BMW resolves Mini's major issue

author: FutureCar Staff    

I have had the opportunity to review numerous Mini cars over the years, and one consistent issue has always been the infotainment display. It simply did not fit well with the overall interior design. While the interior design, under BMW's guidance, adopted 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 stemmed from 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 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 are anticipating the release of a 2024 model in late 2023. Mini has begun discussing this upcoming model and has revealed a radical redesign of the central display in the interior.

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

The OLED display measures a substantial 9.5 inches in diameter, providing ample space. It offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, resulting in a visually stunning appearance. The display is also animated and entertaining, with Mini stating that there are eight different designs that users can swipe through. This aligns with Mini's fun and playful personality, which is geared towards younger buyers. Many of the new features in the upcoming Mini will reinforce this aspect.

However, the changes to the infotainment display are not the only notable updates. 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, 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 driver display, as the necessary information can be easily seen 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 only become clear once we have the opportunity to test it firsthand. Currently, the Mini dials are quite minimal, so this transition should not be too drastic.

Additionally, the change in the infotainment system marks a shift to Mini Operating System 9. This new system will be based on Android but will not be Google-certified. Therefore, it will offer more than just Android apps, although it will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. The system will provide a new navigation experience, including an augmented reality view on the central display, as well as support for AirConsole gaming (where your phone serves as the controller) and services like Spotify. Compared to the previous infotainment offering, this will be a significant improvement.

With these updates, Mini has addressed the most significant issue faced by its legacy cars. However, there is still one remaining challenge: electric range.

The second major concern I have with the Mini Electric is its limited range, which is currently around 140 miles. While the smaller battery results in a lower price, range anxiety is a valid concern, 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 an electric vehicle. Mini refers to it as the "new Mini Cooper Electric." With its fresh design and impressive internal display, it is an electrifying prospect.

FutureCar Staff