Test drove another 2026 at a different dealer. This one was Indigo Blue & Red roof. More "Mini" looking than the other one I looked at.
I got a kick out of it, I like the way the steering wheel retuns to center with a purpose. Forogt to measure to hatch area but it looks plenty large enough.
That Oled screen is in all the Mini's now so there's no other option . My wife and I toggled thru the screen and we figured out how to turn the Engine sound off.
I'm warming up to the size. This is smaller than my GMC Sierra which it will be replacing.
If you turn the auto stop/start off, does it stay off the next time your start the car? It looks like the button on the lower left brings you to a menu and it needs to be disabled everytime you start the car.

 

I do not like the new Mini infotainment software and design. I had a loaner car a few months ago, and it seemed like you needed to create a profile inside the system to gain access to certain features. However, since I wasn’t registered with Mini services as an owner, I couldn’t create a profile. Lame. I thought I remember the start-stop setting being one of those profile settings.

 

At the moment, auto stop/start has to be disabled at the start of each trip. It also automatically disables if you choose Go Kart/sport mode. As it’s software enabled Mini could choose to allow it to be permanently disabled in the future.

Regarding the infotainment system, it does have a high learning curve, but once you live with the vehicle for a few days/weeks it becomes much more enjoyable and livable. It’s not perfect, but once configured to your preferences and once you set up personal shortcuts (accessible through one-touch button on the steering wheel and accessible through the heads up display) it feels more useable.

As to size, it is the largest Mini ever but will be much, much smaller than your Sierra. Personally, mine is perfect. I wouldn’t want it to be any smaller or any bigger.

 

I looked at the F54 and thought it was too small. This size grew on me.