(July 29, 2023) MUNICH, Germany — History-rich British brand Mini is taking a quantum leap into the digital age with its new model family. At the heart of the action is the iconic central instrument – the Mini Interaction Unit. The round OLED display, with its 240 mm diameter and rich colors, blends perfectly into the interior of the new Mini family. Its positioning within the cabin allows it to be used comfortably by the driver and front passenger.

“We are taking a massive leap into the digital world with the new Mini family and, in so doing, underscoring the charismatic heritage of the brand. The iconic central display in the new Mini family is round and will be filled with round content for the first time. I am convinced that the digital power of the new models will delight Mini customers around the world,” says Stefanie Wurst, head of the Mini brand.

Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development, said, “We are presenting our all-new Mini family with a unique technology package. It is based on the latest tech stack from BMW and brings a very specific Mini flavor to signature brand-defining functions such as the Experience Modes and the voice assistant. The result is a display of cutting-edge digital fireworks with a sharp eye for detail.”

An overview of the digital highlights of the new Mini family

    •    Premiere for the automotive industry: Mini Interaction Unit is the first circular OLED display with a refreshing, Mini-typical user interface design.

    •    Mini Operating System 9 stands out with a Mini-specific, emotionally engaging design optimized for touch control. It is an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based for the first time on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack.

    •    Up to eight Mini Experience Modes provide a particularly immersive driving experience through the orchestrated use of light, user interface designs, drive settings and sound. An optional light projector on the back of the Mini Interaction Unit bathes the whole dashboard in colors and patterns to match the Experience Mode selected. The presentation of content in the optional Head-up display is also adapted accordingly.

    •    Unmistakable sound design for all-electric models: The acoustic repertoire comprises completely new driving sounds in the interior, a highly distinctive Mini brand sound to mark out the identity of the car from the outside, jingles for the new Mini Experience Modes and 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions.

    •    The Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant is activated by the spoken command “Hey Mini” and can be used with the “Mini” or “Spike” (optional) visualizations. The Personal Assistant allows customers to control important functions by voice command, enables travel-related requests or wishes and recognizes whether it is the driver or front passenger currently speaking.

    •    The new, cloud-based Mini Navigation system provides particularly fast and precise route calculation. The latest map data is always streamed live into the vehicle. And charging-optimized route planning means drivers of fully electric Minis can take on their longer journeys with peace of mind. The option Augmented View offers drivers a live video stream in the Mini Interaction Unit, with extra information added for optimum orientation for navigating. Customers can choose from various map designs and also activate an appealing visualization option featuring 3D buildings.

    •    The Mini Connected Store provides optional access to a wide and ever evolving range of practical and entertaining apps, e.g. AirConsole gaming, music and video streaming (available content varies by countries).



    •    Digital vehicle access with compatible Apple-, Google- and Samsung devices: The optionally available Mini Digital Key Plus offers the driver flexible access to the vehicle, without having to take their smartphone out of their pocket. The key can be passed on to other people digitally using the sharing function.

    •    High-Speed connectivity and optional 5G-capability.

    •    Remote Software Upgrades: Mini vehicles also now receive regular free quality improvements via over-the-air software updates. Depending on the country, vehicle model, equipment and vehicle condition, you may even receive additional new functions or functional improvements free of charge.

The new “Charismatic Simplicity” design language is also reflected in the aesthetic of the user interface, which brings together functional and emotional elements. The reduced design uses all-new graphics to create an extremely modern look. Static and dynamic elements blend naturally into the circular form of the OLED display, following a clear structure. Micro-animations enhance the already extremely intuitive interaction between the driver and central instrument and underscore the digital character of the new Mini family.

Mini Operating System 9 is an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. Operation is intuitive and follows the standards familiar from consumer electronics.

At the centre of the screen is the start menu, where personalized content can be selected and launched by swiping to the side. In the lower section of the screen is the fixed status bar containing the menu items “Navigation,” “Media.” “Telephony," “All Apps” and, depending on the situation, “Home,” which can be selected directly. Swiping up from the lower edge of the screen reveals a tool belt, a process customers will be familiar with from many consumer electronics devices.

Favorite functions can be stored here and called up again rapidly, i. e. navigation destinations and radio stations. The tool belt can also be activated via the star button on the multifunction steering wheel. The upper screen area is reserved for driving-relevant content such as the vehicle speed and important information on the vehicle status. The optional Head-up display shows the most important information for the driver in their field of view.

The temperature for the driver and front passenger is permanently displayed on the left- and right-hand edge of the screen. The climate control settings are integrated into the Mini Interaction Unit and can always be adjusted on the top layer by touch or voice command.

Depending on the Experience Mode selected, a single tap on the speed display transforms the entire Mini Interaction Unit into a Mini-typical speedometer.