MINI Electric: how its tech helps you stay connected

Find your perfect route

The word ‘connected’ gets banded around a lot these days. But what does it mean in the real world? Well, in the case of the MINI Electric’s Navigation System, it means an immersive, fully customisable map experience. You can keep track of (and avoid) congestion thanks to Real Time Traffic Alerts (RTTI). It also lets you know when public chargers are available in real-time, as well as providing seamless smartphone integration and intelligent voice-activated navigation commands.

For both safety and convenience, the MINI Electric uses Online Speech Processing (including Alexa In-Car preparation) to interpret your voice commands – with little more than “get me home” needed to send you in the right direction. And,mbecause the technology in the MINI Electric never stands still (and nor do you), your navigation system will always be kept bang up to date with automatic over-the-air updates.

Top tier infotainment

The beating heart of the MINI Electric: the ultra-intuitive infotainment system sits front and centre. Echoing classic MINI’s of the 1960s, the circular surround (complete with laser-engraved LED ring) houses your 8.8in touchscreen display. From there, you have access to a full suite of multimedia features including DAB digital radio, eDrive Services, ConnectedDrive Services (more on those later), USB audio, and the aforementioned Navigation Pack.

With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as standard you have multiple ways to customise your digital experience while the rotary dial and menu shortcuts provide additional ways to navigate the system.

First class MINI service(s)

Within the MINI Electric’s infotainment system is a suite of intelligent functions designed to make daily life easier and more efficient. It all starts with MINI eDrive Services – your helpful eco tutor, designed to help you drive your MINI Electric even more efficiently. The system continuously calculates your preferred ‘Green Route’ – that’s the most efficient route for each of your journeys, so you can get the most out of every charge. It will even provide regular stats to help you further improve your on-road economy.

Think of MINI ConnectedDrive Services as your personal mobility assistant. MINI Online keeps you and your passengers connected to the world outside the car. When stationary, a few taps of the touchscreen let you find the latest local news and weather information, search any point of interest (down to restaurant ratings and reviews) and find relevant Wikipedia articles related to specific locations on your journey. Travelling abroad? Keep on top of speed limits, mandatory kit and special rules by country using the Country Information app.

The power of the app

MINI Remote Services – as the name suggests – puts the power in your hands before you’ve even jumped behind the wheel. Using the intuitive MINI App on your smartphone, you’ll have access to functions such as locking and unlocking the doors, battery pre-conditioning and cabin temperature adjustment for those colder starts.

You can also track your top-up times, check your MINI Electric’s battery percentage and kWh efficiency, and manage charging times from the comfort of your couch. Want to keep your MINI Electric in tip-top condition? A few taps of the app and you can schedule everything from a scheduled service to an MOT.

Otherworldly colour

Whether you’re on the move or standing still, the standard display colours and mood lighting in the MINI Electric are a spectacle in themselves. Toggle between ‘Lounge’ and ‘Sport’ modes to watch the recess lighting shift from cool blues to warm hues. In conjunction with the optional Ambient Lighting Pack (standard on Level 2, 3 and Resolute Edition), the ‘Colour Worlds’ of the displays can be combined with the interior light control and a plethora of colour combinations to choose from – six for each of the two modes, to be precise.

The sound of silence

360 watts and 12 speakers: the optional Harmon Kardon sound system (standard on Level 3 and Resolute Edition) has been specifically designed for the MINI Electric, with speakers placed optimally throughout the cabin and a high-efficiency amplifier designed specifically for the space inside. Jump into your sound settings on the MINI Electric’s touchscreen for added levels of customisation for those who are audio inclined.