MINI Aceman JCW Review: Spirited EV With A Firm Streak

The new MINI Aceman JCW arrives in Singapore as a refreshing, spirited entry in the compact EV segment - a car that blends the brand’s signature cheekiness with a thoroughly modern electric drivetrain. It may look playful on the outside, but beneath the design sits a machine engineered for lively performance; even if that enthusiasm brings its own set of compromises.

At its core, the Aceman JCW is powered by a single electric motor, mounted up front and driving the front wheels, delivering a brisk 190 kW (about 255 bhp) and 350 Nm of torque. Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery, sized at 54.2 kWh. MINI quotes a WLTP range of up to roughly 355 km, but as with all EVs, real-world usage depends heavily on driving style, weather and terrain.

With Singapore’s heat, constant air-conditioning and the Aceman JCW’s eagerness to sprint at the slightest prod of the accelerator, it proved challenging to match the brochure numbers. In spirited mixed driving, yours truly achieved closer to 310 km before needing to recharge - still a respectable outcome given the car’s performance focus and 1,745 kg kerbweight.

Efficiency is officially rated at about 5.9 km/kWh, and while gentle driving can get you near that figure (the car’s data revealed yours truly recorded 5.7 km/kWh over the course of a weekend), the Aceman JCW’s punchy character practically invites enthusiastic bursts of acceleration. This is, after all, part of what makes it enjoyable.

The Inside Story

Inside, MINI has created a cabin that feels distinctly modern yet true to the brand. The centrepiece is the large circular display, which brings together infotainment, climate settings, navigation, vehicle information and charging controls in a single, playful yet intuitive interface.

The materials feel more premium than before, with soft-touch surfaces and sporty JCW accents that give the cabin a lively personality. Despite its compact exterior, the Aceman offers practical touches too, including a 300-litre boot; enough for groceries, weekend bags or equipment for a quick day trip.

Rear passengers, however, may have a different experience. The Aceman JCW’s suspension tuning leans firmly towards handling performance, and the rear suspension is noticeably stiffer than the front. On smooth tarmac, this contributes to the car’s signature MINI “go-kart” feel: quick turn-in, excellent body control and confident grip. But over uneven surfaces - the occasional patchy road or sunken drain covers on smaller streets - the rear can be abrupt to the point of discomfort.

A few bumps too many may readjust your spine, and those frequently seated in the back will feel it most.

Driving It

From the driver’s seat, though, the JCW spirit shines. Acceleration is immediate, overtakes are effortless, and the car feels nimble despite its weight. The 0–100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds feels quicker than the numbers suggest, thanks to the instant torque characteristic of EVs. Around bends, the Aceman JCW is energetic and composed, with a chassis that encourages you to lean into corners a little harder than you might in other typical urban EV.

Yet, not everything is perfect. The steering is precise but lacks the natural, mechanical feedback of older, petrol-powered JCW models; enthusiasts familiar with those cars may miss the analogue feel. The brakes, too, have a sharp initial bite - great for spirited driving, but requiring finesse during everyday commuting. Smoother modulation takes practice, especially in dense stop-go traffic.

In A Nutshell

In Singapore, where most drives are short hops interspersed with expressway bursts, the Aceman JCW’s dynamic personality makes everyday trips feel special. It is easy to park, quick to charge, and packed with style and character. But its firm ride - particularly at the rear - and its eager energy consumption mean it may not be the ideal choice for those prioritising comfort or family duty.

In the end, the MINI Aceman JCW is a car built for the driver who wants personality, agility and excitement in their daily routine. It’s a compact EV that stands out not by being soft or sensible, but by being fun. And for many, that’s exactly what a MINI should be.

Photos by Azfar Hashim

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