BMW resolves Mini's major issue; one query remains

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, had adopted a big round central device to pay homage to the original 1960s Minis, the transition to a digital display never quite worked.

The rectangular display was inserted into the middle of the round design, resulting in wasted space at the top and bottom. I have mentioned this in several reviews, including ones from 2017, 2018, and the launch of the Mini Electric in 2020.

Although Mini has not officially announced the next-generation Mini Electric, it is expected to launch a 2024 model later in 2023. Mini has started discussing this upcoming model and has revealed a radical redesign of the central display.

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

The display measures 240mm in diameter, a massive 9.5 inches, and thanks to its OLED technology, it offers deep blacks and vibrant colors. From what I have seen, it looks absolutely sensational.

This larger display provides ample space for the infotainment system, which is now animated and fun, offering a range of different views. According to Mini, there are eight different designs that users can swipe through. This aligns with Mini's goal of creating a fun and youthful driving experience, appealing to younger buyers. Many of the new features in the Mini will reinforce this personality.

But the changes do not stop at the display. Mini has also incorporated a technology feature from the Mini Aceman Concept, unveiled in 2022, into the production model. The use of internal projectors allows colors to be projected onto the dashboard, with the projector positioned behind the screen. This builds upon the trend of ambient lighting that has been prevalent in cars over the past decade.

As a result, there is no longer a separate driver display. The intention is for all necessary information to be easily visible on the central display, with driving information being provided through a heads-up display. The exact balance of this setup remains to be seen, but given the minimalistic nature of the current Mini dials, it seems like a logical progression.

Additionally, these changes coincide with the introduction of Mini Operating System 9. This new system will be based on Android, although it will not be Google-certified. This means that it will offer more than just Android apps, although it will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. The new system will provide a fresh navigation experience, including an augmented reality view on the central display, as well as support for AirConsole gaming and services like Spotify. Compared to the previous infotainment offering, this will be a significant improvement.

While these changes address the biggest problem with Mini's legacy cars, there is still one issue that remains: electric range. The second biggest problem I have with the Mini Electric is its short range, which is currently around 140 miles. Although the smaller battery results in a lower price, range anxiety is a real concern, and having a greater range is always an advantage. While Mini has not confirmed any technical details about the performance of the new Mini Electric, it has confirmed that it will be fully electric. Mini refers to it as the "new Mini Cooper Electric." With its fresh design and stunning internal display, it is an electrifying prospect.

FutureCar Staff