As MINI very slowly builds towards the official debut of its new family of cars, it's teased us with both small visual and technical details of what to expect when they are eventually unveiled.
Now, the carmaker is lifting the curtain on what will greet drivers as they settle into the car, with a first proper look at the interiors of the new MINI family.
At least one detail should be familiar: A brand new, multi-function steering wheel that only has two physical spokes, and will rely on a third fabric piece to give the impression of a third spoke. Coherent with the brand's ethos of style and individuality, the look of the fabric should change - either based on model or trim level.
The dashboard should not be all too foreign too if you've been paying attention to MINI's Aceman concept and also kept up with its announcements at the 2023 Shanghai Motor Show - except, of course, for the fact that it’s now been properly, tangibly fleshed out.
MINI says that this design ultimately harks back to simplicity of the dashboard on Sir Alec Issigonis' pioneering (and very analogue) supermini, which was composed of three main units: The steering wheel, rounded speedometer, and control panel unit right underneath. Although fittingly modernised for the new digital age, the new interior arguably stays truer to the original template than ever before thanks to a groundbreaking innovation never before seen on a MINI: A rounded OLED screen.
Peer a bit closer at the dashboard, and you'll also notice intriguing patterns on the fabric finished surfaces. Tiny light projectors are embedded right behind the OLED screen, and in different Drive modes, can cast light patterns of different colours outwards, further elevating the visual vibrancy of the interior. That's sure to be a treat especially when driving at night.
