2022 model sneak peek

Sure, but I’m getting Piano black (not by choice). I want chrome.


Sent from my iPad using Inside EVs

 

The other item I have not asked about is the dashboard interior surface: My salesperson asked me which I wanted, and I said "aluminum", but when the order came through it listed the electric surface instead. Since I don't have a strong preference, I am just leaving it set to "electric". But it makes me wonder if that is another item that is not optional when you buy the SE?

 

Of course, all those parts are also available in chrome and there's one money-saving aspect of going "chrome out" because you won't have to replace the belt line, which MINI chose to leave chrome in contrast with all the other parts of the Piano Black package. It could be worse--I have an expensive phobia of fake hood scoops and there's no option to wrap away a hood scoop.

 

I heard the hidden compartment was removed for space for the telematics, but then I've seen a UK SE owner who had the space and installed that part! I'm not sure if the US has different telematics or maybe the SE has more space behind the dash? But I'd sure like that space back.

 

Via MotoringFile: A Detailed Look at the New MINI Operating System, with video.

A couple revelations (to me) after watching the video:

• I was initially concerned about the "live widgets" being the only way to view the information. However, it appears the "live widgets" view just replaces the circular "home" menu, allowing you to see that information without having to dive into that particular screen. The full-screen view for each function is still available.
• The steering wheel buttons appear to be actual buttons, rather than capacitive touch surfaces.

 

The Honda e has an aquarium you can display on the dashboard and you can feed the little fishies by tapping on the screen. Is there a MINI Live Aquarium Widget? Did MINI add Android Auto for 2022 or was creating "Lounge" and "Sport" color themes deemed a higher priority? Even the fish in the Honda e's dashboard aquarium have access to Android Auto (I think).

 

Unanswered is whether existing SEs can run the new MINI OS. They've added a lot of functionality for the SE, it'd be a shame if we can't get the upgrade. And when does the new app get released?

 

That article said first half of 2021. Not very specific, is it? On another (primarily UK) Mini SE forum, I see users continuing to use the old app even though they have access to the new version, because the new version of the app does not have the handy trip stats screen.

 

Y’all may recall that I was pretty excited about the Island Blue color, but didn’t end up ordering one because it was exclusive to the Electric Collection which was based upon the Signature + trim…. And “I’m an adult. I can have leather seats.”

Well, I wanted to to what the range of colors was on the other MINIs, since I keep seeing unusual colors on older Coopers around the City.

And lo! Island Blue is an available option for all 2022s! $500 option on Signature, free choice on Iconic. I checked the 2-door, 4-door, Countryman and Convertible.

Kinda weird that that color on an SE is highly limited, but we’ll see loads of ICE cars in that color in the future.

 

MINI does reserve certain colors for certain models. I wonder if they consider them within a line only, so the Island Blue is exclusive for certain electric MINI trims, but ICE models have other configurations? They've also had some colors come and go – most notably Volcanic Orange was available for a few years, but no more.