Meet Our New Long-Term Test Car: The MINI Aceman in Melting Silver III

We’ve just taken delivery of something rather special – a Melting Silver III MINI Aceman SE that’ll be living with us for the next several months. This is MINI’s first electric-only model, a crossover that sits between the Cooper hatchback and the Countryman SUV. On paper, it occupies an awkward middle ground. In the metal, though, it’s already making a compelling first impression.

This is the first instalment of our long-term review series, where we’ll be documenting what it’s actually like to live with MINI’s electric crossover in South Africa. We’ll be honest, thorough, and we’ll cover everything from daily commutes to weekend getaways. Today, let’s start with what matters most when any car arrives: how it looks.

First Impressions: Grown-Up Cute

Standing in front of the Aceman for the first time, you’re struck by how MINI has managed to create something that looks both futuristic and characteristically MINI. It’s not trying to be a toy-like city car, nor is it pretending to be a serious SUV. Instead, it occupies this fascinating space – it looks really cute, but grown up at the same time.

At 4.07 metres long, 1.75 metres wide, and 1.50 metres tall, the Aceman is larger than you’d expect. It’s not as small as the name suggests, and it wears its dimensions with an SUV-like stance that gives it genuine road presence. Yet it doesn’t feel bloated or awkward, there’s still that MINI nimbleness in its proportions.

The Melting Silver III paint on our test car is stunning too. In sunlight, it shifts between silver and grey with hints of blue, catching the light in ways that make the Aceman’s angular surfaces really pop. It’s sophisticated without being boring, distinctive without being shouty.

Front End: Familiar Yet Fresh

The Aceman’s face is unmistakably MINI, but it’s not just a copy-paste job. The octagonal grille – an evolution of MINI’s traditional hexagonal shape – sits prominently in a gloss black surround that extends into solid underride protection. It gives the front end a more modern, purposeful look.

The angular LED headlights are a departure from the round units on older MINIs, and they work brilliantly. They lend the Aceman a more contemporary, aggressive character whilst maintaining that cheeky MINI charm. What’s particularly neat is the three different daytime running light modes where you can switch between different LED graphics depending on your mood. It’s the sort of detail that makes the car feel special.

We’re keen to see how those headlights perform on South African roads, particularly for any longer trips we might take. But from initial impressions around Johannesburg, the visibility seems excellent.

Profile: The Crossover Question

From the side, the Aceman’s crossover credentials become clear. Short overhangs front and rear emphasise the wheels-at-each-corner stance that MINI is famous for. Our test car sits on 18-inch alloys that fill the arches nicely without looking comically oversized, they strike a balance that’s harder to achieve than it sounds.

The roofline is higher than a Cooper but lower than a Countryman, creating a sleek silhouette that doesn’t sacrifice headroom for style. Standard roof rails add a dash of adventurous character, completing the crossover aesthetic nicely.

The body-coloured lower sills might seem like a small detail, but they contribute to a more premium appearance compared to the plastic cladding you’d find on many rivals. It’s a cleaner, more sophisticated look that feels well thought out.

The back end is where MINI’s designers have really let loose. The rear lights feature MINI’s matrix LED technology with three different display modes, creating a distinctive light signature that’s recognisable from a distance. Unlike some EVs that feel the need to scream about their electric credentials, the Aceman’s rear is subtle, there’s no “ELECTRIC” badge or green accents. Just clean, purposeful design.

The small rear spoiler integrated into the roofline adds a sporty touch without being over the top. It’s functional too, helping with aerodynamics and therefore range.

Boot access is via a conventional tailgate, which swings up to reveal what looks like a surprisingly usable cargo area. But we’ll save the practicality discussion for our next article on interior space.

Initial Public Reaction: The Curiosity Factor

In just the first few days of running the Aceman around Johannesburg, we’ve already noticed people’s reactions. They’re curious. Very curious.

“What is it?” is the most common question, followed quickly by “Is that the new MINI?” and “Where does it fit in the range?” The Aceman occupies this interesting space in public consciousness – recognisably MINI, but unfamiliar enough to generate interest rather than blend into traffic.

People stop and look. They point. They ask questions. For an electric vehicle trying to make its mark in South Africa, that kind of attention is exactly what you want. The Aceman photographs well, but it looks even better in person where you can appreciate the precision of the lines and the quality of the build.

First Drive Impressions: Size and Presence

On Johannesburg roads, the Aceman commands attention without being obnoxious. The raised ride height means you’re not peering up at SUVs and bakkies, yet you’re not sitting so high that you feel disconnected from the road. Initial visibility impressions are excellent—genuinely surprising given how terrible some modern cars are in this regard.

The compact footprint makes navigating tight parking spots easy, whilst the SUV-like stance means you don’t feel intimidated by larger vehicles. It’s this versatility that seems to define the Aceman’s design philosophy; big enough to feel substantial, small enough to remain agile. I think it would be best suited in Cape Town.

We’re looking forward to testing this properly on longer trips and in various driving conditions over the coming months.

Post Views: 0

#MINI #MINI Aceman

Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.