MINI is embracing a modern, electric and high-tech future, and that journey begins with the redesigned Cooper.
According to the automaker, the car is “taking a quantum leap into the digital age” by adopting a minimalist cabin with a round OLED display that measures 9.4 inches (240 mm) in diameter. It’s centrally located and runs Android-based MINI Operating System 9.
MINI says the infotainment system has been optimized for touch and voice control, and features a new “Charismatic Simplicity” design language. The latter sports a modern and attractive look, which has been purposely created for the unique circular display.
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As previously revealed by spy photos, the screen is effectively broken up into three different sections. The top of the screen is focused on driving details and is where you’ll find a speedometer readout, range information, and an icon showing the selected gear.
The middle of the screen is geared towards infotainment, while the lower section has climate controls as well as a status bar with shortcuts to Home, Navigation, Media, and Telephony screens.
Like on smartphones and tablets, swiping up from the bottom of the screen reveals a “tool belt” that can also be accessed via the star button on the steering wheel. The tool belt stores favorite functions ranging from navigation destinations to radio stations.
While that’s a brief overview of the system, there are three standard MINI Experience Modes known as Core, Green, and Go-Kart. Each one changes the MINI Interaction Unit, as the display is known, and an optional projector on the back of the screen can bathe the dashboard in coordinated colors and patterns.
Core mode is described as an “elegant, puristic and modern-looking choice,” while Green mode shows green accents as well as animal animations. The coloring and character of the animal reflect the efficiency of your driving.
Go-Kart, on the other hand, is billed as an ultra-dynamic mode “brimming with motorsport DNA.” It features a black and red aesthetic as well as a huge speedometer. MINI also says drivers will find a “Go-Kart driving sound” with a “strongly pronounced pitch and fall” that is “intended to raise the sporty driving experience another notch.”
Besides the three standard modes, there are available Balance, Timeless, Vivid, and Personal modes. The latter takes personalization to a whole new level as “customers can select their own pictures to be used for the background of the MINI Interaction Unit.” The company also noted the upcoming MINI Countryman will have a unique Trail mode that displays a virtual compass as well as vehicle inclination data.
Since MINI is fully embracing EVs, the company put a lot of thought into sound. These include “all-new driving sounds in the interior, an unmistakable MINI brand sound to confirm the car’s identity from the outside, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes, and 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions.”
Besides the sounds, drivers will find a new voice assistant that awakens by saying “Hey MINI.” The assistant is ‘alive’ and owners can choose between an avatar dubbed MINI or Spike. The former resembles a toy Cooper, while the other is a playful pup.
While the dog avatar is kind of cool, the voice assistant takes center stage as it features natural language capabilities. This enables it to understand queries such as “What’s the weather in …,” “I’m hungry,” or “I’d like a coffee.”
The system is also smart enough that it can determine if the driver or front passenger is speaking. This is helpful as the passenger could say they’re cold and the temperature would only be adjusted on their side.
MINI says the voice assistant is based on Alexa and will be able to “chit-chat.” As a result, you can ask the assistant to tell jokes or stories.
Getting back to more useful features, there’s cloud-based navigation and dynamic route calculation based on real-time traffic information. The navigation screen also takes over most of the display and buildings can be shown in 3D, if desired.
Upcoming EVs will have a unique navigation system with charging-focused routing as well as detailed charging information. In particular, drivers can expect to see the estimated state of charge upon arrival, the recommended recharging time, and the targeted state of charge for the remaining journey.
When you’re stuck charging, you can pass time by streaming videos or playing games. Like in modern BMWs, AirConsole gaming turns your smartphone into a controller while games are played on the central display.
Owners will also be able to access the new MINI Connected Store to find music or streaming apps. The company didn’t go into many specifics, but said the “availability of … apps varies from region to region in order to be able to offer customers the most tailored offer possible.”
Rounding out the highlights are over-the-air updates and MINI Digital Key Plus technology. The latter uses ultra-wideband technology to unlock the vehicle without owners having to take their compatible Apple, Google or Samsung phone out of their pocket or purse.
