BMW fixes Mini's major issue

author: FutureCar Staff    

Over the years, I have reviewed numerous Mini cars and one consistent issue has always been the infotainment display. It simply did not fit with the overall design. While the interior design, under BMW's guidance, incorporated a large round central device to pay homage to the original 1960s Minis, the transition to a digital display in recent years was not successful.

The problem was that a rectangular display was inserted into the middle of the round design, creating wasted space at the top and bottom. I have mentioned this issue in several reviews, including ones from 2017, 2018, and when the Mini Electric was launched in 2020.

Although Mini has not officially announced the next-generation Mini Electric, it is expected to be released as a 2024 model later in 2023. Mini has started sharing information about this upcoming model, particularly the redesigned interior that includes a radical change to the central display.

I recently had the opportunity to see this new interior, and I am thrilled about the change that I have been advocating for over the years. The dashboard has undergone a complete redesign, and the central round device is now one large OLED display, encompassing the entire area rather than just being a central panel.

The OLED display measures 240mm in diameter, which is a massive 9.5 inches. Due to its OLED technology, it offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and, from what I have seen, looks absolutely stunning.

This larger display provides more space for the infotainment system, which is now animated and fun, offering a variety of different views. Mini claims that there are eight different designs that users can swipe through. This aligns with Mini's goal of creating a fun personality and delivering a go-kart driving experience, targeting younger buyers. Many of the new features in the upcoming Mini will reinforce this concept.

However, the changes do not stop at the central display. Mini has also incorporated a technology feature from the Mini Aceman Concept, which was unveiled in 2022, into the production model. This feature involves the use of internal projectors that can project color onto the dashboard. The projector is positioned behind the screen. This builds upon the trend of ambient lighting that has been prevalent in cars for the past decade.

As a result, there is no longer a driver display, as the intention is for all necessary information to be easily accessible on the central display. For driving-related information, Mini expects users to utilize a heads-up display instead. The exact balance between these two display options will become clearer once the car is driven, but currently, Mini's dials are already quite minimal.

Furthermore, this change also introduces Mini Operating System 9. This operating system will be Android-based, although it will not be Google-certified. This means that it will not solely focus on Android apps, although it will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. The new system will offer an enhanced navigation experience, including an augmented reality view on the central display, as well as support for AirConsole gaming (where the phone acts as the controller) and services like Spotify. Compared to the previous infotainment offering, this will be a significant improvement.

So, Mini has addressed the biggest problem with its legacy cars, but one issue still remains: electric range. The second biggest problem I have with the Mini Electric is its limited range of approximately 140 miles. While the smaller battery results in a lower price, range anxiety is a real concern, and having a greater range is always advantageous. Currently, Mini has not provided any technical details regarding the performance of the new Mini Electric, but it has confirmed that it will be an electric vehicle. Mini refers to it as the "new Mini Cooper Electric." With a fresh new design and a stunning internal display, it truly is an electrifying prospect.

FutureCar Staff