Mini Clubman Production to End After 17 Years, Will be Succeeded by Aceman Electric Crossover SUV

The production of the iconic Mini Clubman has ended as the company transitions to a more electrified future. The British luxury car brand owned by BMW AG has decided to discontinue the Clubman, following an incredible 17-year run and a total of 11 lakh units produced. This move represents a major shift in the carmaker's manufacturing strategy as the firm makes way for the production of the new Cooper and the Clubman's electric successor, the Aceman. The car debuted globally in 2007 and is renowned for its distinctive estate body style and unique vertically split tailgate. For the uninitiated, it entered the Indian market in 2016 in its second-generation avatar. The Clubman, manufactured at Mini's Oxford factory at Cowley, was vital in Mini's entire range resurgence. 

Mini Clubman

Although the current Clubman model arrived in 2007, the first model was introduced in 1969. The original Clubman was built in about six lakh units until it was discontinued in 1982. BMW AG brought it back in 2007 as a more extensive version of the automobile. Notably, the second-gen model adopted the iconic circular daytime running lights of the Mini and switched to more conventional rear doors. Additionally, a high-performance JCW version with 302bhp was introduced during this time. Even after its discontinuation, Mini's legacy will likely be influenced by the Clubman's reputation as a chic and adaptable model. 

Built on the BMW UKL2 architecture, the latest iteration of the Mini Clubman was offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. Going into further details, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged mills were available for the petrol version. Moreover, the diesel variant also came with two turbocharged units: a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre. Speaking of transmission choices, six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, seven-speed DCT, and eight-speed automatic gearboxes were on offer for the vehicle.

Mini Aceman: Expected Powertrain Options

With the Aceman electric crossover predicted to be a major part of the automaker's EV strategy, Mini is currently preparing to initiate its manufacturing. Mechanically, the Aceman EV is expected to be rolled out in the E and SE trim levels. A 40kWh battery pack and a single electric motor installed on the front axle will be included in the base model E. On a single charge, a range of up to 300-kilometre is claimed. With a larger 54kWh battery pack, the top-of-the-line SE version should be able to go 400-kilometre between charges.

Mini India Lineup

As for its products in our market, the manufacturer sells three distinct models to suit a wide range of Indian customers: the standard Cooper with a petrol engine, the electric Cooper SE, and the Countryman SUV. Mini's models in India and other markets of the world are anticipated to mirror the firm's shift toward electrification and sustainability.