2024 MINI Electric can sound like classic Cooper S

MINI has detailed the new soundtrack for the incoming new 2024 MINI Cooper Electric that includes a Timeless mode that’s said to borrow from some of the greatest combustion-powered Mini cars of the past.

Set to be unwrapped in May 2024 and launch in Australia before the end of next year, the next-generation MINI Cooper Electric’s new driving repertoire is also said to include new jingles and sounds for both information and warning functions.

The system is claimed to have been created by analogue instruments, digital technology and even artificial intelligence to create sounds that both convey information and, in some cases, add to the excitement of driving the new-generation battery-powered MINI.

Accessed via the all-new round 9.4-inch-wide OLED circular infotainment system, the fresh soundscapes are incorporated in the MINI Experience Mode and offer the driver the choice of Core, Go Kart, Timeless and Balance soundtracks.

The default Core mode is for those who enjoy peace and quiet and does not broadcast any extra noises in the cabin, although outside an acoustic warning sound is emitted to alert any pedestrians and road users of the otherwise near-silent all-electric MINI’s presence.

The acoustic warning isn’t just any beep, the British brand says, and is said to be both inviting, energetic and inspiring. It’s also claimed to be inspired by the planets revolving around the sun.

The MINI Go Kart soundtrack is said to be fitting for a sportier experience and to match more dynamic driving.

The Timeless setting, meanwhile, is perfect for those missing a combustion engine and is said to blend the noise from classic early 1960s Mini cars to the 2006 MINI Cooper JCW GP combined with a futuristic edge.

Accelerate hard and the noise emitted within is said to morph from the sound of a combustion engine to the whirring noise of a pure-electric car.

The fourth soundscape, MINI Balance, was originally composed for the Vision Urbanaut concept and is said to replicate the sounds of a forest at different times of the day, from the babbling of a stream to the chirping of crickets and the rustling of treetops.

This final soundtrack is said to give those onboard a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.

Other new sounds introduced in the MINI Electric include a short sequence that chimes when you select each Experience Mode, while there’s also a further 30 different sound signals for everything from the indicators to the seatbelt warning and parking sensors.

Each are said to be clearly identifiable and created to catch the attention of those on board and potentially warn of any potential dangers.

The next-generation MINI Electric will be based on an all-new architecture developed in collaboration with GWM and which is already employed by the GWM Ora hatch.

To be built in China, the MINI EV will have fresh exterior styling – already uncovered by leaked images – and a stylish minimalist cabin design that draws inspiration from the original Mini sedan that dates back to 1957.

Dominated by a large 9.4-inch-wide OLED screen, the new infotainment system runs BMW’s latest OS9 operating system that will allow owners to select themes for the screen and change the ambient interior lighting throughout.

There’s also a 3D head-up display and a fabric-wrapped dash that incorporates embedded ambient light, while elsewhere the city-slicking hatch will shun leather for sustainable vegan-friendly materials.

At launch, there will be two versions of the new 2024 MINI Electric – one with 135kW and another with 160kW. A dual-motor JCW model is expected to follow, producing at least 300kW.

Powering the MINI EV hatch will be either a 40kWh or 54kWh battery that will provide a range of between 300-400km.

Once launched, the new MINI Cooper EV will be joined by the next-gen MINI Countryman SUV that will grow in size and come with an EV powertrain option for the first time.

In 2025, the all-electric MINI Aceman SUV will also join the party as an indirect replacement for the Clubman – and could become one of the British brand’s best-selling models.

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