With the introduction of the new MINI family, the brand has fully embraced bold colors, textures, and even textiles to create a unique design language. But does it all work? We took a deep look at the materials and process behind this transformation to see how successful it’s been.
MINI’s heavily revised design language has been the talk of the town since the new models debuted a year ago. However, the most intriguing aspect of MINI’s new look is perhaps the interior. This is where MINI Design’s Color and Trim team has introduced not just bold colors but also entirely new ideas, such as knitted textiles across the dash and doors.
They’ve even replaced leather with a product they call Vescin. It’s a bold move by MINI, one that has been both praised and criticized by owners and fans. But one thing is clear: it’s unique in the market, drawing inspiration from emerging design trends outside the automotive world.
While the design thinking and material innovation is impressive, there are two main critiques we and many others have of the new designs. First stems from the patterns and colors (or color combinations) that MINI is offering and how limited they are. This isn’t new as we’ve written about this rather glaring issue earlier in the year. Yes there’s new materials, new patterns and bold colors but they come packaged in what MINI calls “styles” making them impossible to alter to personal taste. This profoundly limits customer choice and even creates odd combinations of interior and exterior colors that few would prefer. Our suggestion would be to immediately entirely re-think the “style” concept and allow for more choice to mix and match interior colors and patterns with option groups.
The second critique has less to do with the textile and color but the harshness (cheapness) of plastic found in parts of the car. It would appear that MINI has improved quality in certain areas while selecting cheaper plastics in others. It’s hard to not call this a lost savings play given how different some interior trim feels compared to the previously MINI generation. It’s an unfortunate reality because the new MINIs are full of thoughtful design touches that are let down by material quality.
Our hope is that some of this critique will fade away as MINI offers a wider range of looks throughout the life cycles of the new models. Perhaps we’ll even see the elimination of “styles” altogether? However it’s unlikely the cheaper plastic areas will be improved.
Still there is a lot of like about MINI’s new approach. One standout feature is the 2D weaving process used to create interior surfaces from recycled polyester. This technique is employed for dashboards and door panels, making them feel warm and inviting. The weaving method allows for creative designs in terms of color and structure, enabling a two-tone design where the lower layer’s color peeks through the upper one. Inspired by sneaker design and perfected over time, this method gives the interiors a visually complex, high-quality, and unique appearance.
“The weaving process allows us to create unique dual-color designs that bring a special aesthetic and atmosphere to the interior.”
Elena Schwörer, Designer for materials and weaving
The woven textiles aren’t just visually interesting but also offer a distinct tactile experience. The woven structure, specially developed for MINI, is an entirely new idea in the automotive world and marks a clear departure from MINIs of the past.
One benefit MINI highlights is the extensive customization potential. Reportedly, it will be easier and more affordable to introduce new colors and patterns, allowing for more personalization than before. That’s rather ironic given how limited personalization is currently but we’re told that will change in the future.
We’ve become so accustomed to foam dashboards that we often take them for granted. But foam is not particularly environmentally friendly. MINI’s use of textiles, made from recycled materials and 100% recyclable, is an interesting alternative.
There has been some concern about how to clean and care for it compared to foam. MINI assures us that a simple damp cloth will do the job. They also claim it’s fade- and heat-resistant, potentially making the interior of MINIs slightly cooler in the sun.
That’s not to say it’s perfect. Some owners have complained that the texture feels rough and isn’t as pleasing to the touch, especially on the doors where many rest their arms.
What’s wrong with leather? It’s complicated, but it’s not the most natural or environmentally safe material to produce. Leather also doesn’t align with MINI’s environmentally conscious, animal-friendly brand image. So how do you replace something as iconic as leather seats? By finding a more eco-friendly alternative that feels better to the touch and lasts longer.
BMW and MINI are confident in products like Vescin (BMW’s version, Sensafin, is an improved version of Sensatec), and they’re already using these materials in cars with MSRPs well over $100,000.
When you first sit in a new MINI with Vescin, it’s clear that it’s a step up from the Leatherette we’ve known. But how does it compare to leather? Quite well. Compared to the standard Chesterfield or Cross Punch leather seating, Vescin feels softer and more premium. Not surprising, given that MINI’s standard leather is more of a veneer over other materials. The real test is how Vescin compares to MINI’s previously optional Lounge Leather.
Here, Vescin struggles a bit. It doesn’t quite match the buttery feel—at least on the seats. However, the Vescin on MINI’s sport steering wheel does come close to that suppleness. Could we eventually see this grade of Vescin used for seats as an option? It’s certainly possible.
We want the textures to blend perfectly with other materials like the woven fabric.
Marlies Michel, MINI textures designer
In the new MINI models, the overall vibe is just as important as the color scheme and material choices. MINI has paid close attention to the surface textures and patterns on every plastic part inside. These designs are inspired by natural and scientific sources—like the grain of wood or rock, or even satellite images of fields, water bodies, or mountains, which inspire new patterns. The subtle MINI grain developed in this way blends seamlessly with the bold weave, linking all the materials in the vehicle interior.
MINI’s color and trim design will continue to evolve with the soon-to-be-released MINI Aceman, JCW models, and the forthcoming convertibles. But we believe success of this new approach hinges on just how much choice MINI will offer to customers. If what we hear is true and MINI will increase the number of options and personalization, a lot of our critique will quickly become irrelevant.
