend the four-door, five-seater MINI more practicality with a length of 4.05m, 1.99m width and 1.59m height. 

Its two-box design is split by the British Racing green roof and rack contrasting with the wraparound window and minimal body beneath, which shimmers in color from a light turquoise through to gold. 

A deliberate use of defined contours and clear edges reduces the design to a minimum. 

The geometrically sculpted bonnet and wheel arches, together with the tapered lines add dynamism to the familiar MINI form.

The much-love British character of the MINI remains, as the union jack is reinterpreted in the design of the lights and roof rack. 

A myriad of expressive details reveals the car’s dual personality of urban and adventure as well. 

Horizontal underride protection and dark green cladding on the door and rear, muscular spats, and the roof rack add to its character. 

‘It all begins as soon as we have defined the character of the car. Initially, we jumped really far into the future with the form language, proportion and details, and then we refined it back to the point where the car became instantly recognizable as a MINI.'

'The design represents a big step towards modernity,’ confirms the designer.

A Reduction In Interior Design:

‘The concept was a chance to use different materials. We wanted to create a friendly, welcoming interior so tactile experiences were key. The result looks like art,’ explains Oliver.

The concept of ‘Only MINI can do’ materials is apparent inside the Concept Aceman. 

The cabin itself is flooded with light from the wraparound windows and panoramic roof, made even more spacious with the ingenious transparent, floating center console and large, open surfaces in the doors and behind the clean dashboard.

The dashboard, upholstered in discretely colored, recycled polyester textile, highlights the rigorously applied reduction to the interior design. 

Everything is pared back to the essentials, much like the original MINI by Alec Issigonis. 

A dark-green velvet velour-covered steering wheel and large, circular OLED display are the only features on the dashboard. 

The circular screen serves as a new experience hub, grouping all functions of an instrument cluster. 

‘Our design provides a visual relief in comparison to other interiors where the physical screen stretches from pillar-to-pillar and is surrounded by lots of switches.'

'We just focused on three elements: the circular display, toggle bar and clean dashboard.’ notes the designer.

Digital Extension Of User Experiences:

‘We wanted the interior to be super clean – and technical innovation was the enabler for this.'

'We believe in the digital possibilities of personalization in the future. This will keep your MINI fresh,’ concludes Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design, to launch the Concept Aceman.

 The shy-tech of the dashboard enables an all-encompassing, cohesive user experience in the concept.'

Three vibrant and fun ‘Experience modes’ can be selected by the driver and passengers: the customizable Personal mode, the navigational Pop-up mode, and the Vivid mode for stationery interactions with the OLED display.

The trio of modes immerses users into different interiors of expressive color, light, sound, and moving-image projections. 

The interaction between car and users extends from outside in, welcoming the users with a lighting display on the front grille as well as a wink from the headlights, and from a light carpet as the doors open to a greeting message on the circular display.

The designers believe that these features will heighten the personal relationship between people & MINIs in the future.