Typical MINI go-kart feeling thanks to model-specific set-up of suspension technology, with single-joint spring strut front axle and multilink rear axle; maximum agility due to weight-optimised construction with a high degree of stiffness; electromechanical power steering with Servotronic function as standard; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) in the MINI Cooper S 5 door and MINI Cooper SD 5 door also with Performance Control; model-specific spring and damper set-up; Dynamic Damper Control optionally available; standard trim includes light alloy wheels in 15-inch format (MINI Cooper 5 door, MINI Cooper D 5 door) or 16-inch format (MINI Cooper S 5 door, MINI Cooper SD 5 door); light alloy wheels optionally available up to 18 inches.

Variable car set-up using optional MINI Driving Modes with rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever; standard setting MID mode, then SPORT and GREEN modes; GREEN mode in conjunction with Steptronic transmission includes coasting with decoupled drivetrain.

Weight-optimised and crash-optimised body structure; standard safety fittings include front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, 3-point automatic belts on all seats, at front with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, twin ISOFIX children's seat attachments at rear and optionally also on the front passenger seat, tyre pressure control and partially active engine compartment lid for optimised pedestrian protection; optimised vehicle weight; excellent acoustic and vibrational comfort; favourable aerodynamic properties.

New display and operating concept: instrument cluster on the steering column showing road speed and engine speed, colour display for vehicle status details and fuel level; central instrument with new display elements and coloured lighting configuration including LED ring for visual feedback in response to numerous functions, 4-line TFT display as standard or optional colour display up to 8.8 inches in size; operation of navigation, entertainment, telephone and vehicle functions using MINI Controller in centre console with the relevant feedback provided on the on-board computer; start/stop button at the centre of the toggle switch bar on the centre console can be activated without key insertion; power window lifts in the door trim panels; operating panel for lights in the dashboard.

Wide range of innovative driver assistance systems: MINI Head-Up-Display, Parking Assistant, rear view camera and Driving Assistant including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection.

Unique MINI Connected in-car infotainment program; Emergency Call and MINI Teleservices available for use with permanently installed SIM card; wide range of functions and the opportunity for ongoing expansion due to apps that allow integration in the car via smartphone; exclusive MINI functions such as Mission Control, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement and MINIMALISM Analyser; MINI Connected XL Journey Mate with Real Time Traffic Information; online connection also allows the use of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, foursquare and Glympse, the reception of RSS news feeds and entertainment features such as AUPEO!, Stitcher, Deezer, Audible, Napster/Rhapsody and TuneIn.

Extensive range of standard features and high-end options to enhance comfort, safety, premium characteristics and individual style such as LED headlamps including LED daytime driving light and LED rear lights, adaptive light distribution and LED turning light, LED fog lamp, lighting package with LED interior and orange-coloured ambient lighting, rain sensor with automatic driving light control, heatable windscreen, Park Distance Control, Comfort Access, electrically operated glass roof, roof rails, electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, automatic anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors, heated seats, 2-zone automatic air conditioning; broad selection of roof and exterior mirror decorative styles, bonnet stripes, seat upholstery types and Colour Lines as well as MINI Yours offers; MINI navigations system, Professional navigation system, MINI Radio Visual Boost, Harman/Kardon hi-fi speaker system, DAB tuner, DVD changer.