Next-Gen MINI Cooper Gets Interactive Infotainment with A Dog Avatar

The next-gen MINI Cooper is coming!

With several teasers and previews already published, it is safe to say that the next-gen MINI Cooper debut is imminent. With both its exterior and interior already being unveiled before, MINI still thinks that there’s more to talk about the new model ahead of its global unveiling.

The next-gen MINI Cooper gets retro-futuristic cabin design

We’ve covered rather extensively about the new MINI Cooper’s interior design last time, which features a retro-futuristic cabin design with a sizable rounded display being the main highlight. Beyond its retro-inspired look, there’s more to unravel about this display, as it features a slew of modern amenities, on par with the marque’s plan to “take a quantum leap into the digital age.”

For starters, this 9.4-inch OLED display runs on the new MINI Operating System 9, which is the latest version of BMW Group’s Infotainment software based on the Android Open Source Project software stack. 

It comes with the minimalistic yet stunning MINI Experience Modes interface which is optimised for both touch and voice command usage, with three modes to choose from – Core, Green, and Go-Kart. Plus, this new round display also features MINI’s new cloud-based navigation system, which adds EV-centric features like charging-optimised routes and three-dimensional maps with AI view.

Speaking of voice command, the new MINI Cooper comes with a new virtual voice assistant, in the form of an animated English Bulldog named Spike. Don’t let its (virtual) cute face fool you, as Spike can provide quick and easy access to a slew of vehicle controls, including for media, phone calls, navigation, as well as climate controls.

More importantly, this Android-based infotainment system also comes with optional 5G connectivity, which allows quick over-the-air (OTA) software updates that’ll ensure the system runs smoothly. Said high-speed connectivity also allows access to MINI Connected Store, where users can download tons of apps like AirConsole games, media streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify, and many more.

On the topic of audio, the next-gen MINI Cooper EV will come with new driving sounds for both interior and exterior that are “unmistakable”, according to MINI. To complement this, a total of 30 new sound signals and jingles will be added, allowing users to select and optimise their cabin sounds as they please.

As we reported before, the next-gen MINI Cooper EV will come in two main variants – the baseline Cooper E and the range-topping Cooper SE. The former model rocks a front-mounted 181 HP-rated motor that is juiced by a 40.7-kWh battery for an estimated EV range of 299 KM (WLTP), while the SE gets a peppier 215 HP-rated motor setup and a larger 54.2-kWh battery pack. 

With (almost) all of its details being shared by MINI, perhaps now’s the right time for the new MINI Cooper to make its global debut…