A lot of Minis had the central speedo. Unsure if it's true or just automotive legend, but allegedly it was for cost cutting (fewer changes between left hand drive and right hand drive models). So nothing ever changes.
Is 2008 a good cut-off? My 2016 BMW doesn't really have any annoying electronics or nannies compared to my 2005 model (other than electronic power steering :))
I drive a 2019 Passat, with lane assist, tempomat, road sign detection etc - it only beeps when there is no more washer fluid (but then it does beep every fcking 5 minutes - easily the most annoying feature of this car).