2020 MINI Cooper vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was a testament to BMW's evolutionary design philosophy, maintaining a classic and timeless aesthetic that resonated with its loyal customer base. Unlike its competitors, BMW avoided radical design changes, ensuring that the 3 Series aged gracefully, much like its predecessors. The car's compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver, while subtle design tweaks, such as the reimagined Hoffmeister kink, added a modern touch. The front of the vehicle retained its iconic BMW identity, with LED running lamps and a refined kidney grille. Inside, the 3 Series offered a driver-focused layout with digital instrumentation and a mix of materials that, while not universally praised, contributed to a high-quality fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2020 MINI Cooper stood out with its unique and charming design, characterized by wide-eyed LED headlights and a playful front grille. The vibrant color options and Union Jack taillights added to its appeal, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. The MINI Cooper evolved from its original two-door hardtop to include convertible and four-door variants, as well as the all-electric SE trim. The SE maintained the Cooper's distinctive styling while accommodating a battery pack, resulting in a slightly higher ride height. Inside, the MINI Cooper's circular design elements dominated, providing a premium feel that was unmatched in its class.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series showcased BMW's engineering prowess with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its smoothness and power, although some turbo lag was noted at low speeds. The M340i variant offered a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower, providing near-M3 performance. The 3 Series featured an 8-speed automatic transmission with perfect shifts, and the M Sport package enhanced its handling with a firmer suspension and variable-ratio steering. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was rated at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Despite a weight penalty due to the battery, the SE maintained the MINI's nimble handling and quick acceleration. The SE's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, although some drivers preferred a less aggressive setting. The gas-powered Cooper S offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 189 horsepower, while the base Cooper featured a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, and no manual transmission was available for 2020.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series provided a comfortable interior with ample backseat legroom and 17 cubic feet of trunk space. Visibility was excellent, and the seats offered firm support for long trips. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a touchscreen that supported various gestures. The climate controls were user-friendly, and USB-C ports were available for connectivity.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not ideal for large families or long road trips, offered good front-seat space and a spacious feel due to its large windows. The backseat was small, best suited for children, and cargo space was limited, with 8.7 cubic feet in the two-door model. The SE trim maintained interior space despite the addition of a battery. The MINI Cooper featured thoughtful design elements, such as chrome toggle switches and ergonomic controls, providing a premium feel.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series boasted extensive technology, although many features required subscription fees. The iDrive system was highly customizable, with live info tiles and over-the-air updates. Gesture control and a personal assistant added convenience, while the BMW Connected App allowed for remote start. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered advanced safety features, including automatic steering and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" display connected to the steering wheel, providing essential information such as speed, range, and drive mode. The 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, navigation, and Apple CarPlay, with an 8.8-inch screen available on higher trims. The SE Iconic trim offered a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for its optional laser headlights and standard forward emergency braking. Additional safety features included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while lacking some advanced safety features, received "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests. The Iconic package included parking sensors and a rear-view camera, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The MINI Cooper's small size limited its suitability for larger families.