new MINI Cooper & MINI Countryman to Have Optional Autonomous Driving

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The all new 2024 MINI models will be the most technically capable MINI ever made. Whether it’s fully electric or ICE powered, they will usher in a fresh design and all new tech that we’ve never seen before from the brand. One of the biggest additions to the range will be the brand’s first autonomous driving features. Yes – MINIs that can (almost) drive themselves are coming. Here’s what models will get this new technology.

While each market and models may apply specific options differently, broadly speaking there are three packages that make up MINI’s offerings; Driving Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus and Driving Assistant Professional. In some markets we’ll see the Driving Assistant package as standard and may also include rear camera, parking distance control and other safety features. The other two build on those options and add more than ultimately build to the Driving Assistant Pro and its nearly autonomous highway driving experience. Importantly MINI is only offering the Driving Assistant Pro in the U25 Countryman for 2024. We’d expect this to ultimately be added to the J01 and F66 MINI Cooper in the years ahead.

Here’s how the three breakdown in terms of functionality:

Driving Assistant	Driving Assistant Plus	Driving Assistant Pro (Countryman Only)
Blind-spot detection Detects cars in blind-spots that are not typically see in the side mirrors	Blind-spot detection Detects cars in blind-spots that are not typically see in the side mirrors	Blind-spot detection Detects cars in blind-spots that are not typically see in the side mirrors
Forward & side collision warning Detects a potential crash and warn you.	Forward & side collision warning Detects a potential crash and warn you.	Forward & side collision warning Detects a potential crash and warn you.
Automatic Emergency Braking Working with collision detection system, applies brakes the it sense impending collision.	Automatic Emergency Braking Working with collision detection system, applies brakes the it sense impending collision.	Automatic Emergency Braking Working with collision detection system, applies brakes the it sense impending collision.
	Adaptive Cruise w/Stop & Go Keeps speed constant between 30–180 km/h and maintains the distance to the vehicle ahead. Includes Stop & Go function can slow your MINI down to a standstill in traffic and start it again when things move.	Adaptive Cruise w/Stop & Go Keeps speed constant between 30–180 km/h and maintains the distance to the vehicle ahead. Includes Stop & Go function can slow your MINI down to a standstill in traffic and start it again when things move.
	Lane Keep Assistant Detects lane markings and if you are unintentionally straying it will help keep you in the centre by warning you with steering wheel vibration – and if necessary by initiating corrective steering intervention	Lane Keep Assistant Detects lane markings and if you are unintentionally straying it will help keep you in the centre by warning you with steering wheel vibration – and if necessary by initiating corrective steering intervention
	Speed Limit Info identifies speed limits and no-overtaking zones	Speed Limit Info identifies speed limits and no-overtaking zones
		Steering & Lane Control Assistant When engaged as part of adaptive cruise, it actively follows the road only requiring hands to be placed on the wheel
		Lange Change Assistant When engaged as part of adaptive cruise, it will change lane by the driver activating the turn signal

What isn’t here is BMW’s system called Highway Assist which has been rumored to be also offerings. It’s system offered in the technically identical BMW X1 and X2 and allows for hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph on controlled-access highways. Of course there’s a camera checking to see that the driver’s eyes are on the road and attentive for the system to work. It’s unclear when MINI will offer this option but we’d expect it’s a matter of time as the U25 has all of the necessary hardware with the Driving Assistant Pro package.

Before this 4th generation of cars, MINI had only one light autonomous feature – adaptive cruise. While helpful it really does one thing – follow the car in front. MINI’s aim is to introduce this technology as an option meant primarily for highway purposes.

MINI Driving Assistant Professional

With or without Highway Assist, the Driving Assistant Professional (option 5AU) allows the driver to eat up miles with a bit less cognitive load on the driver. Yes your hands need to stay o the wheel but there’s really no input you need to give as the car will simply follow the car and the road ahead. And if you need to pass a slow car just tap the turn signal and the MINI will change lanes.

The thin grey strip above “set” is one of the two LED lights that lets you know the system is active

This feature has been optional on BMWs for years and in our experience is ideal for stop and go traffic. However MINI’s system adds a new wrinkle as it can identify gaps in traffic needed to change lanes to get to an exit. It then brings the vehicle to the optimum speed for assisted lane changes. The MINI will let know when it’s successfully on via two green lights on the steering wheel. When it can’t detect your eyes (in hands-free) or hands (at higher speeds) those green lights being to flash orange.

In this mode the system uses a combination of adaptive cruise and steering input to follow well marked highways without intervention. It uses steering and lane guidance assistant and also includes lane keeping, lane change assistant with active side collision protection and the emergency stop assistant.

In our experience in BMWs it’s a great feature for anyone who does long stretches highway driving. While it doesn’t take over completely and your hands have to remain on the wheel, it lessens the cognitive load on those long road-trips.

Note the black area on the center of the grille of this F67 test mule. This is where the radar portion of the systems sensors reside.

Autonomous Options Coming the J01 and F66 MINI Cooper

The Countryman won’t be the only MINI product with the new autonomous features. While we believe the entire range will eventually get the option, it’s the combustion F66 MINI Cooper that will get it at launch.

Like in the Countryman, Driving Assistant Plus replies on several cameras mounted throughout the car. The system is actually made up of two options: Driving Assistant (5AS) and the Driving Assistant Plus (5AT). The U25 Countryman and the F66 Cooper will feature this system at launch while the electric J01 MINI Cooper and J05 MINI Aceman will eventually get them. You can see the full list of features above.

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