2020 MINI Cooper vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 MINI Cooper was a distinctive presence on the road, with its unique styling that included wide-eyed LED-ringed headlights and a grinning front grille. Its vibrant color options and Union Jack taillights added to its charm, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Despite its bold design, the Cooper was never considered wasteful or gaudy, exuding a charm that invited praise. The SE trim, an all-electric variant, maintained the classic Cooper design with slight modifications to accommodate its battery, such as sitting slightly higher off the road. Inside, the MINI Cooper's design was dominated by circular elements, from the speakers to the infotainment system, providing a premium feel unmatched in cars of its size.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a four-door sedan with standard front-wheel drive, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive offerings. Despite its name, it was not a coupe but a sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its larger sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was an entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille. The car's design included visual tricks to balance its proportions, such as large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, the 2 Series adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a neatly integrated touchscreen infotainment system, and upscale materials, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its 181-horsepower electric motor and 199 pound-feet of torque, powered by a 32.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. These figures were slightly below the Cooper S's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, which produced 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. However, the SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel just as quick from a stop. The SE also featured regenerative braking, which could be aggressive, allowing for one-pedal driving. Despite the SE's additional weight due to the battery, its low center of gravity and direct steering maintained the classic MINI driving experience. The SE used a single-speed gearbox, while gas-powered Coopers offered either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, particularly the 228i xDrive model, offered a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. BMW quoted a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds for the 228i xDrive, providing a lively driving experience. The car featured performance-enhancing technology such as brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control, with three driving modes to choose from. The M Sport Package added fantastic M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but kept the car glued to the road, while the all-season run-flat tires provided adequate grip. The 228i xDrive averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2020 MINI Cooper hatchback was not ideal for carpooling or long trips, with limited rear-seat space best suited for children. The two-door Cooper offered 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the four-door variant provided 13.1 cubic feet. The Convertible had only 5.7 cubic feet. Dropping the rear seats in the SE trim increased cargo space to 25.8 cubic feet. Despite its compact size, the Cooper was thoughtfully designed, featuring two-zone automatic air conditioning and ergonomic controls. The materials used in the interior were of high quality, reflecting BMW's investment in the MINI brand.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two people, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats providing comfort. However, entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seats were cramped, with limited headroom and legroom, making them less suitable for adults. The Gran Coupe's trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added some utility, but the car lacked the sportback design of the larger 4 Series Gran Coupe, limiting its cargo capacity.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE featured an "eDrive" driver-information display that moved with the steering wheel adjustments, displaying critical information such as speed, mileage, and remaining range. The SE's 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. The SE Iconic trim offered an 8.8-inch screen, wireless charging pad, and head-up display. However, the SE's 110-mile range was not competitive with other electric vehicles, though it suited urban drivers.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display, paired with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using iDrive 7.0 technology. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation, with over-the-air updates. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with multiple control options and responsive software. The car also featured a premium sound system and an optional Gesture Control, though its accuracy was inconsistent. A full-color head-up display was available, though it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera included in the Iconic package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI Cooper, but the IIHS awarded it top marks in all crash tests, earning "Good" scores.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, though the test car did not have this upgrade. The car included advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot warning. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.