MINI has introduced a new Surfside Collection series for five models internationally: Cooper Electric, Cooper 2 Door, Cooper 4 Door, Cooper Convertible, and Aceman. The company is offering only five units of each car in the special-edition series.
We attended the unveiling of the Surfside Collection and spent some time taking a closer look at the Aceman in this special-edition trim.
As a crossover and the most spacious of the five models, the Aceman Surfside Collection would likely be the most appealing one in the U.S., although MINI has no plans to bring the Chinese-made vehicle here.
The MINI Aceman Surfside Collection is painted in the Ocean Wave Green color and features a contrasting white finish on the roof and mirrors. MINI offers this two-tone color scheme on the Cooper 2 Door, Cooper 4 Door, and Convertible ICE models in the U.S., but the Surfside Collection isn’t just about that.
The special-edition Aceman features wave-inspired black-striped decals on the hood, with the graphics extending below its leading edge onto the upper front fascia. These decals are also seen along the side profile, extending from the front fenders to the rear doors, and on the tailgate.
A pill-shaped Vibrant Silver badge set into the black lower-door molding on the front doors is another highlight of the MINI Aceman Surfside Collection. It complements the Vibrant Silver grille surround and features three-dimensional “MINI” lettering with a shadow effect.
A round “SURFSIDE” decal featuring a stylized wave graphic on the lower-right section of the tailgate completes the exclusive look of the MINI Aceman Surfside Collection’s exterior. Inside, there are no changes from the standard model. The EV features Vescin Beige (black knit) leatherette upholstery and Vibrant Silver accents.
The MINI Aceman Surfside Collection is based on the SE variant of the model. It uses a front-mounted motor that generates 160 kW (215 hp) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque and a 54.2 kWh NMC battery pack that supports charging at up to 95 kW and delivers a WLTP range of 252 miles.
Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BMW Group and Great Wall Motor, manufactures the MINI Aceman in Zhangjiagang (Jiangsu Province), China. BMW Group had also planned to produce the model independently at its Oxford plant in the UK from 2026, but has put that plan on hold, as per a report from WirtschaftsWoche.
MINI initially did plan to bring the Aceman to the U.S. However, given the country’s import tariffs, regulatory hurdles around Chinese-made cars, and uncertainty over UK production, the plan does not appear to be feasible anytime soon.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
