Next MINI Family Members Will Feature a First-Ever Round OLED Display and New OS

Of course, they also devised a name for the whole shebang – the MINI Interaction Unit. Granted, it's not as cute and cuddly as Spike, the future digital companion (dog) for MINI customers. However, the first-ever round OLED display is still a premiere in the automotive industry. And it also comes with "a refreshing user interface design," MINI Experience Modes have special styles, light projections, and even sound, while MINI also introduces their Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Naturally, this "quantum leap into the digital age" will be bestowed upon the entire family of models in the future – and we're pretty sure the next iteration of the MINI Cooper EV will be the flag-bearer. Meanwhile, the "iconic" central instrument has become a thoroughly modern digital interface with the new MINI Interaction Unit thanks to its 240-mm (diameter) round OLED display, the sparkling colors, and its position that conveniently allows both driver and passenger to access its many features.

Note how MINI is dropping the traditional instrument cluster elements from behind the driver's steering wheel and is moving forward only with the new MINI Interaction Unit and the information provided by the head-up display, where available. Overall, the company is cleaning up the cockpit quite nicely, though some people might not appreciate the odd pattern on the dashboard or the lights that could distract the driver.

Anyway, knowing MINI, that is just one of the countless personalization options that will be available in the subsequent models – for a nice (additional) buck or two, for sure, everyone will find their perfect, customized pattern. "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," explains Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.

Aside from the MINI Interaction Unit being the first round OLED display in the automotive industry, the new digital format brings MINI Operating System 9, developed in-house by the BMW Group and based (for the first time) on an Android Open-Source Project (AOSP) software stack. Additionally, up to eight MINI Experience Mode coordinate with the optional light projector tucked behind the MINI Interaction Unit to match the colors and patterns, and fully electric models will also get an "unmistakable sound design."

The audio tracks include new driving sounds in the cockpit, a MINI brand sound heard from outside, "jingles" for the new MINI Experience Modes, and 30 additional sound signals catering to "information and warning functions." Meanwhile, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant is voice-activated and can interface with the optional Spike visualization. Traditional items include high-speed internet connectivity with optional 5G capability, a new cloud-based MINI Navigation system with optional Augmented View plus 3D buildings, a MINI Connected Store with AirConsole app that provides access to gaming, music, and video streaming, plus digital vehicle access for select devices from Apple, Google, and Samsung, as well as Remote Software Updates via over-the-air feature.