Launched at the same time as the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works hatch, the Aceman EV crossover range is now also complete, with the addition of the sportiest and most powerful John Cooper Works version (JCW).
The all-electric Mini Aceman JCW, like the E and SE, is designed to fit in between the smaller Cooper and larger Countryman models.
Design and interior
As we’ve said before, this Mini has its own sense of style – with a more angular look. As with our own long-term Aceman SE, these Minis suit the sportier body kit, although apart from a unique set of wheels, red highlights, and red brake callipers, it looks the same as our less powerful car. Overall, its chunky design still looks much better in the metal and in darker colours.
Inside, the look and feel are as with the standard Aceman. So, think woollen trim on the dashboard and doors (chequered again here). Although, the curvier trim on the doors highlights the cheaper, scratchier plastics that now feature across the rest of the range – but perhaps are better hidden in other models!
The space and driving position are good in the front and will feel familiar to anyone who has driven the Cooper. The switchgear and the Classic Mini-influenced toggle bar are as with other Mini models. You can’t miss the circular OLED display, again running Android-based Mini Operating System 9, with all the functions of the car operated by touch or voice control. There’s a lot going on in a circular screen with a diameter of 240mm, however it is easy to operate and is generally fast in its operation.
Despite the promising design, and although better than the Cooper, space in the back of the Aceman is best described as ‘average’. Five-door practicality is welcome, but leg and especially headroom with the sunroof fitted is compromised for anybody other than children.
The Aceman’s practically shaped 300-litre boot has a high lip, which we think will hinder its practicality.
Performance and drive
Underneath, the Aceman JCW features the biggest 54.2kWh battery, and a 258hp electric motor. This equals a 0-62mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds, a top speed of 124mph, and a range of 243 miles – all with a BIK company car tax liability of 3%.
The Aceman JCW, as you’d expect, is an exciting drive, although it’s harder than the Cooper to get the best out of it – we’re sure this isn’t helped by the Aceman’s taller stance. As with the Cooper, we think it’s disappointing Mini didn’t fit the JCW with a proper limited-slip differential like the Abarth 600e. As such, we believe it will be quite difficult to make the most of the acceleration. In all drive modes, but worst in ‘Go-Kart’ mode, this Mini struggles for traction – all with unwelcome added torque steer. However, even when you can hook this Aceman up, even with the light, but direct and precise steering, plus tidy, sharp handling, it’s not as much fun or as confidence inspiring as the Cooper at speed.
Then there’s the ride. We’ve previously found the E and SE versions ride firmly, although they are slightly more comfortable than the Cooper hatch. The Aceman JCW, as expected, is stiffer still, which at first adds to the go-kart feel. However, it frustrates after a while, as this Mini doesn’t seem to settle whatever the road.
Finally, previous experience with our long-term Cooper, and current Aceman, suggests it might be difficult to get the full WLTP 243-mile range. Even with careful use, the most range we saw with this car was 180 miles, which drops even quicker if you use the performance available. Still, the JCW can be charged from 10-80% in under 30 minutes.
If your heart is sold on a Mini Cooper JCW Electric, but you need a bit more space and practicality, the Aceman JCW is one of the most capable, and fun-to-drive crossovers on-sale – as long as its shortcomings can be lived with.
Positive: Involving to drive, keen performance, increased interior practicality, infotainment, stylish and quality interior.
Negative: Looks too close to lesser Sport spec, uncompromising ride, no limited-slip differential, question marks over the EV range, some cheap-feeling interior plastics, stiff ride, not a cheap choice.
Standard equipment: LED head and rear taillights, gloss black roof rails, 19in alloy wheels, Mini OLED display, DAB radio, Mini Driving Modes, two-zone automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, parking assistant and rear camera, Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.
Engines: Electric: 258hp
Equipment grades: E, SE, JCW
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Mini Aceman Electric John Cooper Works 54kWh |
| P11D | £36,840 |
| Residual value | 41.8% |
| Depreciation | £21,514 |
| Fuel | £3,451 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,591 |
| Cost per mile | 45.92p |
| Range | 243 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £18/£37 |
| Luggage capacity | 300 litres |
| Battery size/power | 54.2kWh/258hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
