On the new models, I have a 2019, does the Early Warning System for front end collisions give an audible warning or just the red icon that shows up in the instrument cluster? I don't quite get its effectiveness.

 

Yesterday, the Approach Control Warning red light alert came on twice for me on my 2019 F55. Being my third Mini, I thought it meant check engine or turbo problem but scoured the manual and relieved to found that it is an early collision warning (starting on page 165 Intelligent Safety).
Prewarning = System lights up red; Acute warning = Symbol flashes red AND an acoustic signal sounds.

I do not know it is brakes for acute warning or just a flashing light and beeps.
I found this online...

For added security, the car will feature a multifunctional camera mounted on the windscreen at the same level as the rear-view mirror, which will help with the new collision and pedestrian warning functions.

"This package enables the car in front to be electronically monitored, while also detecting pedestrians crossing the road in front of the car," Mini said. "At speeds of up to approximately 35 mph, the system automatically initiates braking in potentially dangerous situations, while also issuing visual and acoustic warnings."

At higher speeds, the collision warning system will issue a "two-stage" alarm if the vehicle is in danger of crashing. First, a visual warning will flash, and second, there will be an acoustic signal prompting the driver to take action. Drivers can configure the sensitivity of the collision warning system by choosing between the warning time levels "early," "medium," and "late."

 

Thanks TJANK, I went back and re-read the manual where you mentioned. I missed the part about "and acoustic warning" under the Acute Warning part. By the sounds of it, if you ever do hear the acoustic warning, it's too late, you're gonna hit something, however our system might soften the blow a little bit. Anyway, thanks for answering and I just couldn't figure out why I couldn't even purposely trigger the sound warning, just the dash light warning. Now I know I should stop trying.

 

You will be surprised how fast those JCW brakes stop the car. There is enough time to stop when you hear the acoustic warning.