BMW resolves Mini's major issue - what's left unanswered

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【Summary】BMW has fixed Mini's biggest problem by redesigning the infotainment display to be a big round OLED display, addressing the issue of wasted space. The display is animated, fun, and offers eight different designs. Mini has also adopted internal projectors for color projection across the dash. The new Mini Operating System 9 will be Android-based and offer a new navigation experience and support for services like Spotify. However, the electric range remains a concern.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 5:10 PM PT

BMW resolves Mini's major issue - what's left unanswered

Over the years, I have reviewed numerous Mini cars and one consistent issue has always been the infotainment display. It simply didn't 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 never quite worked.

The problem was that a rectangular display was inserted into the middle of the round design, resulting in wasted space above and below. 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, we anticipate the release of a 2024 model in late 2023. Mini has started discussing this upcoming model and has revealed a radical redesign of the interior, particularly the central display.

Recently, I 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 been completely redesigned, and the central round device is now a single large OLED display, encompassing the entire area rather than just being a central panel.

The display measures a substantial 9.5 inches (240mm) in diameter and, thanks to its OLED technology, it offers deep blacks and vibrant colors. From what I have observed, it looks absolutely stunning.

This expanded infotainment display provides much more space and offers animated and enjoyable features with a variety of different views. According to Mini, there are eight different designs that users can swipe through. This aligns with Mini's fun and playful personality, which is aimed at younger buyers. Many of the new features in the upcoming Mini will reinforce this experience.

However, the significant changes are not limited to the central display. Mini has also adopted a technology feature from the Mini Aceman Concept, which was unveiled in 2022, and is incorporating it into the production model. This feature involves the use of internal projectors that can project color across the dashboard, with the projector 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 will no longer be a separate driver display, as the intention is for all necessary information to be easily accessible on the central display. Driving information will likely be provided through a heads-up display. The exact balance and functionality of this setup will only be known once we have the opportunity to test it firsthand, but given the minimalist nature of the current Mini dials, it seems promising.

Furthermore, this change signifies a transition to Mini Operating System 9. Although based on Android, it will not be Google-certified, meaning it won't solely focus on Android apps (although it will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly). The new system will introduce an enhanced navigation experience, including an augmented reality view on the central display. It will also support AirConsole gaming, where users can utilize their phones as controllers, as well as services like Spotify. Compared to the previous infotainment offering, this will be a significant improvement.

Addressing one of the major challenges faced by Mini with its legacy cars, the new interior design solves the problem of the ill-fitting infotainment display. However, there is still one remaining issue: the electric range.

The second biggest concern I have with the Mini Electric is its limited range, which is currently around 140 miles. While a smaller battery contributes to a lower price, range anxiety is a real issue, and having a greater range is always advantageous. Mini has not yet confirmed any technical details about the performance of the new Mini Electric, but it has confirmed that it will be fully electric. It is referred to as the "new Mini Cooper Electric." With its fresh design and impressive internal display, it presents an electrifying prospect.