If someone told you that a crossover could wear purple, pretend to be a spaceship, and still have the cheeky charm of a go-kart, you might think they were off their rocker. But then you meet the MINI Aceman SE Favoured.
From the first glance, it draws attention, not for being garish, but for being... well, cool. That Indigo Sunset Blue paint plays tricks with light, throwing off a playful purplish shimmer that reveals itself only when sunlight hits it. The contrasting Jet Black roof? Surprisingly understated and not the kind of combo you would expect to fly under the radar, but it does.
Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that tries to be equal parts lounge room, spaceship and office chair. Let me explain. The OLED circular display is the centrepiece, radiating all kinds of digital goodness. It looks impressive, no doubt, but with information scattered across different zones, it can feel like trying to track multiple aircraft on a radar screen (cue Mav from Top Gun trying to lock in a bogey). Cool? Definitely. Calm and intuitive? Not quite.
The seats feel premium and comfortable, expected from a $60k price tag, but the fixed armrest to the left of the driver is a jarring let-down. It has all the ergonomic vibe of a high-end office chair someone tried to retrofit into a car slightly out of place, but not entirely offensive.
That said, the creature comforts come thick and fast — heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof that inspires creativity and open-mindedness, ambient light shows at night, and even a heated steering wheel. The Harman/Kardon sound system is above average, delivering clarity and kick. The pop-up head-up display made from plastic is functional and clear.
On the road, the Aceman SE surprises. While its spec sheet reads a modest 160kW/330Nm with a 0-100 time of 7.1 seconds, it feels noticeably quicker in real-world sprints. The instant torque delivery from the electric motor combined with front-wheel drive means traction can be tested, but MINI’s traction control is quick and fuss-free when called into action.
The steering is responsive and confident. Cornering remains snug and planted, though there is a sense of the car pulling against its own weight — unsurprising given the Aceman tips the scales at 1,710kg, nearly 200kg heavier than a petrol MINI Countryman Cooper S. You will not be wrestling with the wheel, but you are aware there is a battery pack under there doing some heavy lifting.
Ride comfort? Let us call it "character building." On typical Aussie roads, the ride leans firmly towards the bumpy end of the spectrum. Sport mode adds a bit of engagement and firms things up further, but never to the point of being jarring. The dampers do a respectable job keeping the car balanced under acceleration and braking.
But the real quirk — and this will divide people — is the cabin sound modulation. In sport mode, the Aceman starts pretending it is some turbocharged, intergalactic hovercraft. It is fun at first, then... not. One moment you are grinning, the next you are asking the car if it is going through an identity crisis. Are you electric or petrol? Make up your mind.
Cabin noise insulation is generally good, especially in efficiency mode where the Aceman is eerily calm. However, on the freeway while battling both high speeds and strong winds, an annoying whistle emerged from the passenger side window. A classic case of double-checking the window is fully closed — only to find it already was. For a car in this price bracket, that kind of aero noise is a tad disappointing.
Practicality? You get 300 litres of boot space — which is behind many hatchbacks today. Fold down the seats and it opens up to a usable 1,005L, but it will not swallow your Bunnings haul without a bit of planning. Adding to the annoyance is the underfloor boot storage cover’s refusal to stay open — no latch or clip means you are one hand down if you need to access that underfloor area, which can be especially frustrating when trying to retrieve the run-flat repair kit or store items in a hurry.
Still, for all its eccentricities, the Aceman remains a breeze in the city. MINI has managed to keep it feeling agile despite its added weight, and the 11.1m turning circle means circus acts — or at least tight U-turns — are well within its comfort zone.
Final verdict? The Aceman SE Favoured is not trying to be the most practical or fastest EV on the road. Instead, it sets itself apart with design flair, engaging character, and genuine personality. In a sea of lookalike electric crossovers, it dares to be fun, a little flawed, and totally likeable. A charming electric go-kart with personality to burn, bursting with individuality and full of surprises in all the right ways.
By Amandeep Sethi