MINI Aceman 2025 Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's B-segment pure electric vehicle market has been heating up. Consumers not only want the flexibility and practicality of a compact SUV but also anticipate the low running costs and performance of electric vehicles—this is exactly where the 2025 MINI Aceman JCW meets the demand. As MINI's first fully-electric JCW model, it not only continues the brand's iconic sporty genes but also elevates its range and smart features to the top of its class. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can balance MINI's driving pleasure with the practicality needed for daily commutes.

The exterior of the Aceman JCW is unmistakably MINI—featuring classic round headlights with smoked accents, a front grille surrounded by glossy black trim, and JCW-exclusive red front lip and side skirts that clearly showcase its sporty identity. The car’s body lines are compact and sharp, with a length of 4079mm ranking it as not overly large within the B-segment, while its width of 1754mm and height of 1514mm give it a sturdier appearance compared to traditional MINIs. At the rear, the LED taillights use a ring-shaped design, which becomes highly recognizable when lit. The rear bumper diffuser design and the small spoiler at the top further enhance the sporty look. The 19-inch dual-tone wheels paired with 225/40 R19 tires create a full visual effect and lay the foundation for its handling.

Stepping inside, the circular OLED central control screen immediately catches your attention. At 9.4 inches, the size is just right, and the interface is smooth, with commonly used functions like navigation and music placed prominently. The interior materials are impressive for its class, with the dashboard and inside door panels wrapped in soft-touch materials. The stitching details are clear, offering a solid tactile experience. The JCW-exclusive sports seats provide great support, and both the driver and passenger front seats come equipped with electric adjustment, making long drives comfortable. The leather material used for the seats is breathable, avoiding stuffiness during summer drives. The rear seating is more spacious than expected, with the 2606mm wheelbase allowing a 175cm tall passenger to have one and a half fists of knee space and one fist of headroom when seated, which is sufficient for daily family use. The trunk has a capacity of 300L, fitting two 20-inch suitcases just right, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, allowing for additional space to accommodate items like a stroller or a folding bicycle, maximizing practicality. The standard features include a HUD head-up display, Harman Kardon sound system, and 360-degree surround-view camera, ensuring convenience and luxury for everyday use.

In terms of power, the Aceman JCW is equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum horsepower of 258PS and a peak torque of 350N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.4 seconds. In real-world driving, the response at startup is very quick—you can feel the strong torque output as soon as you step on the accelerator. It’s very nimble in city driving when following or overtaking other vehicles. Switching to Sport mode makes the power output even more direct, providing a clear sense of pushback when pressing hard on the accelerator, while highway acceleration remains smooth and responsive. In Eco mode, the power delivery becomes softer, suited for daily commutes, and helps effectively reduce energy consumption.

Handling is a highlight of the Aceman JCW. The combination of a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for sportiness without feeling harsh. When going over speed bumps, the suspension quickly absorbs and filters out bumps without unnecessary rebounds, ensuring rear passengers won’t feel discomfort. On mountain roads, the precision of the steering wheel is remarkable, with minimal play, and the body lean during cornering is well-controlled. Coupled with the 225mm wide tires' grip, it instills plenty of confidence. The electronically assisted steering wheel offers adjustable weight, becoming heavier in Sport mode for more precise handling and lighter in Comfort mode, which is more suitable for urban driving.

In terms of range, the 54.2kWh battery pack has an official range of 355km. During our actual tests, with urban commuting and occasional highway use, along with air conditioning and audio system usage, the range achieved was about 85% of the stated figure. The indicated remaining range and the actual driving mileage were roughly accurate. Charging once a week is sufficient for urban commuting. Fast charging can charge from 10% to 80% in half an hour, which is very convenient at shopping mall charging stations. Slow charging takes 5.25 hours and is suitable for home charging at night. The energy consumption is decent, around 15kWh/100km in the city and 18kWh/100km on the highway, which matches the level of electric vehicles in this class.

The details of driving and riding comfort are well-executed. The cabin's sound insulation is excellent, almost no wind or tire noise is heard below 60km/h. On the highway, tire noise becomes slightly noticeable but does not affect conversation. The energy recuperation has three adjustable levels. At the lowest level, it feels like coasting in a fuel vehicle with no obvious drag, making it easy for new drivers to adapt. The seats achieve a good balance between support and cushioning, so the back and lower back don't feel sore during long drives. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, taking passenger experience into account.

Overall, the 2025 MINI Aceman JCW's core strengths stand out: pure sports DNA, fast power response, and precise handling. Its comprehensive configuration includes standard features like HUD, Harman Kardon, and 360-degree cameras, making it more generous compared to rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 or Honda e:NS1. Its practicality is also commendable; the rear seats and trunk can meet family needs. Compared to traditional fuel-powered JCW models, its usage costs are lower, making daily commutes more hassle-free.

This car is suitable for two groups of people: one is young people who love the MINI brand and pursue driving pleasure, as it can provide the thrill of weekend mountain driving; the other is families focused on practicality, as it is energy-efficient for daily commuting, has enough space, and offers features to accommodate the whole family's needs. The price of 233,888 RM is not low among B-segment pure electric SUVs, but considering its brand, features, and performance, its value for money is still highly competitive.

In conclusion, the 2025 MINI Aceman JCW retains MINI's sporty essence while addressing the shortcomings in space and practicality. It is a pure electric SUV that satisfies both driving desires and family practicality. If you are looking for a distinctive, enjoyable, and practical electric vehicle, it is worth considering.