Mini Says It’s “Round” Screens Are Not Going Anywhere

Mini is committed to its iconic round center display, integrating modern technology into this signature design element for the foreseeable future.

The brand’s iconic round gauge design remains a core brand hallmark. Modern Minis continue this heritage with a prominent, tech-forward circular center display. In an interview with Australia’s Drive, Mini Australia’s General Manager, Alexander Brockhoff, stated:

‘The round display is unique to Mini, and we want to keep that as part of the history.’

While contemporary Mini models are equipped with a head-up display to provide essential vehicle information, the central screen manages nearly all secondary functions. Notably, the interior design eschews physical HVAC controls, although it retains a tactile volume knob.

Although Mini intends to retain its signature round center display, the company remains open to future iterations. Regarding the potential evolution of this design, Brockhoff remarked:

‘But at the moment, I think from a design point of view, it’s important that we keep kind of this character alive. And technology will always evolve further to make the integrations even better in the future.’

Mini may eventually reintroduce physical controls to address consumer feedback. Additionally, while the circular display presents challenges for CarPlay and Android Auto, the native operating system offers a more seamless, full-screen experience.

‘But if you then use the local navigation system, obviously, it uses the whole screen of it. When customers actually go and experience it… I think it works quite well.’

The automaker introduced the MINI Interaction Unit, featuring a 9.4-inch OLED display, in mid-2023. Following its initial debut in the Cooper Electric, the system has since been integrated across the brand’s entire vehicle lineup.

Mini dedicated significant effort to ensuring the display reflects the brand’s distinctive character. During the launch, Stefanie Wurst, Mini’s former global head, remarked:

‘We are taking a massive leap into the digital world with the new MINI family and, in so doing, underscoring the charismatic heritage of the brand.’

• Read Also: New Mini Cooper: Modern And Retro Without Instrument Cluster