IAA Mobility 2023: This will be the next Mini

On the Auto Motor und Sport platform, you can already see what the new Mini looks like undisguised. Its first official appearance will be at the IAA, and thanks to digitalization, you can choose more interior variants than ever before!

Recently, Mini has published the future possibilities for Mini owners: The instruments can be programmed from colorful high-tech to ultra-classic, extremely British cream-colored displays! There should be something for every taste.

The front looks more closed than its predecessor, and at the rear, the "Union Jack motif" of the taillights is used to break free from their boxiness—making them more fashionable. All lights are integrated into the large circular main headlights, saving costs and complexity.

The weight and size spiral could finally be reversed!

The new model could also save on dimensions and weight: Rumor has it that thanks to a smarter package, it will be a few centimeters shorter and several tens of kilograms lighter than its predecessor. Colleagues who have already driven the new model speak of less than the current 1,440 kilograms of the SE—we suspect Mini is aiming for a three in the second digit—and about two centimeters less in length and three centimeters shorter overhangs, which means the wheelbase has increased and there should be more space inside.The flat vehicle floor helps, which could also be adopted for combustion models due to the front-wheel drive.

Mini Modes provide up to eight different interior atmospheres

This is even more true for the electric version, developed with Great Wall and closely related to the Ora Funky Cat. Mini is using smarter infotainment, referred to as the Mini Experience Modes: The standard modes include Core, Green, and Go-Kart, each with its specific user interface design. Optionally, the customer can get up to five additional Experience Modes for an extra charge. These Experience Modes are supposed to reach a new level through the added, orchestrated use of light and sound, offering up to eight worlds. Each activation of these individual worlds will be announced with a characteristic jingle. Additionally, the Mini Interaction Unit shows different designs and content depending on the selected mode. A particular highlight of the interior experience is the reinterpretation of the typical MINI interior lighting. The MINI Projector at the back of the OLED display bathes the dashboard in matching colors and patterns. This interplay of projection, ambient light, and MINI Interaction Unit creates an immersive experience that extends to the door panels.

A special highlight is the Personal Mode. The Personal Mode breaks new ground when it comes to personalization and customizability. Here, the customer can set their own pictures from their smartphone gallery as the background of the Mini Interaction Unit via the Mini app. The color of the ambient lighting is automatically adjusted to match the selected image. The color design in the optional head-up display also adapts to the selected Mini Experience Mode.

Mini describes the individual modes as follows: 

Core: The Core mode focuses on the main menu with the Mini widgets. The user interface is kept in a Laguna tone. The projection and ambient lighting are automatically adjusted to this color. The dashboard is immersed in the projection pattern of the Core Mode. The Core driving sound becomes the new electric Mini brand sound. It is the only sound that is perceivable both inside and outside the vehicle as an acoustic pedestrian protection. It is supposed to sound "inviting, energetic, and uplifting."

Go-Kart: This mode immerses the display and the entire interior in anthracite and red colors. The Interaction Unit shows a sporty speedometer in full screen upon request. The projection and ambient lighting are red. The dashboard is immersed in the projection pattern of the Go-Kart Mode. The throttle response is optimized for sporty driving. For an especially sporty driving experience, a Go-Kart driving sound was created, which according to Mini is characterized by "strongly pronounced pitch and load curves and thus forms the appropriate soundscape for an agile and dynamic drive."

Green: By focusing on the essential details, this green-colored mode emphasizes the more sustainable side of Mini mobility. The ambient lighting is also green. Animal animations indicate, through their color and character, the current efficiency level (high, medium, low) of the driver. The throttle response is optimized for efficient driving and will be noticeably "sluggish."

Balance: The colors, animations, and layout of this puristic mode are intentionally restrained and calming, inspired by nature. The Balance driving sound is based on the sounds perceivable in a forest at different times of the day and night: from the babbling of a brook and the chirping of crickets to the rustling of the wind in the treetops.

Timeless: This mode exudes cream and ultra-British elegance. In this mode, designers play with the heritage of classic Minis with serif fonts and a large speedometer, presented with a modern trim piece against a light background. The Timeless Mode will also be very attractive for night driving with appropriately adjusted design and projections. Tradition and progress merge in the MINI "Timeless" driving sound. For this, engine noises of 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 into an "acoustic time travel."

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

Personal: This mode is about personalization and customizability. The customer can set their own pictures as the background of the "Mini Interaction Unit" via the Mini app. As in the "Vivid" mode, an appropriate color from the respective picture is automatically selected for interior lighting and dashboard projection. 

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

In total, there are 30 new sound signs and new sound worlds

The digital user experience also includes the typical sound worlds of the new Mini family. The repertoire includes completely new driving sounds in the interior, a distinctive brand sound as a recognition sign in the exterior, jingles for the new Mini Experience Modes, and 30 new sound signs with notification and warning functions.

Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant – a likely smart companion

For the first time, a fully functional voice assistant is making its way into the Minis. The Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated with the greeting "Hey Mini" or with the push-to-talk steering wheel button. The voice-controlled interaction takes place on the circular OLED display in the form of an animation consisting of graphic elements, typography, and an avatar. Users can choose between "Mini" – a stylized representation of a Mini – and optionally the already known "Spike" for many Mini fans for visualization.

Mini builds on the BMW operating system, which should ensure very good voice recognition

Many important functions such as navigation, telephony, radio, and temperature can be voice-controlled. The driver can make travel-related queries or requests, such as "How is the weather in... /at my destination?" and "Show me charging stations along the route." One can also ask abstract questions, e.g., "I'm hungry" or "I'd like a coffee." Corresponding options in the vicinity will then be displayed, and route guidance to the desired destination can start directly. Two microphones at the front of the headliner allow the system to automatically recognize whether the driver or the passenger is speaking.

The Mini can also tell jokes — and at least virtually "like" you

The typically branded features of the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant come to life for the customer with Mini-specific responses, jokes, and stories in the so-called "Chit-Chat," such as the question "Do you like me?" or "Tell me a joke." If you have to ask your Mini whether it likes you, you might want to invest your money in a psychiatrist instead...

In the UK, the Intelligent Personal Assistant is already based on the AI technology stack of the Alexa Custom Assistant at market launch and engages in a natural dialogue with drivers with a brand-defining voice. In many other markets, the introduction of the new voice and additional features enabled by the Alexa Custom Assistant will follow at a later date over-the-air. 

Mini Navigation: Cloud-based navigation with charge-optimized route planning

Mini is also making significant advances in navigation. The cloud-based navigation system offers vastly improved performance compared to the previous generation and particularly intuitive operation for destination entry. It enables very fast and dynamic route calculation based on precise real-time traffic data, delivered at short intervals and combined with predictive models. When the navigation app is selected, the map fills the entire circular display. The map's color scheme adapts to the selected Experience Mode. Additionally, 3D building representation is available upon request.

For fully electric Minis, a charge-optimized route is calculated immediately after entering the destination if the current range is insufficient. The algorithm for calculating and the calculation speed of the charge-optimized route are continuously improved. The route overview displays important information about charging stops — such as the estimated charge level upon arrival, recommended charging time, and target charge level for continuation. During the drive, new charging stations are automatically planned thanks to the processing of live data if the originally targeted charging stations are no longer available. Additionally, alternative charge-optimized routes are now offered if available. By default, the system is configured to reach the destination and charging stops with a charge level of at least 10 percent. If needed, the driver can also individually adjust this charge buffer.

An additional video stream shows supplementary information

The optional Augmented View feature enables particularly precise orientation in traffic. It is an ideal complement during crucial navigation situations. On the Mini Interaction Unit, a live video stream from the driver's perspective is displayed and enriched with context-relevant additional information. For example, in a complex intersection situation, an integrated and animated direction arrow in the video image can assist the driver in targeting the ideal turn as per route planning. Further innovative navigation functions, such as precise visualizations of lane guidance in intersection areas, are part of the optional Connected Packages.