New MINI family makes digital quantum leap with state-of-the-art technology package, round OLED display and MINI Operating System 9

 MINI Interaction Unit is the first round OLED display with an inspiring user interface design +++ MINI Experience Modes ensure incomparable moments with specific designs, light projections and sound +++ Introduction of the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant +++

The traditional British brand MINI is making a quantum leap into the digital age with the new model family. The focus is on the iconic central instrument, the MINI Interaction Unit. The round OLED display with a diameter of 240 mm and maximum color brilliance fits perfectly into the interior of the new MINI family. It is placed in the interior so that the driver and front passenger can operate it easily.

“With the new MINI family, we are making a giant leap into the digital world, underscoring the charismatic heritage of the brand. The iconic central screen in the new MINI family has a round design and is being used for the first time with round content. I am convinced that the digital power of the new models will inspire MINI customers worldwide,” says Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand .

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development : “We are launching our completely new MINI family with a unique technology package. It is based on the latest tech stack from BMW and offers the typical, brand-defining functions such as the Experience Modes or the language assistant in a very specific MINI form. The result: state-of-the-art, digital fireworks with great attention to detail.”

The digital highlights of the new MINI family at a glance*:

The new MINI Operating System 9 – interaction optimized for touch and speech.

The new design language “Charismatic Simplicity” is also reflected in the aesthetics of the user interface, which combines functional and emotional elements. The design is reduced and creates a very modern look with completely new graphics. Static and dynamic elements fit naturally into the round shape of the MINI Interaction Unit and follow a clear structure. Micro animations reinforce the extremely intuitive interaction between the driver and the central instrument and underscore the digital character of the new MINI family.

The MINI Operating System 9 is an in-house development of the BMW and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. Operation is intuitive based on the usual standards from the consumer electronics sector.  

In the middle of the screen is the start menu, in which personalized content can be swiped horizontally and thus selected and started. In the lower part of the screen is the fixed status bar with the menu items “Navigation”, “Media”, “Telephony”, “All Apps” and, depending on the situation, “Home”, which can be selected directly. As customers are used to from many consumer electronics devices, a so-called tool belt can be called up by swiping up from the bottom edge of the screen. Favorite functions can be saved here and called up quickly, e.g. B. Navigation destinations and radio stations. The tool belt can also be activated using the star button on the multifunction steering wheel. The upper part of the screen is reserved for driving-related content such as speed and important information about the vehicle status. The optional head-up display shows the most important information for the driver in the line of sight.

The temperature for the driver and front passenger is permanently displayed on the left and right edges of the screen. The climate settings are always operated at the top level in the MINI Interaction Unit and can be done either by touch or by voice.

Depending on the Experience Mode, a single tap on the speedometer transforms the entire MINI Interaction Unit into a typical MINI speedometer.

MINI Experience Modes for intensive MINI moments.

The emotional connection between the new MINIs and their drivers is even more intense thanks to the MINI Experience Modes. The core, green and go-kart modes, each with their own specific user interface design, are included as standard. Optionally, the customer can receive up to five additional Experience Modes with the MINI Experience Modes option. The experience modes are raised to a new level through the additional, orchestrated use of light and sound. Drivers can thus immerse themselves in up to eight different worlds in the interior of the new MINI generation, each of which is announced with a characteristic jingle

The MINI Interaction Unit shows different designs and content depending on the selected mode. A special highlight of the interior experience is the reinterpretation of the typical MINI interior light. The MINI projector on the back of the OLED display immerses the dashboard in matching colors and patterns. The interaction of projection, ambient light and MINI Interaction Unit results in a unique, immersive experience that extends right into the door panels.

A special highlight is the personal mode. Personal Mode breaks new ground when it comes to personalization and customizability. Here, the customer can use the MINI App to set their own images from their smartphone gallery for the background of the MINI Interaction Unit. The color of the ambient light is automatically set to match the selected image.

The color scheme inThe optional head-up display also adapts to the selected MINI Experience Mode. This contributes equally to an emotional and consistent digital user experience.

Core: In the foreground of the core mode is the main menu with the MINI widgets. The user interface is in the MINI color Laguna, which looks classy, ​​puristic and modern. The projection and ambient lighting are automatically adjusted to this color. The dashboard is immersed in the Core Mode projection pattern. The driving sound Core becomes the new electric MINI brand sound. It is the only sound that can be heard not only inside but also outside the vehicle as acoustic pedestrian protection. As a MINI brand sound, it sounds inviting, energetic and inspiring. Go Kart:

Ultra-dynamic and full of motorsport DNA – the go-kart mode bathes the display and the entire interior in the colors anthracite and red. If required, the MINI Interaction Unit can show a sporty speedometer over the entire surface. The projection and ambient lighting is red. The dashboard is immersed in the projection pattern of Go-Kart Mode. The throttle response of the gas pedal is optimized for sporty driving. A go-kart driving sound was created for a particularly sporty driving experience, which is characterized by pronounced pitch and load curves and thus forms the right soundscape for an agile and dynamic drive.

Green: By concentrating on the essential details, this green-colored mode underscores the more sustainable side of MINI mobility. The ambient lighting is green. Animal animations use both their color and their character to indicate which efficiency level (high, medium, low) the driver is currently driving. Accelerator pedal response is optimized for efficient driving.

Balance: The colors, animations and layout are deliberately reserved and calming in this puristic mode. The driving sound Balance is based on the noises that can be heard in a forest at different times of the day and night: from the murmuring of a stream to the chirping of crickets to the rustling of the wind in the treetops. The sound world composed from this ensures relaxation and well-being on board the future MINI models.

Timeless: In this mode, the legacy of the classic MINIs comes into its own with serif fonts and a large speedometer, presented with a modern decorative strip on a light background. Timeless Mode will also be very attractive for night driving with appropriately adapted design and projections. Tradition and progress are combined in the MINI “Timeless” driving sound. For this purpose, engine noises from conventionally powered models from the classic MINI to the MINI John Cooper Works GP were sampled and combined with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI “Core” driving sound to create an acoustic journey through time.

Vivid: This mode focuses on presenting media content. The colors in the user interface design, for the projections and the ambient lighting in the interior are fed by automatic color selection technology from the respective cover image of the current music playback.

Personal: Unlimited possibilities thanks to “Personal Picture Upload”. Personal Mode breaks new ground when it comes to personalization and customizability. Here the customer can use the MINI app to choose their own images for the background of the “MINI Interaction Unit”. As in “Vivid” mode, a suitable color is automatically selected from the corresponding image for interior lighting and dashboard projection. 

Trail: Trail will be the special experience mode for adventurers and explorers in the MINI Countryman. A virtual compass and displayed vehicle inclination data symbolize the joy of discovering new paths off the road.

Unmistakable sound production for all-electric MINI models.

The brand-typical soundscapes of the new MINI family are also part of the digital user experience. The repertoire includes completely new driving sounds in the interior, an unmistakable MINI brand sound as a distinctive feature on the outside, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes and 30 new sounds with information and warning functions.

The new sounds make an emotional contribution to the driver in the interior and shape the acoustic perception of the outside world. This creates an unmistakable, MINI-typical recognition feature on an acoustic level as well. They can be experienced for the first time in the new MINI Cooper Electric.

The new MINI Sound DNA is based on the brand’s elementary values ​​and embodies a positive, charismatic aura. The MINI Experience Modes become the stage on which the completely newly created sound worlds are staged. With the help of analogue instruments, digital technology and artificial intelligence, typical MINI sounds are generated that convey information and at the same time arouse emotions. MINI Experience Modes for immersive driving experiences.

MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant – visually accompanied by MINI or Spike.

For the first time, a fully-fledged language assistant has found its way into MINI brand vehicles. The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated with the greeting “Hey MINI” or with the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel. The voice-controlled interaction takes place on the circular OLED display in the form of an animation made up of graphic elements, typography and an avatar. For the visualization, users can choose between “MINI” – a stylized representation of a MINI – and optionally the “Spike”, which is already familiar to many MINI fans.

Many important functions such as navigation, telephony, radio and temperature can be controlled by voice. The driver can make travel-related requests or requests, such as “What’s the weather like in…/at my destination?” and “Show me charging stations along the route”. If customers express a wish, such as “I’m hungry” or “I’d like a coffee”, appropriate options are displayed in the vicinity and route guidance to the desired destination can be started directly. Two microphones on the front of the headliner allow the system to automatically detect whether the driver or front passenger is speaking.

The brand-typical design of the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be experienced by the customer with MINI-specific answers, jokes and stories in the so-called “chit chat”, such as the question “Do you like me” or “Tell me a joke”.

In the United Kingdom, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant is based on the AI ​​technology stack of the Alexa Custom Assistant right from the market launch and enters into a natural dialogue with the driver with a brand-defining voice. In many other markets, the new voice and other features enabled with the Alexa Custom Assistant will be rolled out over-the-air at a later date. 

MINI Navigation: fresh map display and cloud -based navigation with charging-optimized route planning.

Compared to the previous generation, the cloud-based navigation system offers performance that has been improved many times over and particularly intuitive operation when entering destinations. It enables very fast and dynamic route calculation based on precise, real-time traffic data delivered at short intervals and combined with forecast models. When the navigation app is selected, the map fills the entire circular display. The color of the map display adapts to the selected MINI Experience Mode. In addition, the display of 3D buildings is possible on request.

In the case of fully electric MINIs, a charging-optimized route is calculated immediately after the destination has been entered if the current range to the destination is insufficient. The algorithm for the calculation and the calculation speed of the loading-optimized route are constantly being improved. The route overview shows important information about the charging stops – such as the estimated charge level on arrival, recommended charging time and target charge level for the onward journey. Thanks to the processing of live data, new charging stations are automatically planned during the journey if the charging stations originally selected are no longer available. In addition, if available, alternative charging-optimized routes are now offered. In the basic settings, the system is set up that the destination and charging stops are reached with a charge level of at least 10 percent. If necessary, the driver can also adjust this loading buffer individually.

Charging convenience is also increased by the fact that the authorization and the start and end of a charging process are integrated in the MINI app.

The optional Augmented View function enables particularly precise orientation in the traffic situation. It is an ideal supplement for navigation guidance in crucial situations. A live video stream from the driver’s perspective is shown on the MINI Interaction Unit and supplemented with context-relevant additional information. For example, in a difficult intersection situation, an animated directional arrow integrated into the video image can help the driver to head for the ideal turn-off according to the route planning.

Other innovative navigation functions such as precise visualization of lane guidance at intersections are part of the optional MINI Connected Package.

MINI Connected Store: AirConsole Gaming, video streaming, Spotify and a constantly evolving range of apps.

The new MINI Connected Store, in conjunction with the optionally bookable MINI Connected Package, offers access to a constantly evolving variety of practical and entertaining apps, including gaming, music and video streaming. The availability of the apps varies from region to region in order to be able to make the customer an offer that is as tailored as possible.

Following its introduction in current BMW vehicles, customers of the new MINI family can also look forward to a form of in-car gaming that is unique in the automotive sector. When the vehicle is stationary, drivers and passengers can play so-called casual games in the AirConsole app, for example to bridge waiting times when charging the high-voltage battery in their vehicle.

Setting up the gaming experience with AirConsole works seamlessly. Players only need their smartphone, which acts as a controller, and the MINI Interaction Unit. After starting the AirConsole app in the vehicle, the connection between the smartphone and the vehicle can be established by scanning a QR code on the OLED display. The players can then start playing immediately.

AirConsole technology enables instant game delivery over-the-air and control over smartphones. This unique configuration allows multiple players to share in-car gaming fun at the same time, including rear seat passengers during a stopover. In general, there is the option of playing alone or with all vehicle occupants together or in competition mode.

So-called casual games are offered, which are characterized by easy accessibility and intuitive control of the gameplay. There are racing, sports, trivia and music trivia games to choose from, as well as simulation, strategy, jump-and-run and puzzle games. These include titles like Go-Kart Go, Golazo, Music Guess, and Overcooked. The portfolio of available games is constantly evolving.

The music streaming apps such as Spotify and Amazon Music are adapted to the MINI Operating System 9 in such a way that they are perfectly integrated into the round MINI Interaction Unit. This allows MINI customers to enjoy an intuitive and visually appealing music streaming experience. The Spotify account can be easily linked via QR code.

The MINI Connected services will be rolled out in more than 40 other countries with the launch of the new MINI family.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available in the MINI Operating System 9 for wireless smartphone connection. In addition to being displayed on the MINI Interaction Unit, relevant information can also be displayed on the optionally available head-up display.

More flexibility and digital vehicle access with the MINI Digital Key Plus.

Another highlight for customers of the new MINI family will be the optionally available MINI Digital Key Plus. Once this has been set up on a compatible Apple, Google or Samsung device, the new MINIs ensure a friendly greeting as soon as you approach them thanks to Ultra-Wide-Band technology. After opening the doors, the greeting continues in the interior and, thanks to the MINI ID, is rounded off with a personal address. The smartphone never has to be taken out of your pocket or handbag. A key can be easily and securely passed on to friends or family members from the Apple or Google Wallet using the native “Share” function known from many apps.

Remote software upgrades now also for MINI Standard.

As a family member of the BMW , the MINI brand benefits from more than five years of experience with over-the-air software updates at BMW. For the remote software upgrades, the software architecture of the new MINI family is based on the same software platform that has been continuously developed at BMW since 2018 and ensures that the updates run safely and smoothly. Thus, the new MINIs will receive free remote software upgrades for quality improvements several times a year. Depending on the country, vehicle model, equipment and vehicle condition, you can even receive additional new functions or function improvements free of charge.