Most digitally advanced Mini yet
- Spike is here to help
- A more immersive experience
- Optimised route planning for electric models
- Car sharing with a digital key
The next-generation Mini, set to be fully unveiled in September, will follow Tesla’s lead in allowing owners to play computer games on its 9.4in diameter circular OLED display while parked or charging.
Mini’s AirConsole app enables smartphones to connect with the display, stream games directly to it and works with multiple players in the car. Available through the Mini Connected Store, it will offer several native games ranging from racing and sports to general knowledge and music quizzes. Mini plans to expand the offering with more games over time.
It’s made possible by the company’s new Operating System 9, developed in-house by the BMW Group and using Android Open Source Project software for the first time. Unlike often complex infotainment systems, Mini has opted for what it describes as ‘charismatic simplicity’ to make it straightforward for users to operate.
Besides the native system, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available wirelessly via connected smartphones.
Spike is here to help
For the first time in a Mini, a digital assistant will be available to help drivers with specific tasks, such as finding the nearest charging location or places to eat along a route. It can even provide some light entertainment by telling jokes if asked.
The system features the choice of appearing as an animated Mini-shaped car or dog called Spike. In the UK, it will incorporate Alexa AI technology, similar to that which underpins Amazon’s home smart speakers, to understand questions and engage with more natural dialogue.
A more immersive experience
Most new cars have different driving modes that alter the performance characteristics as well as features such as ambient interior lighting and digital display layouts, and the new Mini will be no different, though they will be labelled ‘experiences’ by the British brand.
They will include “Core”, “Green” and “Go-Kart”, representing what we would typically refer to as Normal, Eco and Sport settings, respectively. In addition to altering the graphics on the central display and changing the way the Mini feels to drive, it will also adjust the sounds created by the electric versions.
Mini will optionally offer extra experiences to be called “Balance”, “Vivid”, “Personal”, “Trail” and “Timeless”, the latter of which should be the most distinctive as it turns the central display into a large speedometer incorporating a serif typeface.
It will also produce driving sounds generated by combustion engine models including the classic Mini and John Cooper Works GP, which are blended with a futuristic interpretation of the Core driving sound.
With the Personal mode, owners will be able to upload their favourite images as the display’s background, via the Mini app.
Other options include a colour head-up display that changes to match the chosen experience mode for a more complete look.
Optimised route planning for electric models
The next Mini will use an improved navigation system to provide easier destination inputs and cloud-based connectivity for dynamic route calculation and more precise real-time traffic information to help avoid congestion.
With electric Mini models this software will include charging-optimised routes if there is insufficient range in the battery to complete the trip without plugging in, ensuring the car has at least a 10 per cent charge level when it arrives at its planned stops. Owners can also see the predicted state of charge upon arrival at each destination.
Car sharing with a digital key
A digital key, compatible with Apple, Google and Samsung devices, will allow lending of the new Mini to friends or family members. Through ultra-wideband technology, once the car detects when the digital keyholder approaches, it unlocks and enables it to be driven without a physical key fob.
Sharing the digital key is as simple as pressing the share button within the Mini app, and owners can also revoke the digital key just as quickly.
- After reading about the features of the new Mini, you might like to read about its retro-themed dashboard
- You may also like to check out all the car makers’ electric vehicle plans
- Wondering what are the best EVs right now? Check out our electric car reviews here
Keyword: Next-gen Mini to get in-car video games