BMW resolves Mini's major issue, leaving one lingering query

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

The problem lied in the rectangular display that was inserted into the middle of the round design, leaving wasted space at the top and bottom. I have mentioned this issue in several of my 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 that a 2024 model will be launched later in 2023. Mini has begun discussing this upcoming model and has revealed a radical redesign of 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 years. The dashboard has been completely redesigned, and the central round device now functions as a single large OLED display, encompassing the entire area rather than just being a central panel.

The OLED display measures a massive 9.5 inches in diameter (240mm) and offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and an overall sensational appearance based on what I have seen so far.

This redesign provides the infotainment display with significantly more space and introduces animated and fun features with eight different designs that users can swipe through, aligning with Mini's fun and youthful personality. The new Mini will reinforce the go-kart driving experience and appeal to younger buyers.

However, the changes do not stop at the display. Mini has also incorporated a technology feature from the Mini Aceman Concept unveiled in 2022, utilizing internal projectors that can project colors onto the dashboard. The projector is positioned behind the screen and expands on the ambient lighting trend seen in cars over the past decade.

As a result, there is no longer a separate driver display, with all necessary information being easily visible on the central display. The intention is for drivers to rely on a heads-up display for driving-related information. The exact balance of this setup will become clear once we get behind the wheel, but the current Mini dials are already quite minimal.

Additionally, this change introduces the Mini Operating System 9, which is Android-based but not Google-certified. This means that it will not only support Android apps (including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly), but it will also provide a new navigation experience, including an augmented reality view on the central display. Furthermore, it will support AirConsole gaming (using your phone as the controller) and services like Spotify. Compared to the previous infotainment system, this will be a significant improvement.

Addressing one of the biggest issues with Mini's legacy cars, this redesign offers a solution to the infotainment display problem. However, there is still one remaining challenge: electric range.

The second major concern I have with the Mini Electric is its limited range of approximately 140 miles. While a smaller battery reduces the price, range anxiety is a real issue, and having a greater range is always advantageous. Mini has not yet provided any technical details about 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 design and a stunning internal display, it presents an electrifying prospect.

FutureCar Staff