2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 MINI Cooper

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked memories of majestic marine life, with its lidded headlights, bulging curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversize grille giving it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and rising to $56,000 for the M340i with xDrive, the car was praised for its driving experience, especially the M340i trim. The interior offered a variety of colors and materials, with the test car featuring off-white Ivory leather and Tanzanite Blue exterior paint. The quality of the interior was noted to be high, making the price more palatable.

The 2021 MINI Cooper stood out with its iconic styling, rounded shape, and wide variety of color choices. Customization options included graphics for the roof and hidden Easter eggs like Union Jack taillights. The interior continued the unique design language with circular shapes and a funky infotainment touchscreen. While the cabin was high quality, space was limited, especially in the back seats, which were more suitable for cargo than passengers. The front seats were comfortable, but the overall space was tight.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series had undergone significant improvements in driving dynamics, with structural and suspension changes enhancing its handling. The M340i trim featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The car's rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, rear M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes contributed to its impressive performance. The 8-speed automatic transmission, while not a manual, was praised for its launch control and paddle shifters, making the car a joy to drive.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. The Cooper S had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP had a 301-hp turbo-four. All models were front-wheel drive, with manual and automatic transmission options. The MINI's small size made it feel spritely and energetic, though the ride was stiff and could be tiresome on long drives. The fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model being the Convertible at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered simple and supportive front seats, high-quality leather, and heating options. The rear seats were comfortable but had awkward entry and exit. The car's controls were sometimes hard to find, but the widescreen infotainment system and iDrive were well-integrated. Storage space was generous, with a covered bin for a wireless smartphone charger and a trunk space of 17 cubic feet, though it was narrow.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was more suited for cargo than passengers, with the rear seat being more useful for storage. The front seats were comfortable but lacked overall space. Interior storage was tight, with small center console storage and door pockets. The Hatchback models offered decent cargo space with the back seats folded down, while the Convertible had limited usable space.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured the latest iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was easy to use, with intuitive menu pathways and a good balance of physical and digital controls. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was excellent, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 MINI Cooper had a base 6.5-inch screen, with an optional 8.8-inch unit that included SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and more. The car had more physical controls, making it easier to use while driving. However, it lacked Android Auto, and the iDrive controller was difficult to reach due to the tight space. The touchscreen was a more practical option for interaction.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for the latest ADAS features. While the systems were accurate, they lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist was abrupt but appropriate for the car's driving focus. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with mixed ratings for crash tests and headlights. The standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, but the LATCH system was rated "Marginal." The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with other features being optional.