Final Report: Sport or JCW?
As I write, the Mini Aceman JCW has been gone just over a week, and I miss it more than I thought I would!
We knew what we were getting into, after swapping straight out of an Aceman SE in Sport spec and then trying the Aceman John Cooper Works (JCW) on the UK launch back in May. Our car was finished in optional Midnight Black II paint (£550), with the Red Multitone roof (£650), and our car also benefitted from the top Level 3 pack (£3,800). This included niceties such as, electric memory seats, Driving Assistant Plus, and Adaptive LED lights.
Outside, the Aceman JCW was a bit of disappointment, as apart from the unique ‘Strive Spoke’ alloy wheels, red brake callipers (mostly hidden by the wheels!), red highlights, and a chunkier rear diffuser, it looked the same as the Aceman Sport that had just left.
Overall, in our opinion, its chunky design still looks much better in the metal and in darker colours – although we wouldn’t have chosen black. Plus, the driver’s side red bonnet stripe had already noticeably faded, which slightly spoiled the look at the front.
Inside, my kids again welcomed the extra pair of doors, and slightly more rear space. The biggest surprise was the OLED infotainment system, which worked the best out of the three Mini long-termers we’ve had. Far quicker to connect to personal profiles, and much happier to connect to our iPhone without fault.
With just 1,800 miles on the clock, the fastest Aceman was well run in, and for most of the month it was with us, it was mainly used for school chauffeuring, and local trips. Fitted with the biggest 54.2kWh battery, and a 258hp electric motor, this made every drive an event – not always for the right reasons! As a result, acceleration to 62mph officially took 6.4 seconds – which seemed believable, along with the top speed of 124mph – although we never got near these figures, due to the fear of speeding fines! Still, despite all this performance, the Aceman JCW has a BIK company car tax liability of just 3%.
The Aceman JCW, as you’d expect, was an exciting drive, and made a far better impression after spending more time with it. Although, its shortcomings still frustrated. This is a fast car, but the lack of a proper limited-slip differential meant that traction was always on the edge when accelerating – even modestly, in the mildest driving modes and at it its worse in the wet, or in hard core ‘Go Kart’ mode. As such, we found it quite difficult to make the most of the acceleration.
Then there’s the ride. We previously found that our Aceman SE rode firmly, although this was slightly more comfortable than the Cooper hatch. The JCW, as expected, is stiffer still, which at first adds to the go-kart feel. However, the fact this Mini didn’t seem to settle, even on the smoothest UK tarmac, frustrated. Plus, the choppy ride ultimately made longer trips feel more tiring!
However, when we could hook this Aceman up, even with the light, but direct and precise steering, plus tidy, sharp handling, we think the SE is more fun – because it’s not trying so hard.
Then there’s the Aceman JCW’s efficiency. Mini claim up to 243 miles of range, but even driven moderately swiftly, 190 miles was more the norm. The only time we saw more than this, was after a slow and sweaty trip around the M25, to Crawley and back, with air conditioning off. I made it home with less than 30 miles, but after charging, was rewarded with 208 miles of range.
The Aceman JCW is one of the most capable and fun-to-drive electric crossovers on sale – but make sure you can live with the ride and drive!
| Model | Mini Aceman John Cooper Works |
| P11D price | £36,905 |
| As tested | £41,905 |
| Official range | 242 miles |
| Test consumption | 3.0 miles per/kWh |
| Mileage | 2,314 |
5th Report: A tale of two Acemen
Literally just after I penned my last Aceman report, I got an email from the Mini press office, telling me they needed our car back with them. To soften the blow of giving our Aceman Sport SE back early, Mini offered a range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) instead, as a replacement – but more of that later.
Despite our time with the first Aceman being cut short, we used it a lot in the last couple of weeks it was with us. Ironically, this Mini’s last long drive was the same as the first – a trip to Gatwick airport for a car launch. Home charging this Mini wasn’t usually an issue, but an electrical fault at home annoyingly sidelined my charger.
Gridserve has recently opened another forecourt in Stevenage, which is closest to my home, and this seemed the most obvious public charging solution that weekend. However, before that, we managed to squeeze in a trip to the local cash and carry, for some bulk buying. I was worried that the Mini’s 300-litre boot wouldn’t be enough for our shopping – but it all fitted, and there was room for four-passengers too.
Charging itself was a painless and uniform process, with just over 80% charge, equalling 188 miles of range, and relieving me of just of £28 in the process.
The mid-morning drive to Gatwick the following Monday was pleasingly drama free, and with temperatures in the mid-twenties, I was keener on staying cool – rather than going too fast – so set the cruise control to 60mph. As a result, the range had only dropped to 140 miles – surely this would be enough to not need a charge before home?
Just like last time, it was a late return flight, and I was tired. So, all I wanted to do was head home. Our Mini was now showing 130 miles of range, and with the trip home roughly 80 miles I thought I’d be fine. As I hit the dual carriageway, again I set the cruise control to 60mph, but this time to be extra careful I even turned off the climate control – making me grateful of the cooler night air.
All was fine until just before the Dartford Tunnel, when the Mini’s nav decided to add a charging point just after. This added a level of stress to the drive, bringing back memories of my last trip home from Gatwick – where I only just made it! This time around, the range at 80 miles was far healthier, with roughly 40 miles to home, I had faith – even if the Aceman it seemed didn’t!
As it turned out I was right, because I pulled on to the drive with 39 miles left, although the low-range warning had come on just as I left the dual carriageway! The irony of this frugal drive was when I charged it again, the Aceman claimed a 212-mile range – the largest in the five months we’d been together!
It was interesting to compare the SE with the JCW, just before it was taken away. This time around in Midnight Black, with an optional Red Multitone roof (£650), the obvious changes are the red highlights, the 19in Strive Spoke two-tone wheels, and a lower rear diffuser at the back.
I’ll report fully on how we got on with the fastest Aceman in its next, and last report. However, initial impressions are more favourable than my first drive in the Cotwolds at the launch. The extra 40hp and 11Nm of power and torque are noticeable, but my first couple of charges have equalled around 150 miles of range – even using the performance sparingly! The infotainment also seems free of fault, so I’m looking forward to my remaining time with the Mini Aceman JCW. However, I think the SE will be the easier Mini to live with.
| Model | Mini Aceman Sport SE |
| P11D price | £39,745 |
| As tested | £42,900 |
| Official range | 244 miles |
| Test consumption | 3.0 miles per/kWh |
| Mileage | 2,550 |
4th Report: A question of suspension
At the end of May, Mini completed its Cooper and Aceman ranges, with the launch of the most powerful, range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) EV versions.
Suspension set-up has been a near constant source of conversation since we drove and then spent six months with the Cooper SE. With its light, but direct and precise steering, and sharp handling, the Cooper was great fun to drive. However, we were always aware of the firmer ride of the EV models. Then, as we found out during our time with that Mini, there’s only so long you can excuse the ride for being ‘go-kart-like’!
Going straight from the Cooper to our Aceman, we felt the slightly longer dimensions gave the newest member of the Mini range a ride with a bit more compliance – and four months in, this largely remains the case.
So, we were interested to see how the JCW version, with a more aggressive suspension set-up, would compare with our car. I hope to spend more time in an Aceman JCW in the future, but after an hour’s worth of Cotswold roads, I came back confused, and ultimately disappointed.
With the full 285hp available via a steering wheel-mounted paddle, the Aceman JCW, as you’d expect, is an exciting drive. However, as we predicted, this Mini’s ride is stiffer still! At first, it’s easy to forgive, especially when you hook up the performance and handling correctly out of a corner. The problem is, along with its raised stance, this Mini never seems to settle, whatever the road, and ultimately frustrates.
As an aside, the lack of any sort of limited slip differential is another Aceman JCW disappointment, as we believe it will be quite difficult to make the most of the claimed 6.4 second acceleration. In all drive modes, but worst in ‘Go-Kart’ mode, this Mini struggles for traction – all with unwelcome added torque steer.
After this event, we were lucky enough to spend time with the sportiest version of our current Business Car of the Year, the Cooper John Cooper Works, which is different again to drive when compared to our Aceman. The JCW, as expected, is again much stiffer than the Cooper SE, which at first adds to the go-kart feel. However, like the Aceman, it can frustrate after a while, when this Mini won’t settle on anything less than smoother, faster roads. However, unlike the Aceman, we were grateful that the Cooper did at least settle on some roads – but the traction issues remain!
To sum up, in our opinion, the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works is the better of the two electric range-toppers to drive.
So, we established that the electric version of the Cooper hatch is an impressive performer, and I admit, I did miss it when it went back to Mini. However, after getting back into our Aceman, it offers roughly 80% of the performance of the JCW (whether you choose a Cooper or Aceman), looks the same without the red-painted parts in ‘Sport’ spec, and in our opinion, is easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. Although I would be interested in swapping into a JCW, for a long-term loan, after our Aceman makes its way back to Mini.
Otherwise, this month the Aceman has stretched its wheels with trips to Bicester, and to North London for events. Even despite the hot weather equalling increased efficiency, I’m wondering if last month’s 197 miles might be this Mini’s peak range. As despite speeds below 30mph, the range for the London trip was still (just) behind at 192 miles, which if I’m honest I was disappointed with.
This Mini proved fun to drive on both occasions, but its short dimensions, generally good all-round visibility, comfy and supportive sports seats, and cool air-con, were all really appreciated most in heavy London traffic.
| Model | Mini Aceman Sport SE |
| P11D price | £39,745 |
| As tested | £42,900 |
| Official range | 244 miles |
| Test consumption | 3.0 miles per/kWh |
| Mileage | 2,250 |
3rd Report: Going for the double-ton
I’m a Mini fan, but I don’t just like current models like our Aceman SE – I like the early models that reestablished the brand, such as the first R50 hatch, launched in the summer of 2001.
I feel I’m lucky to own one of the earliest Coopers and like to get out and show it when I can. However, sadly it has been plagued with electrical gremlins this year. I booked my first show of 2025 a while back, the Bicester Sunday Scramble, and was hoping that after lots of work it would still be able to make the trip to Oxford in late April. Sadly, when alternator issues sidelined my car, the only alternative if I wanted to travel in a Mini, was to take the Aceman. A quick wash removed all the pollen and dust, restoring the Legend Grey paint to its best, the night before. Then, after a cool night on my Ohme charger, the result was 180 miles – still short of its WLTP figure, but more than enough for the 94-mile round trip.
While the sun was out, it was a surprisingly cold, early start for a Sunday when I twisted the Aceman SE’s starter. The heated steering wheel and seat presets still being welcomed by my son and me.
By flicking to ‘Efficiency’ mode, this Mini surprised me by increasing to 184 miles, which was welcome. Despite having to wait longer than I’d have liked for my children -–who aren’t used to early starts on a Sunday, I was still able to make the most of the range, and quiet Sunday morning roads.
My son and I were able to enjoy the comfort of the sports seats in the front, and the punchy performance of the Harman Kardon stereo that’s included in the Level 3 pack fitted to our car. Meanwhile, my daughter had enough space to stretch out in the back, and was able to capture some extra needed sleep.
An hour-and-a-half, and no dramas later, the Aceman rolled into Bicester Heritage’s sprawling estate, and parked with the other wide and varied selection of cars whose owners were attending the Scramble. I was pleased with the efficiency, as we still had over 150 miles of range left.
Could this be the only Aceman at the Scramble? Well, despite seeing more on my travels, I couldn’t find any more of the chunky-styled B-segment crossover. I wonder if the performance John Cooper Works model will pique interest? I was still asked a couple of questions on the day – mostly from other Mini owners about it.
Anyway, we all had a fun time looking at the feast of exotic and rarely-seen cars on show inside the event. My son found that this Mini’s boot lip also makes a good seat whilst eating lunch, but we were all tired by then and decided to head for home early afternoon – with no issues on the way back.
One other Aceman styling observation, is this Mini’s flat and vertical nose, like the windscreen, seems to be a magnet for flies in hot weather – we shall have to watch this as we head into the summer months.
With most of my other trips being local, because I took some holiday to DIY at home, the Mini’s other longest trip this month has been an airport run. I was pleased, and surprised, to see a 192-mile range. I think it was mostly the result of a mini heatwave (excuse the pun!) at the end of April in the UK, as I was beginning to think late-180 mile figures were all the Aceman was capable of! With the weather hopefully warming up in the last three months with us, I’m keen to see how much more range this Mini can achieve.
| Model | Mini Aceman Sport SE |
| P11D price | £39,745 |
| As tested | £42,900 |
| Official range | 244 miles |
| Test consumption | 3.0 miles per/kWh |
| Mileage | 1,820 |
2nd Report: Infotainment issues (again!)
And it was all going so well! Just a couple of weeks after filing the first report, the weather was starting to show signs of Spring, and I had a busy weekend’s driving planned with the Aceman.
Still cold at night, but after being hooked up to my Ohme charger, the result on Saturday was an improved 180-mile range. It might be the weekend, but my Saturday mornings are usually punctuated by various drop-offs and pick-ups for my children. First was an early trip to get my daughter to her drama class, then soon after, a station drop, so my wife could meet some friends in London.
Whenever I’ve been driving other EVs, it’s always fun getting back in this Mini. With its precise steering and keen handling I soon have a smile plastered across my face. I’m also looking forward to trying the incoming, sporty, John Cooper Works range-topper, with 30-odd extra horsepower next month.
The Aceman’s still compact dimensions, and excellent round-view camera, were welcome when parking for a late morning shopping pitstop with my son. Then it’s back to pick up my daughter, and on to a restaurant for a family lunch.
Despite a bit of a workout where the roads allowed, the Mini is liking the sun and temperatures in the plus, as the range is still showing 120 miles when I pull up on my drive in the early evening.
As I thought, Saturday night was cold, because after another night on charge, the Mini’s range is just 150 miles now. Still, it’s more than enough for another day of pick-ups and drop-offs. Biggest test of the weekend, which the Mini only just passes, is getting five of us home from my son’s drama production. As my Mum and children admit that any further than the 14 miles we covered would have been uncomfortable!
It is as we head home fully loaded, that I notice my music isn’t streaming via the central OLED screen, and punchy Harman Kardon sound system. As I prod the screen further, it appears I’ve not got any phone connection either! Despite un-syncing my phone, more prodding doesn’t equal any Bluetooth connection. Previous Cooper experience suggests another software update, but after no luck for a week, it was time to contact the Mini press office.
Anyway, some welcome advice later, I’m pleased to say that after a hard restart of the infotainment, normal service has been resumed. It is just annoying that I’m writing about more infotainment issues with a Mini long-termer!
It is made more disappointing, as we’re enjoying the new sat-nav features fitted to our Sport equipment grade car. Handiest, is that it will display a live feed from the front camera, then overlay digital, AR directions for the road ahead. I had something similar on a Mercedes A-Class long-termer I was running a while back, and it comes into its own when you’re entering or leaving complicated junctions.
As I said above, the temperatures have become less Baltic. I’ve noticed charges in general are back up to the 180-mile range level, although this remains well-short of the 244 miles WLTP figure! Longest trip this month was a 160-mile round trip to Thetford to drive the Abarth 600e. It was a fun drive there and back, but it wouldn’t have been possible without some pre-planned destination charging! I really hope that as the temperatures rise, the Aceman’s range continues to increase. Even getting past 200 miles of range, I would currently consider an achievement!
| Model | Mini Aceman Sport SE |
| P11D price | £39,745 |
| As tested | £42,900 |
| Official range | 244 miles |
| Test consumption | 2.5 miles per/kWh |
| Mileage | 1,520 |
1st Report: Ace in the pack?
Just as our Cooper SE left the fleet, another new Mini joined, in the form of its (slightly) bigger brother – the Aceman. As with the Cooper, Mini kindly offered us the choice of E, or SE versions, plus a variety of different equipment grade options.
Having tried both models, maximum range was a priority, so an SE was a no-brainer. Then, after having what we thought was a ‘classic’ New Mini look with the Cooper, and all the previous Aceman test cars we’ve tried in Exclusive spec, we’ve gone for the more aggressive Sport, in attractive Legend Grey (£550), with all its ‘John Cooper Works’ branding, body kit, wheels, and chunky £42,900 price.
However, it is a bit of a sheep in wolf’s clothing, as apart from the badging, body kit, and wheels, mechanically it’s the same as any other Aceman SE. However, in my opinion, the sporty additions work best with this Mini’s more angular shape. Inside, my kids have welcomed the extra pair of doors, and slightly more rear room. The OLED infotainment system, so far, seems far quicker, and because it’s a Level 3 spec, we get welcome additional Parking Assistant Plus functionality.
With just 450 miles on the clock, its first job was a trip to Gatwick. The Aceman’s efficiency was my only worry for this long-term loan, from previous experience, and its first charge on my Ohme charger gave just a 180-mile range – in temperatures barely above the minus. A careful late-night trip meant a range of 105 miles when we pulled into the airport car park. Not a problem I thought, as home was roughly 80 miles away, so the Mini should make it back without another charge.
Two nights later, plus one delayed flight, resulted in a very late-night drive. It was still cold but sheeting it down with rain as I joined the motorway. So, I stuck to a 60mph limit and just enjoyed my music coming through the punchy standard Harman Kardon system.
I knew things weren’t right when we came to the Dartford Tunnel, as the range had dropped to just over 50 miles, with my home still 42 miles away! Eight miles is no cushion, and sure enough the infotainment introduced the first of its charging stop suggestions just the other side. I should have stopped, but the weather, and time of night saw me reduce my speed further and press on. When I left the M25, I still had 15 miles still to go, but just 19 miles range. This was fast turning into my most stressful EV trip ever. But with my lack of local knowledge of the charging network the car was trying to direct me to, I carried on – just even more slowly.
I eventually pulled off the motorway, a mile from my home just after midnight, with three miles of range left! In the car’s defence, the weather was very cold and wet, and the motorway route was hilly in places. But, getting over 200 miles is a current challenge.
Just after this, I had the chance to compare the Aceman with one of its closest EV rivals – the Alfa Romeo Junior. I liked the Alfa’s exterior styling, and range. But, the Aceman’s interior feels notably more special, and despite the stiffer ride, the Mini is more fun.
After a cold, but busy month, it was time to return the Aceman’s road salt-streaked bodywork to its best, thanks to Autoglym’s new pump sprayer and Polar Blast products. I was very pleased with the results.
I just hope efficiency issues aren’t going to be an ongoing problem with the Mini Aceman, as I’m looking forward to my time with it.
| Model | Mini Aceman Sport SE |
| P11D price | £39,745 |
| As tested | £42,900 |
| Official range | 244 miles |
| Test consumption | 2.2 miles per/kWh |
| Mileage | 910 |
Standard equipment: LED head and tail lights, gloss black roof rails, 18in 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.
Options: Legend Grey metallic paint (£550), 19in John Cooper Works Lap Spoke wheels (£550)
