A month ago we walked you through what we knew (and what we could tell you) about the next generation MINI’s interior. Called “a huge step forward” by sources familiar with the new car, the interior will boast higher-end materials and a more straight-forward approach to interfacing with the car and it’s entertainment options. And speaking of those options, the window into that world is about to get much larger. As we’ve reported the next MINI will adopt a BMW sized wide screen for displaying content. Seen for the first time today via MotoringAuthority.com. But it’s what that screen will display and what MINI positions around it that’s interesting to us.

Read on for a details view of MINI’s new system and how it will radically improve the in-car navigation and infotainment experience we currently know. continued at MotoringFile →

 

OMG. Someone woke up at BMW (I think)! Thanks for sharing.

 

I think its hideous personally.

Plus rectangular vents, window controls on doors, start toggle... wtf.

 

Agree, can't say I'm a big fan of it either. Now, I'm not against change in general. However, changing things that are the very essence of what a MINI is tends to dilute the brand and make it more generic...and "generic" is the antithesis of the heart that is the MINI marque.

 

Yea, moving the window and door locking controls to the doors will definitely be the ruin of MINI - how dare they be so damn ergonomic?

Leaving the vents circular would have been fine though. It does give the vehicle a special character. At least they appear to be keeping the navi screen in a round housing and finally making it touchscreen and easier to use. Another needed improvement imo.

 

How is window switches in the door ergonomic? It is more standard across other brands but I don't see ergonomic. My hand is already near the center stack to shift, so I can hit the window switches easily. My left hand is on the wheel... never on the door panel unless I'm getting out. Generic like Subzero says.

Anyway, it sounds like the Countryman is getting this change starting with the 2013s in September so I guess it is said and done.

 

How does putting the window and door locking controls in a place where I'm not used to them being make them more ergonomic?

 

Awww c'mon guys! The PT Cruiser and HHR both had the window controls on the center stack and both Chrysler and GM ended up moving them to the doors (no Jim Morrison reference intended). Look how that ended up.

 

It looks great, and still unlike any other designs I've seen. let's motor forward!

 

I don't think it is a touchscreen. The other pictures I har seen of it just make the controls look exactly like the BMW idrive control pad tater than the current mini connect control pad.

 

...so you're telling me this is the start of the end, my only friend, the end?

 

Unless MINI finds a way to break on through to the other side which of course would really light my fire.

 

I see what you did there.


The further MINI gets away from the first generation R50/52/53, the less I like (love) them. Trying to become too refined.

 

I believe MINI fixed the whole spontaneous combustion thing with the water pump recall.

Werd (if I can agree anyway, while owning an R60 and an R55 ).

My only hope is that the "base" interior that supposedly will be offered will still look something like the interior of a car rather than that of a fighter plane.

 

I dunno, I might be ok with an R27 model.