2021 MINI Cooper vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional two-door coupe design, adopting a four-door layout with a sloping roofline. This change aligned with a broader trend among German automakers, where the term "coupe" was redefined to include vehicles with a sleek, tapering roof. Despite this shift, the 2 Series Gran Coupe retained some of the classic BMW styling cues, such as the angular twin-kidney grille and swooping headlights reminiscent of the larger 8 Series. However, the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic appeal of its two-door counterparts, with awkward window trim and visible pillars. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, featuring ambient lighting and a digital instrument panel. The model was available in various trims, with the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe offering a range of standard and optional features, including a panoramic sunroof and Mocha Dakota leather upholstery.

The 2021 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, maintained its iconic styling with a rounded shape and compact dimensions, setting it apart in the subcompact car market. The MINI's design was characterized by its wide variety of color choices and customization options, including roof graphics like the Union Jack flag. The interior continued this unique design language, with circular shapes dominating the dash and center stack. Despite its high-quality materials, the MINI's cabin was notably cramped, with the rear seats more suited for cargo than passengers. The front seats provided decent comfort, but taller drivers might have found the dash design intrusive. Storage space was limited, though the hatchback models offered some flexibility with foldable rear seats.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 228i model, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. While the engine was refined, it suffered from turbo lag, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The Gran Coupe offered a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode providing a more engaging driving experience. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301-hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models boasted even higher outputs, with the M240i featuring a 335-hp inline-six engine. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp, but its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The ride quality was firm, making it less suitable for rough roads.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options, starting with a 134-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine in the base model. The Cooper S featured a 189-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) and JCW GP models offered 228-hp and 301-hp turbo-fours, respectively. All models came with front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual standard for the Cooper and Cooper S, and an eight-speed automatic for the JCW GP. The MINI's small size contributed to its lively performance, with the turbocharged engines providing noticeable power, especially at highway speeds. The JCW GP model delivered the most thrilling acceleration. However, the MINI's ride was stiff, making it less comfortable on long drives. Despite this, the car's agility and responsiveness in corners made it an enjoyable drive.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive front seats with ample legroom, though this came at the expense of rear-seat space. The rear seats were cramped, making the car more suitable for one or two passengers. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a center console. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible models offered slightly less cargo space.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was similarly tight, with the rear seats better suited for cargo than passengers. The front seats were comfortable, but taller drivers might have found the dash design intrusive. Storage was limited, with small center console and door pockets. The hatchback models offered some flexibility with foldable rear seats, while the Convertible had minimal cargo space under the folding top compartment.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and center console buttons for easy navigation. The test model featured a fully-digital instrument panel and a customizable head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered a base 6.5-inch screen, with an optional 8.8-inch unit that included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. The MINI's infotainment system used BMW's software, with a physical iDrive controller in the center console. However, the tight space made it difficult to use, and many drivers might have preferred the touchscreen. Android Auto was notably absent, leaving some users reliant on Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable, enhancing safety without being intrusive.

The 2021 MINI Cooper received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" scores in crash tests but lower ratings for headlights and the LATCH system. Standard safety features included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.