MINI’s Big Leap into Autonomous Driving and Safety Tech

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For years, MINI lagged behind its BMW siblings in adopting the latest driver assistance and autonomous driving features. Sure, it was always more go-kart than gadget. But in 2025, MINI is finally catching up—not by abandoning its driver-focused DNA, but by adding to it. Welcome to the age of the smart MINI.

From Passive Safety to Proactive Co-Pilot

Let’s start with the basics: all new U25 Countryman models now come standard with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. That’s the kind of tech that makes bumper-to-bumper traffic slightly more bearable—because nothing says modern luxury like your MINI doing the dull stuff for you.

In the new Cooper (F66), Cooper SE (F65), and Convertible (F67), this feature is optional, a curious decision given its growing status as table stakes in the premium small car market. Still, its availability across the board is a long-overdue win.

The next step up is the Active Driving Assistant, which layers in steering support and lane keeping. While it’s not full autonomy, it’s a solid Level 1 system that’s meant to make long drives less tiring. MINI says it helps keep the vehicle centered in the lane, even around bends. Think of it as your enthusiastic co-pilot, not an autopilot.

Active Driving Pro: MINI’s First Taste of True Autonomy

The real headline here is Active Driving Assistant Pro, available exclusively on the U25 Countryman. This is MINI’s first foray into Level 2 autonomy, and it’s surprisingly refined.

At speeds up to 47 mph (75.6 kph), the system allows for hands-free driving—yes, you read that right. MINI will control acceleration, braking, and steering entirely on its own. The catch? Your eyes must stay on the road. Take them off, and the system politely asks you to resume control. Above 47 mph, you’ll need to keep at least one hand on the wheel, though MINI continues to steer and monitor your position in-lane.

Following a navigation route? The Countryman will even take off-ramps for you. In other words, it’s the kind of semi-autonomy that makes a traffic-jammed highway feel like a lounge chair experience—without giving up full control.

Autonomy with a MINI Twist

MINI’s Level 2 system includes some clever tech flourishes:

• Traffic Jam Assistant: Ideal for stop-and-go torture sessions.
• Lane Change Assistant: Signal, and the car looks for a safe gap.
• Lane Guidance: With MINI’s native nav, you get prompts not just for turns, but which lane to be in.
• Traffic Sign Recognition and Alerts: If you’re zoning out, your MINI won’t.

And yes, the usual suite of forward collision warnings, pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring are all part of the package.

Parking: The Battle of the Bollards Just Got Easier

Parking tech is where MINI goes full Mission: Impossible. All new models can now be specced with an Auto Park Assistant, which finds parallel spots and maneuvers the car in—with the driver still modulating throttle and brake. A new memory function, called Reversing Assistant, remembers the last 150 meters of your forward path and will mimic it in reverse—perfect for tight garages or narrow driveways.

There’s even a Trailering Assistant, which guides your steering while reversing with a trailer. Your weekend warrior activities just got a lot more polished.

For those who opt for Parking Assistant Plus, the toys get even better:

• 360-degree cameras
• Remote 3D view via app
• Theft detection with live video alerts
• Drive Recorder with customizable camera recording

And for U25 Countryman E and SE models? Remote parking via app. That’s right, you can step out and let your MINI park itself with a tap of your phone. Welcome to the Jetsons era.

Our Take: Finally, MINI Joins the 2020s

These updates mark a turning point for MINI. While it’s still the fun-to-drive brand we know, it’s now backed by a suite of technology that feels modern and—dare we say it—class-leading in some respects. The new Countryman, in particular, is now as competent at semi-autonomous driving as anything from Audi or Volvo.

The best part? It can all be turned off. You can still wring it out on a back road when the mood strikes. But when you just want the car to handle the grind, it’s finally got the brains to do it.

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