#2: A warm spacious high-tech interior
Continuing the ‘less is more’ philosophy of the original iconic 1960s Mini, MINI’s designers have stripped back the interior of the new all-electric MINI Cooper to just the essentials – embracing progressive minimalism for streamlined simplicity and ease-of-use. It all starts with the large round 9.5in central touchscreen that sits at the heart of the all-electric MINI Cooper’s dashboard.
Using state-of-the-art high-definition OLED technology to deliver ultra-crisp graphics with ultra-bold colours, its streamlined user-interface, always-online 5G connectivity, smart intuitive MINI Personal Assistant voice control – allied to the electric-focused MINI Navigation and optional MINI Head-Up Display – give you even greater visibility and control over your route planning and in-car entertainment.
Underneath the large round central touchscreen is the MINI toggle bar, housing important controls such as the start/stop switch – which is shaped like a key – the gear selector and the parking brake, as well as the MINI Experience Mode toggle (more on that in a moment) and the audio volume control.
It all sits on top of a curved dashboard that features soft knitted two-tone trim materials that feel warm, homely and premium to the touch. It’s the same with the new steering wheel, which is trimmed with a vegan-friendly Vescin that offers a premium tactile leather-like feel and has a fabric strap instead of a third spoke.
The reduced number of driving controls means more space for storage in the centre console, with large cupholders and cubbies alongside a wireless charging dock for your smartphone which can be fitted as an option on the MINI Cooper E, but comes as standard on the MINI Cooper SE.
The feeling of space in the new all-electric MINI Cooper is only enhanced by the optional panoramic glass roof during the day, while the ambient lighting glow from the trim fabrics offers a warm friendly feel after-dark.
You also get a surprising amount of luggage space in the new all-electric MINI Cooper – up to 210 litres as standard with the rear passenger seats in place, or as much as 800 litres if you fold the 60:40 split-fold rear seats down. So, it’s perfect for everyday urban tasks or packing in a quick weekend away.
