THE arrival of the MINI Aceman SE on local shores in October last year signalled the brand’s entry into a new niche – the compact, all-electric crossover.
This crossover occupies the space between the city-sized Cooper SE hatch and the larger Countryman, giving MINI a well-rounded line-up in today’s EV market.
While it continues to channel the brand’s “go-kart” DNA, the Aceman adds a welcome dose of practicality with more cabin space, greater visibility, and a slightly higher seating position.
If the regular Aceman is about balance and everyday usability, the Aceman John Cooper Works (JCW) variant dials everything up a notch.
Still recognisable as an Aceman, but one that’s become harder, sharper, and a lot more of an extrovert.
Power comes from an electric motor with 190kW (258PS) and 350Nm of torque that’s good enough to get it hustling from 0 to 100kph in 6.4 seconds before getting limited to 200kph.
The standard Aceman SE, in comparison, has 160kW (218PS) and 330Nm on tap and gets the century sprint done in 7.1-second while top speed has been limited to 170kph.
On paper, the differences might appear relatively modest, but once behind the wheel, the JCW-variant feels notably livelier.
Visually, the JCW makes its intent clear.
Where the standard Aceman leans toward a conservative outlook, the JCW dresses rebelliously.
Up front, the grille gets a high-gloss black surround and wears the JCW badge proudly, while the bumper gains larger air inlets and more sculpted detailing.
The roof and mirror caps come in Chili Red, with matching bonnet stripes as a visual nod to MINI’s racing heritage.
The look is completed by 19-inch two-tone JCW Lap Spoke wheels, gloss-black side skirts, and extended cladding that all work to emphasise width and stance.
Together with a prominent rear roof spoiler, red brake callipers, gloss-black accents, and a diffuser-style lower rear bumper give the JCW a more planted and muscular look as opposed to the standard Aceman which now suddenly seems reserved.
Despite these sporty add-ons, the JCW doesn’t lose its essential MINI proportions via an upright glasshouse, short overhangs, and a somewhat squatted stance
These are design cues that have existed since BMW resurrected the marque in 2001 and even after over two decades, its shape remains instantly recognisable.
Inside, the JCW discards subtlety for boldness with MINI’s circular 9.4-inch OLED central display being the visual centrepiece, combining infotainment, instrument cluster, and ambient lighting controls into one single interface.
But what differentiates the JCW cabin further is the combination of black, red and grey upholstery, use of synthetic leather, multicoloured knitted fabric, and red contrast stitching to create a cockpit that feels playful yet performance-oriented.
The dashboard receives a chequered effect trim, while the steering wheel is a thicker, flat-bottomed JCW type with more pronounced thumb grips.
The sports seats feature stronger side bolsters for better lateral support, along with power-adjustability, driver memory, and lumbar support.
Build quality still manages to impress, although the placement of the door latch, positioned low and recessed on the door panel, can feel awkward.
Rear passengers, however, might find the space less generous with the Aceman’s compact footprint translating to tight leg and headroom, and the upright seating angle won’t win over long-distance commuters.
Still, for a vehicle of this size, the cabin makes efficient use of space, and the elevated seating offers good outward visibility.
Out on the road, the Aceman JCW feels every bit as lively as its numbers suggest.
The instant torque, typical of EVs, seems to perfectly suit MINI’s energetic character.
The chassis is taut, the steering direct, and feedback through the wheel feels natural – enabling it to dart in and out of corners with eagerness while staying composed even when pushed hard.
Body roll is also minimal, and grip levels are impressive despite having a front-wheel drive layout.
At everyday speeds, the JCW remains well-behaved, but dig deeper into its performance, and it begins to feel properly animated.
Torque steer can creep in when accelerating hard out of corners but it’s part of the character and acts as a reminder that the JCW demands respect.
Ride quality, however, will be on the firm side of the spectrum, and owners will soon realise that the suspension will map the road with uncanny detail – especially over patchy and uneven road surfaces.
This firmness needs to be appreciated, since it does translate into an impressive composure through the bends but fatigue can start to set in during a long journey.
Even though the standard Aceman does ride softer, there’s still that unmistakable “MINI-firm” ride.
The JCW comes with several selectable “Experience” modes – Green, Core, Balance, Vivid, and Go-Kart (JCW).
These adjust throttle sensitivity, steering weight, regenerative braking, and even the cabin lighting and graphics to match the chosen mood.
Green mode will prioritise efficiency by blunting throttle response and using maximum energy recuperation, while Go-Kart mode sharpens every input and turns the car into a live wire for the road.
Over a four-day stint, covering 219.6km, the JCW indicated an initial 264km of range on a full charge before ending with 39km.
This resulted in an average consumption of 18.8kWh per 100km – a somewhat respectable figure for a performance-oriented EV, though frequent spirited driving will see the range drop quickly.
Despite being limited to having a 54.2kWh battery, it does support up to 95kW of DC fast-charging, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes while a slower AC charger (11kW) fills it in around five hours.
While man-handling the MINI, drivers will note a nicely weighted steering feel that’s very much precise to encourage confidence while cornering.
The chassis balance is very much neutral, and its low centre of gravity, thanks to the battery being in the floor, helps it stay perfectly planted through tight bends.
Around city streets, it’s both playful and eager, though its suspension firmness becomes more noticeable over uneven roads and speed humps.
Once adapted, however, it becomes second nature with an incline to engage Go-Kart mode where throttle inputs become noticeably abrupt, and the steering tightens up nicely for those quick transitions.
Switch over to Core or Green, and things do calms down, becoming more compliant and acceptable for daily driving duties.
The result is a compact electric crossover that manages to feel properly engaging – a definite rarity.
The JCW is a statement on itself that EVs can still spur emotion and be driver-focused but it isn’t without its compromises.
For instance, the firm ride, limited rear space (and boot), and modest range are flags for its priority of performance and are meant for those who value driving engagement over outright comfort and this where the JCW rewards its owners.
This is an EV that truly comes alive in its owner’s hands, inspiring them to take the long, winding way home, and arrive with beaming from ear to ear.
SPECIFICATIONS
MINI Aceman John Cooper Works
Electric motor (front): 258hp (190kW) and 350Nm
Battery: 49.2kWh
AC charging: 11kW
DC charging: 95kW (10% to 80% in 30 minutes)
Range: 406km (WLTP)
Acceleration (0-100kph): 6.4 seconds
Top speed: 200kph
Wheels: 19-inch with 225/40 run-flat tyres
Boot: 300-1,005 litres
Weight (kerb): 1,820kg
Features: Six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, brake assist, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, electronic differential lock control, automatic stability control with traction, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane control assist, lane change warning with active lane return, exit warning, dynamic park assist, 360-degree camera system, reverse assist (up to 50m), parking view, remote 3D view, drive recorder, anti-theft recorder, tyre-pressure monitoring system, remote engine start-stop, digital key, active blind spot detection, lane departure warning, front collision warning, rear cross traffic warning and collision prevention, heads-up-display, 240mm-round touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Price: RM241,188 (OTR without insurance)
Warranty: Two-year unlimited-mileage (Optional: four-year unlimited mileage with service package - RM7,400)
