Mini Aceman - I really wanted to love this car BUT... | FIRST DRIVE | 4K

[@tinniswood2577]

A true Dogs Dinner of a design both inside and out which is quite an achievement!

[@malcolmdale4876]

I think the most positive thing you said was 'I like the writing on the back' says it all really, it looks horrendous!

[@Ronnie9919]

Utterly gopping. In contrast, I just bought a 2003 supercharged Cooper S for £850. What a total hoot. Plus weeny and waily to boot. That leccy carbuncle probably loses 10 times more than I've just spent in depreciation the second the key thingy touches your hand. The world has gone mad.

[@davidvestey6014]

And we’ll all be paying for your CO2s for ever!

[@purangesmith9053]

Usually, even the poorest designed car is ok from certain angles , well done Mini for showing that is not always the case.

[@williamfence566]

The best thing I can say about the design is that at least it will be rare on the roads.

[@Oliver-ui4qm]

Guessing this review should promote the sales of it then!! 😉

[@johnmull59]

Vaguely Ssang Yong in appearance. I think Mini have taken their eye off the ball with this. The first thing I saw with the wheels was tuning forks! I think Mini have just taken the P out of a previous failure!

[@baccattack]

Tuning forks was my first thought too 👍

[@DavidDouthwaite]

Ha. Tuning fork first for me too, then condom. You won’t need the latter driving one of these.

[@Jake.Warren]

I really wanted to like this car as I’m looking for a replacement for my 2020 Mini Electric but I’m afraid this doesn’t do it for me. It looks like my money will be going to Renault for the 5 EV, especially as the price and specs for the UK were released today and it’s been priced very keenly. I think Mini has got a fight on its hands.

[@johnnodge4327]

I'd definitely take the R5 over this monstrosity.

[@martyndemers1264]

My wife has the 21 plate EV3 mini and it is great around town and we use it the most. I had a test drive of that car last Monday and I have decided to change my 22 plate countryman S for the Aceman Se. I know I will have to stop to charge which will be a first for me as we never take our EV a distance but I think I can live with it. In my experience of the car it’s about the same size internally as the original mini countryman. My car is on the slow boat from China and they hope to get me into it by the middle of December

[@roylove6036]

As a Mini Clubman driver of over 10 years now I was hoping this would maybe keep me in the Mini brand - sadly this is the end for me Mini wise.

[@briangriffiths114]

Judging by the majority of comments, this car is going to be a roaring success!🤣🤣

[@JaapRood]

It’s mostly sold out in Europe until summer, biggest seller so far of the new ones. This video just seems to be the Aceman-hater honeypot on youtube so far.

[@celliott16]

As a fan of all the minis, from classic onwards, ive got to say that thats really pigging fugly 🙈😂

[@mahmoudghoneim8004]

A bigger Suzuki Swift is what I see.

[@losch78]

A bigger and uglier Suzuki Swift, because that has at least some levels of cute left, even if the new gen lost some of it. This is just awkward

[@johndawson5718]

Me too, had similar thought when PP set off on test drive and we got a rear view. I’m just not an EV fan at the moment. Good review though as we now know every time.

[@TheBeebg]

Don’t get it from any angle - hideous

[@owenmcdonald5922]

No thanks. Like its parent company, design has left the building.

[@andypalin3287]

BMW have made 'Ugly' a standard option! 😜 Great Review though Pete! 👍

[@ohyesitsme]

What an over weight horror with a pizza plate stuck on the dash. Whoever conceived the design must have been having a nightmare. The sounds it makes is like something from Playskool

[@cookiedais]

The weird angular headlights are the icing on the ugly cake . I hate it .

[@stevenmaly7147]

Hideous is the first thought that comes to mind. Mini lost the plot about 10 years ago. The beautiful, simple Frank Stephenson design of 2002 is now a distant memory. Here in the US Mini has become a afterthought. The legion of fanatical enthusiasts Mini developed beginning with the R-50 have disappeared. Serious doubts about the future of this mark in the US market.

[@DSCC007]

Who designed this .... Lego.

[@negativezero-andy5197]

Agreed… but that cheap knock off Lego you find on Temu 😂

[@zzhughesd]

Yeh. It's hanging. Sad. Really. Very. Even if everything stayed same just round headlights and well. It'd probably look like the X Cat Funky Cat was it. Cannot remember. This is one sorry looking Mini. ​@@negativezero-andy5197

[@mrgrumpy771]

tonka

[@andrewnewnes7831]

Terrible thing...

[@wendyhopkins2902]

What a ugly car , gosh looks like the designer has made so many mistakes inside and out and didn't know when to quit lol 😆

[@map00100]

As you do think it is an ugly car, some others like it. But you are most smart on the world, yes.

[@johnnodge4327]

Apart from it being ugly, I think the JCW is too expensive. They need to get the price to under £40k, so it's not hit with the Luxury car tax of an additional £410 PA on top of the new £190 PA EV tax from April.

[@silvermovermedia9737]

Pete, it’s horrible, all you can talk about is range charging and design, nothing to enjoy there, poodling around saving the battery, remember how much fun you had in your Clubman 😝

[@melvy211]

They stopped making the Clubman for this 😭

[@andyhunt457]

Niche taken to an extreme level

[@grahamfry812]

Says it all Peter when your positive comment was “ I like the writing on the back” Hideous looking car.

[@Phillc748]

21 mins in, look how much you are looking across at the display… and that’s the issue with them now, it’s just distracting gimmicks instead of real baked on mechanical character. You would struggle to adjust heated seats on the move as you point out but it’s just so fussy

[@eljayr4669]

As a motoring journalist you have to say some nice things about a car but I can see nothing positive with this car. The design of the car looks like it is built with Lego. I can say nothing nice about it. My son lives just over 200 miles away. This car wouldn’t make it. I can’t see the point of the car especially as it can’t carry four adults in comfort.

[@ru54623]

this car is a crime against humanity

[@numbereightyseven]

Odd bot comment, right?

[@alfagtvjan]

Great video, as always, Peter but that thing sucks.

[@darrenmclean992]

New Aceman vs your old 'Charlie' Clubman - No contest, Charlie wins hands down!

[@Russell_G]

Yup...I reckon I'm gonna be hanging on to my JCW Clubman for many, many years to come!

[@RobertMackenzie-yn8ig]

What an awful looking car How did that get out of the design studio Worst looking car mini have made in my opinion

[@petedig5809]

@@Russell_Gme too.

[@davidpegg4516]

Don’t like it I’m afraid Ped. Mini taking ugly design lessons from BMW it seems. And don’t get me started on prices of EV’s.

[@RobertBaird-xr5sw]

Pointless! Better competition out there than this.

[@steveburland624]

It's ugly from all angles and all that shiny black plastic on the outside won't look great after a couple of years use in the UK.

[@jimmygee1969]

I wanted to disagree with the comments but no, that truly is an abomination of a design for any brand/manufacturer but for one I love and respect, it’s unforgivable. Also, all that extra exterior real estate vs a hatch for virtually no gain on interior space. As others have said, the Koreans and the Chinese manufacturers are way ahead of established Europeans with all their heritage and design back catalogue. Positively yuck!

[@michaelzero5144]

The new Mini is in the top 10 of slowest selling cars in the USA. Buyers have spoken and its a big fail for Mini/BMW. BMW has at least 4 cars in the slowest selling cars which includes several BMW's as well. What's going on? Very sad! This does not include this new car shown here...

[@Outlaw-Pete]

As a mini fan, there is nothing I like about this car. Literally nothing. 🤷🏼

[@MrAjjm65]

Move over Pontiac Aztek, we have a new contender for the most gopping car design ever.

[@johnball4826]

Who ever designed this car was on drugs or they need to go to Specsavers. Very small side glass area, no space in to back really what is point of this version of the Mini. Also why don’t they call it the Maxi ?

[@chrisfisher2839]

BMW are ruining the Mini brand

[@timleech]

You mean the one who have owned it for 25 years and have sold millions..ok

[@chrisfisher2839]

@@timleechNoneed to tell me the obvious smarty pants. We are all commenting on how they have ruined a gorgeous concept that has served them well but now turning it into a non discript shit box that if you took the badges off would be hard pushed to work out what make it was….and for the record we have one of the glorious Pacemans in the family and in my opinion made a mistake dropping that one

[@marcushinton772]

Some of the interior plastic would embarrass a Dacia, not my cup of tea would rather have one of the new Renault's

[@uncois]

I love the design. It has a monolithic look, reminiscent of modern BMWs. The rear lines particularly resonate with me. I love its unique aesthetic compared to other modern cars. Its compact size makes it perfect for city driving, especially since I often find myself stuck in traffic. I also appreciate the leather-free interior. It still manages to engage the driver and maintain a sense of driving enjoyment, which is rare in today's EV market.

[@philhicks5818]

Well Pete we’ve only gone and ordered a aceman sport , wanted to order the jcw as it was actually cheaper than the sport , however didn’t want to wait till,next august, but luckily there was 4 cars left to go,into production next week in the white we wanted but with the red roof which since the launch of the jcw , is now not available, one thing we’ve learnt since the demo , is the heated seats you mentioned will come on automatically when the temp drops below degrees, there is a lot of automated stuff in these cars , Must say the drive we thought was great , nice suspension, a lot smoother than the cooper , quieter than the cooper and pretty nippy , we are going down a size from the previous model countryman not the new countryman. Just got to wait to March now

[@derrenhams6537]

Any mileage having a second channel? Copyright “Electro Ped”? Would your views go up appealing to both interests?

[@PaulGs-Stuff]

I did look at the Aceman recently and for me the biggest problem is the cheapest version (E) has an even smaller battery than the SE. The range of the SE is not great but the range of the E is not good at all (186WLTP) , and it is still £31K, which isn't exactly a cheap car given it really is only useful for relatively local journeys (75 miles each way). The lowest trim level SE is £36300 for the classic, which is very close to the "luxury" car tax" (£40K). You have to be very careful not to have too many additional demands, such as a different roof colour (which is only available on Exclusive trim levels), in fact you really need to choose "Melting Silver" and the 17" wheels to avoid the start of the slippery slope options list which will take you over the £40K threshold and incur an extra £400+ a year road tax for the first 5 years (well actually years 2-6). Depreciation and insurance quotes on Electric cars are also a bit wild at the moment so my petrol 2018 Clubman JCW just makes more sense all round really.

[@PetrolPed]

Ouch 😣

[@youtubewts]

This isn' t a car for a 6ft 3 person to sit in front and back!! 🤦

[@notesfromafar]

What an awful looking car. If it didn't have a Mini badge on you would in no way connect it to original (real) Mini or even the early BMW ones...

[@zzhughesd]

It's plain hanging. Saw about 3. Two my estate an a JCW in a farm shop which I immediately knew wasnt anything. Not a JCW of old. A badging exercise. Very sad be thinking of Mini losing it's way.

[@PixelVibe42]

It reminds me of the Orca Funky Cat from the front. And that’s not a good thing!

[@brummiesalteno-81]

Couldn't agree more. Looks rubbish and not even practical.

[@simontaylor3211]

Totally agree. Looks absolutely horrendous

[@zzhughesd]

that’s the one. You never…. Ever... See them now. The funky cat. Saw a couple back summer and alas the funky cat has all but disappeared.

[@kevincross9206]

Yep - the ugly stick has been brought out of the cupboard again. First impressions last as the saying goes, my first impression is 🤮

[@glenhooper9105]

It looks like the old Renault 5 Turbo!!

[@kez2164]

The new Renault 5 is a much nicer looking car than the mini Aceman.

[@darrenrhoden6112]

why do car manufacturer price top range cars just over £40k, this Aceman JCW is £40.800?

[@peterhardwick4939]

Sorry not my cup of tea Pete!

[@t9south]

Since 2006 I’ve only had MINI, R53, R56, Two F56, Two F55 and now a F60. Fun and enjoyable to drive. Unfortunately I feel MINI’s brand new square design language will date very quickly. The Countryman will be my last MINI.

[@losch78]

Apart from the godawful looks, there is no excuse for car of this size to have less space in the rear than any supermini. Lets be honest, there is probably more space in a Fiat Panda (I'm 6"3 too and had a Panda several times as rental). This is super poor packaging on top of the questionable design outside.

[@mell3109]

Not even its mother could love those looks 🤢

[@markbennett6658]

It doesn’t look like it’s very well received in the comments Pete. I would say in mitigation that the grey on black combo doesn’t help it. A lighter brighter main colour would provide more contrast and make the squared off SUV styling work better. I quite like the Goldilocks size and prefer the design to the Countryman. The dinner plate sized instrument panel looks a bit more in proportion than in the mini Mini. You’re right another 50 miles of range would be desirable but I’d say the 210 real world is just about enough for quite a few potential buyers as is the charging speed but again only just. Fake JCW cosmetics, definitely not. It irks me like GT Line … as in for Christ’s sake just get a GT!

[@gilesl]

so impractical, so expensive

[@Rogerjones44194]

😂😂😂😂😂 should get this one in the garage 😅😅

[@michaelanderson3771]

In a word - NO Not my cup of tea. I loved the old Mini- Pure go cart on the street. I would take a Hayabusa Mini or a turbo charged Honda powered modded one over an EV. Was so economical as an ICE car why spoil it by making it into an appliance.

[@da_great_mogul]

Most 6'4" people having to sit in the rear won't necessarily be sitting behind someone that's 6'4". Lol.

[@lloydmillership9682]

made in China by great wall motors nit made in Britain. 😢😢😢

[@kez2164]

As an EV fan, agree with Ped on the EV range and charging capabilities of this 'electric only' car, quite good for 2020, but not for 2024/25. Even if they were trying to hit a certain weight threshold, it feels like BMW could have done more with efficiency/battery density when compared to similar size vehicles. On the plus side it could be a good bargain second hand 3 years time when they come off PCP deals.

[@PetrolPed]

Yep 👍

[@silverghini2629]

Why do people think Mini is about being small? That’s like saying Porsche is about coupes. Heritage is one thing but we are not in the 60s now. Cars are bigger for safety reasons - just look at the size difference between the Mk 1 golf and the Mk 8.

[@teknomanning]

I bought a used 2020 countryman 2 yrs ago. Love it…

[@RoamingCumbria]

Thanks Pete for another great honest review. Totally agree regarding the badging, The JCW badge should be used only for true JCW cars. But as you say it's not just Mini doing this! Personally I wouldn't get one because it's much smaller than my F60 Countryman S. Also it's electric and the charging infrastructure in Cumbria is fairly limited. I will be changing to the U25 Countryman. Talking about the U25 Countryman be interested in hearing how you're getting on with you long termer. Especially the OLED display which from what I've read can be very buggy.

[@Strontium_Dog_72]

That's the ugliest car I've seen in a long time. They must be selling a hell of a lot of cars in China because they definitely didn't design it for the European market.

[@stuartgibbons6300]

Just got a delivery of a new Aceman and it’s definitely a pretty car with great tech. We have an i3s and iX3

[@PetrolPed]

Enjoy it

[@harrycummings6501]

Another pointless ugly EV I’m afraid, as an AMG, GR and Alpine fan, this dodgy badging really irritates me…..why does a car like this need JCW badging? Come on Mini!

[@xjsteve]

Since Mini production moved to China, the brand has really lost its way. Mini Aceman… no thanks.

[@dmocl3s]

MINI electric.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Looks awful take off the badge it looks like a Chinese made MG and costs much more. Mini lost their way years ago.

[@johnnodge4327]

Actually it looks more like a Great Wall Motor Ora than an MG. MG make some pretty OK looking vehicles, nothing special, but not completely hideous like this thing.

[@SimonSWUK1]

Suzuki Swift Sport all the way, the back end is a straight copy!

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Ah, I get the wheel joke now. Looks like 5 dingers!

[@theloneranger2101]

What are Dingers?

[@Mudster250]

Guessing 'Dingers' are condoms

[@numbereightyseven]

Maybe tuning forks. I see tuning forks.

[@nickjh1968]

An absolute monstrosity. Every aspect is hideous. The only thing that’s Mini about this creation is its appeal to buyers. Truly terrible.

[@johnking8288]

Seems very noisy when driving

[@wytung]

Thanks for giving alternative views on it comparing to most of the existing reviews 👍😊

[@davcuts2897]

It's a shame the Aceman isn't the the new Countryman with a petrol engine. It's way more attractive than the new Countryman.

[@Treeburnify]

Another design train-wreck from BMW

[@davidperry3531]

There would be sufficient room in the back for 'normal' people....

[@youtubewts]

Especially if a more regular sized person is in the front. He said he had plenty of room in the front at 6ft 3. It's almost like a biased video.

[@MrWesternDuke]

Don't forget there was the Clubman as an alternative to the 3/5 door hatch but with more practicality. Yes it was on the X1 platform, so not a particularly mini MINI. Still fun to drive though.

[@richardhoulton4016]

“Mini” LMAO 😂 That awful dashboard and touchscreen is cost cutting…pure and simple! And I hate BMW steering wheels. When did the hand measurements of an Orangutan get into BMW’s design department? 86/BRZ and MX5 are steering wheels done right.

[@Dolph681]

Ugly, Chinese electric vehicle with Mini badge. Oh yeah and very expensive. Hard pass.

[@RachelTheives]

Even its parents would disown it!

[@beatles4sale2007]

Wow a Mini that actually is a smaller car…(we have a 2020 Countryman Hybrid and it’s been a great daily 2nd car). Looks more like an urban run about primarily, but obviously has a few niggles. Great review Pete, the honesty is welcome especially as you are a fan of the brand, keep up the good work fella.

[@waynemetalart3591]

Sorry Pete one ugly ev I’m afraid

[@dangreasley7934]

Funky looking new Mini, are BMW/Mini a bit complacent? Kia are certainly out performing Mini with regards to range.

[@betterthanisound]

As a mini fan since my mums mini in the 70s and as an owner of two minis of my own, I sooooo want to love this. But I cannot. I’m not really sure what has happened BMW has done such an amazing job since the major relaunch some two decades ago…. But this new range feels it has lost the spirit of mini. However, I’m not giving up yet. Haven’t driven one so I need to make more of an effort. I have a 5 door cooper s and love it. But keen to go electric… watch this space.

[@anthonyfinch4401]

terrible styling on this. That back end looks too awkward. Just don't get it really. How is there so little room in it as well?

[@philipparkes5682]

Hi Ped 😥😥😥😥I think for the first time I find it impossible to say anything positive about this car. Sad to think this wears a Mini badge.

[@franciscojaviervaldeonpaez9864]

I like the car guys, but not in black and not with the JCW styling. I think just the S is good enough and in racing Green looks very cool. I agree with you all, I don't like so much the front lights design. Thanks for the video. 💚👌💨🏁

[@trevorcrook2565]

I'm afraid the styling reminds me of a Ssang Yong! The A290 looks much nicer, and looks to have similar cabin space, with better ergonomics. Stopping to charge after 150 miles wouldn't bother me, providing usable chargers were available.

[@capitalm1257]

Ssang Yong is a far better car

[@GBFeb72]

That doesn’t look good…

[@richardstamper5630]

On first impression and as a Mini man that looks butt ugly

[@ronald1968]

Sorry.... it's ugly... and electric!

[@SaidSalazar-x1h]

Great presentation from Electric Ped!!

[@thebluetrumpet74]

Another big, ugly, pointless Mini with no room for passengers or luggage. How can such a big car have so little room? It's like a tardis in reverse. An EX30 is cheaper, better looking, roomier, faster and with better range. The Aceman (stupid name) is an aberration that'll be bought by folks who can't see past the Mini badge.

[@andrewglynn3349]

have been thinking about the Renault 5 to replace our MINI Cooper hatch. Thought I would watch this as MINI are pushing it at us as our PCP comes to an end. Anyway, now very keen to to confirm the Renault 5 UK release date..

[@carcreationsyt]

Thanks for the video! Dont think we will be getting this in North America so fun to see it here!

[@britishminiclub]

Great review Pete and very honest. Oddly other reviews have mentioned the style of the wheels 😉

[@RapiD0007]

Oh dear , and the rear seating ( broken pencil )

[@ndgmyr]

"up until now" you had the 5-door MINI . . . . . . . and you can still have it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[@anonymouspdg6121]

Another interesting video. I went to the local launch of the Aceman as it is a consideration when changing my current BEV. There were two Aceman, an SE Sport and an SE Exclusive but they also had an SE Exclusive Countryman next to them. We originally were looking for a smaller car the the current XC40 but as you so deftly showed, the front seats are fine but rear legroom and the boot are just too much of a compromise and even for a couple of people, not big enough to take two medium suit cases in the boot unless the rear seats are down. Absolutely no good for a medium sized dog. Having the Countryman and Aceman side by side was very helpful. Range and price are interesting as again as you pointed out, the waltz quoted range is ok but in reality it's going to be closer to 200 miles which just isn't good enough. We had quotes for an SE exclusive and an SE Sport but then with the latest up front contributions and deposit contribution, the SE Exclusive Countryman is a very similar price. The incentives for Countryman far outweigh the offerings for Cooper or Aceman, especially adding in a years free insurance. The Countryman just makes so much more sense from usability and range perspective?

[@soudley8]

Another EV . This will not sell . Why are the manufacturers listening to the politicians , and not the buying public? No more , please.