Mini’s goal for the Cooper Electric Hardtop’s interior was to recall the minimalist design of the classic Mini, but not at the expense of the latest technologies. In fact, the depth of personalization and available tech features are anything but minimalist. Of course, each customer can decide to what extent they want to interact with the car, but younger buyers will love what’s on offer here.
Like the original round analog instrument cluster in the center, the new Mini has a new Interaction Unit in the middle of the dashboard. This high-res OLED display runs Mini Operating System 9.
The display has been moved closer to the driver to be accessed more easily, but voice controls are also possible. The display’s diameter of around 9.5 inches is larger, and it has an attractive glass edge. On the upper half of the display, one can view important vehicle-related information like speed and battery status. Lower down, there are menu items like navigation, climate, phone, and media. In general, the display is based on the way one would interact with a modern smartphone.
But more than just a control interface, the OLED display is also a visual and tactile delight with the rest of the cabin. It can work with an optional projector on the back of the display that immerses the dash in various colors and patterns. It’s here that customers will experience a new level of personalization, such as Personal Mode where a customer-selected image can be set as the display’s background. Using a digital color picker, your personal image’s colors can then be reflected through the ambient lighting system. The Go-Kart Mode that influences the driving experience brings up an anthracite and red lighting signature.