2019 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm that made its predecessors iconic, but with a more mature and technologically advanced design. While it still promised fun in a compact package, the styling had evolved, with larger headlights and taillights, and a longer front overhang, which some felt detracted from its classic elegance. Inside, the once-beloved pie-plate speedometer was replaced by a modern infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting. Despite these changes, the MINI Cooper continued to offer a sense of individuality, though the added technology introduced complexity that some enthusiasts preferred to avoid.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exuded a sense of refined luxury, reminiscent of its larger S-Class sibling. Its smooth, rounded body was available in various forms, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, catering to a conservative audience. The E-Class featured delicate LED lighting and a choice of grilles, enhancing its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the E-Class boasted a sumptuous interior with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood, complemented by two feet of high-resolution digital screens. The ambient lighting and industrial elements added to the car's allure, making it a place of solitude and comfort.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works version was the pinnacle of performance for the model, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This power allowed the car to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the manual. The car's performance was enhanced by a John Cooper Works Pro Exhaust Valve, providing an exhilarating sound, especially in Sport mode. However, torque steer and occasional braking issues during spirited driving were noted drawbacks.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350's turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided adequate performance, the E450's 3.0-liter V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque was a more balanced choice, offering effortless everyday performance. For those seeking more power, AMG models like the E53 and E63 S delivered impressive horsepower and torque figures, with the latter boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower. The E-Class's performance was complemented by its light steering and supple suspension, making it a comfortable yet capable vehicle.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, despite its compact size, offered surprising utility. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the trunk provided 8.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior focused on style, with chrome toggle switches and unconventional controls, though practicality sometimes took a back seat.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in interior space and functionality. While its infotainment system was complex, the E-Class offered ample room in every dimension, with clear sightlines and a well-organized digital dash. The coupe featured a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. Practical features like a net for water bottles and concealed cupholders added to its functionality, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's infotainment system, based on BMW iDrive technology, offered multiple operation methods, including voice control, a touchscreen, and physical controls. However, the physical controls were difficult to access, and the system sometimes behaved unexpectedly. While wireless charging and Apple CarPlay were available, Android Auto was not. The MINI's Parking Assistant was a useful feature, especially given the susceptibility of the Knight’s Edition's wheels to damage.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system and a V2X system for hazard communication. The car's dash could be reconfigured, and features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. The Burmester stereo and multi-contour seats added to the luxury experience, while the Energizing Comfort Package offered unique features like climate and lighting adjustments to enhance the driving experience.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered basic safety features, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Cooper received a 4-star overall rating from the federal government, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in side-impact collisions.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in safety, with the sedan and wagon receiving a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during a collision. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.