All-electric new MINI landing in E and SE trims, with 310km and 406km range respectively.

ACEMAN, the electric compact that will slot between the new three-door Cooper hatchback and the Countryman SUV in MINI’s range, is going to span two editions, the highest a sniff under $70,000.

Announcement that the model, which the BMW brand sources from China, will deliver from late year in two forms, badged Aceman E and Aceman SE, came today.

The first carries a 38.5kWh battery for 310 kilometres range at 0-100kmh in 7.9 seconds, and will cost $63,990.

The SE sites at $69,990, and has a 49.2kWh battery, 160kW and 330Nm, and will cover 406km between charges, according to testing to the WLTP scale. It clocks 0-100kmh in 7.1s.

The new model unveiled at a motor show in Beijing in April. It is initially only being built in China and bases on a new platform developed by the Spotlight Automotive joint venture between BMW and China's Great Wall. 

Aceman was designed alongside the new Cooper full-electric hatchback, which is also built only in China.

The SE’s bigger battery also offers faster charging than the E’s, at speeds of up to 95kW, which means the more expensive model can be charged from 10-80 percent in less than half an hour.

The E has a panoramic glass sunroof and takes adaptive cruise control, parking assist, sat nav, speed limit, steering and lane control assist, a six-speaker stereo, and sports front seats with heating.

The SE goes to an augmented reality sat nav, with interacts with the new digital assistant avatar called Spike, gets a premium audio, John Cooper Works seats with electric adjust, and an interior camera.

Both models run on 19-inch alloys, of different designs.

MINI is promising the Aceman will continue to offer the “go-kart” driving sensations expected from MINI’s smaller models, with suspension and steering specifically tuned for agility. MINI has also promised a rapid accelerator response from the electric motors, and a sporty, firm feel through the brake pedal.

MINI has also confirmed a range of driving modes that adjust the suspension set-up, as well as the steering response and the way in which the traction control intervenes.

With styling that largely stays true to a same-name concept that Mini showed off in Europe two years ago, the Aceman also borrows cues from existing products, most obviously Countryman. 

It has the same LED daytime running lights as the latter, and they also communicate distinctively shaped body cladding around the wheel arches, lower bumpers and door sills. Both variants also feature rhombus-shaped headlights, black A- and B-pillars to create a floating-roof effect, and almost completely vertical front ends.

The interior is as per other new Minis; so a clean and uncluttered cabin with a fabric-upholstered dashboard and a central touchscreen infotainment system. A two-spoke steering wheel is fitted as standard, while the 240mm circular screen handles everything from speedometer and trip computer displays to audio and climate controls.

the screen uses MINI’s latest software technology to provide various displays, including an individual mode that allows customers to apply an image as a background, like the wallpaper on a smartphone.

The Aceman is just over four metres’ long and 1.75m wide, so will get seating for five, with the company promising an “amply sized rear” passenger space for three. There’s 300 litres of boot space, rising to 1005 litres to play with when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded down. 

Comment from Alexander Brockhoff, general manager of MINI Australia and New Zealand, was provided.

He said the Aceman stood to deliver “a fresh and innovative take on the iconic MINI design while representing the next generation of MINI – one that is built for the future while staying true to the brand’s heritage of go-kart driving fun and individuality.

“The Aceman provides our customers with a greater choice of electrified, premium compact vehicles that are perfect for urban living and beyond. Its introduction is a testament to our unwavering commitment in electrifying the brand and our vision of a sustainable future.”