New Mini SE drive

Does Canada welcome vehicles imported from China?

 

Nope. . . . . To much like my old Tesla.

 

Yeah, I’m not a fan of minimalist cockpits. Musicians don’t play LCD instruments, writers don’t type on touchscreens.

 

Thanks for sharing!

I'm not a fan of moving oft-used controls to a touchscreen, and I do enjoy looking at a large battery of toggle switches. In reality, however, I don't actually use most of them, or at least very often, so could live with the approach if need be. I also don't object to the turn-to-start switch - it's just a different kind of quirky.

More interesting/concerning was the comment about the lightness of the steering, and the fact that the wheel appeared thinner. However, at least it's not a yoke.

 

Given that we already have 2024s, then I would assume that this would show up in 2024 as a 2025 model, so probably a year away.

 

Light is fine. Slow is not fine for a Mini.

3rd gen steering is significantly more lifeless than the first two gens, the return of some feedback would be very much appreciated as well since we're listing wishes.

Both stories I've seen from this drive mentions the rear end sliding on the track. That sure makes me happy.

 

It's not a good feeling to look and see a blank screen when it is the only thing showing current driving data (speed, etc.). I've had to reboot the screen while driving my wife's Tesla and it's disconcerting.

 

In another video there are some buttons left below the center display, but it looks like MINI's made a decision to minimize them just as the car makers realize screen-only controls are bad.

The Glorious Return of a Humble Car Feature
Buttons beat touchscreens in cars, and now there's data to prove it

 

Completely agree !! I was glad to get rid of our Model 3 Performance - I just did not like the interior. Much happier in our 2023 SE !

 

I much prefer the screen with a couple
Do software buttons (like in the steering), especially if I can customize the behavior to my liking.
I’m hate a sea of cryptically iconed buttons and the busy look of cat interiors. Sleek, modern Scandinavian design please. I love the Tesla approach, apart from the lack of a button on the glovebox.
Buttons and wiring adds cost, weight and more stuff to go wrong. No-one is going back from a smartphone to a blackberry either. I was against the Tesla way before I bought one and lived with it, now getting into the SE or any other car feels like going back to the stone age. No thanks.
That truly round center screen is going to be very trick looking and unique.

 

MotoringFile shares some additional feedback (from AutoCar): J01 Electric MINI Cooper SE First Drive Reviews Are Here!

 

Just below the circular screen are traditional toggle switches include on/off, gear selection, power modes, audio volume and what MINI is calling ‘experiences’.

Gear selection? So there's no shifter?

 

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. While modern aircraft cockpits have a lot more “glass” and on-screen controls these days, they will never be completely devoid of physical buttons, knobs, and toggles. It may work in a Tesla for people who don’t know how to drive (or prefer not to have to drive), but when I’m driving, I like to pay attention to the road and my surroundings rather than having to divert that attention to adjust the climate control or the volume or anything else, having to look at a touchscreen instead of relying on muscle memory.

 

Even worse, as that reviewer above talked about the round OLED display, she hinted that there will be all sorts of gamification. I don’t want or need gamification in my car’s controls. For anything I don’t set up before hitting the road, I tend to use voice control (Siri). Anything that requires adjustment while underway, such as climate, I much prefer physical controls to touchscreens.

 

There is a shifter. It's just a tiny one mounted below the circular screen that you toggle up-or-down, instead of one between the seats that you move back-and-forth.

 

I'm not necessarily opposed to more screen controls, but please don't take away the physical volume control knob. I also prefer physical climate controls, but I can live with screen controls for that I guess. I also prefer a control knob like in the current MINI as I very seldomly use the touch screen, but I know that's a losing battle.