Here’s a first peek of the next big addition to the MINI family - the Aceman. Although it's carefully labelled as a 'Concept' and has space-age ginmicks, the car you see here is a thinly-veiled version of the production car which is due in 2023. We also understand it’s going to be built right here in the UK at the BMW MINI plant in Oxford.

Watch Tom's walkaround video here.​

Aceman will be the first all-electric crossover model in the MINI line-up and sits in the CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) segment and will be roughly the same size as a Ford Puma or Vauxhall Mokka.

In terms of the MINI range, it’s bigger than the standard Cooper and just slightly smaller than the Countryman which is itself set for a size upgrade later in the year.

The Aceman will rival the Vauxhall Mokka

MINI is being very tight-lipped about what lies beneath the funky, faux-rugged exterior but our best guess is a battery capacity of around 60kWh and a WLTP range in the region of 250 miles. 

That said, we can’t rule out the larger 76kWh battery from the iX1 and the greater range and power it delivers - it would certainly make sense for a Cooper Works version. At this stage we’re also unclear about whether we’ll see front or all-wheel drive, but it's likely both will be offered. 

Inside, it’s hard to tell which of the touted tech will make it to the production model but we love the look of the circular OLED touchscreen (MINI says this is a world first) that controls all the infotainment features. This will also feature on the next MINI hatchback. ​

Circular OLED screen is a world first

One of the features we love and are assured will make production, is the unbelievably tactile velour steering wheel cover, included as part of a brand-wide cull of all things leather and chrome to reduce the environmental issues associated with their production. 

Sadly, the bits we’ll lose in the production version (for now at least) will be the eye-catching front-end animations in the grille, super-cool on-dash projections and external surround sound system. The latter – a safety feature devised to give the car an audible presence – could soon find its way to BMW and MINI models before long though.

The grille LED show won't make it to production, sadly

Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand, explained more: “The MINI Concept Aceman provides an initial glimpse of a completely new vehicle, bridging the space between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman in the model family’s future.

“This concept car reflects how MINI is reinventing itself and what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feel, an immersive digital experience and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint.”

Flying the flag from the rooftop - Union Jack shaped rack adds patriotic chunkiness.