The MINI Cooper S is the only car in its class to be fitted as standard with runflat tires for optimum safety in the event of a puncture. These tires enhance the standard of active safety and spare the driver the trouble of changing a wheel on the spot in the event of a flat, allowing him to proceed to the next workshop. So there is no longer any need for a spare wheel, an emergency wheel, or even the MINI Mobility System for repairing and pumping up a tire.
Reinforcements in the tire flanks and heat-proof rubber compounds prevent the tire from being pressed together when empty, from jumping off the rim or rubbing at the sides until catching fire. With the driver proceeding moderately and carefully at speeds of not more than 80 km/h,the MINI Cooper S running on runflat tires can proceed for up to 150 km even with the tires completely flat.
With all MINIs being fitted as standard with a tire defect indicator, any loss of pressure will activate a warning light in the speedometer. Like the MINI Cooper, the top model again offers a very high standard of passive safety also ensured by the high level of body stiffness and "intelligent" frontal airbags for the driver and passenger: To optimise their life-saving function, the two airbags inflate in accordance with the severity of an accident, interacting precisely with the pyrotechnical belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front to keep the risk of injury to a minimum.
Side airbags in the seat backrests and the AHPS 2 (Advanced Head Protection System) available as an option ensure a high standard of occupant safety in a collision from the side. With the tubular structure of the head airbags extending from the front to the rear roof pillars in the event of a collision, the occupants both front and rear are equally well protected in such a situation.