2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It served as an affordable entry-level option for those aspiring to own a BMW, featuring the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to the M Sport Package or M235i, and a new adaptive damping suspension. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, and other premium features, bringing the MSRP to $48,595.

Visually, the 2 Series Gran Coupe faced challenges in achieving the right proportions due to its front-drive platform. BMW employed design tricks like large LED headlights and grilles to mitigate the perception of excessive front overhang. The cabin was pulled back to improve the dashboard-to-axle ratio, and the tapering roofline extended the car's appearance, culminating in a busy rear end. Inside, the Gran Coupe adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather upholstery was appealing. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when equipped with premium features, did not feel like a basic BMW.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, celebrating 20 years since its reintroduction, retained the charm and personality of the original models while embracing modernity. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, but the Hardtop and Convertible remained the quintessential MINI Coopers. For 2022, the models received refreshed styling, including restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and Union Jack taillights. New wheel designs and paint colors, such as Island Blue and Zesty Yellow, were added to the options. The Piano Black Exterior treatment extended to door handles and exhaust outlets. Inside, digital instrumentation became standard, along with a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen.

The MINI Convertible exuded personality, but the refreshed styling did not resolve the awkward proportions of the third-generation design. The new grille drew attention to the car's overbite, especially in lighter colors. Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its retro charm with modern technology, offering a wide range of customization options. The convertible top could be lowered in 18 seconds, providing an open-air experience. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior. The test car, a Cooper S with the Sidewalk Edition package, was priced under $40,000, including exclusive paint. Pricing for Convertibles ranged from $27,900 to $38,900, with options pushing the price higher.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could uphold BMW's reputation as the "ultimate driving machine." While some critics, like George Kennedy, were skeptical, comparing it to the revered Volkswagen GTI revealed similarities. Both the 228i Gran Coupe and GTI featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the BMW offering optional xDrive all-wheel drive. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe delivered a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, providing a satisfying driving experience. The turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, offering performance-enhancing features like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The M Sport Package added M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel, with run-flat tires squealing at the limit. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg, surpassing the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a choice of engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder producing 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car had a manual transmission, providing ample torque for spirited driving. The EPA estimated 26 mpg in combined driving, but the test car achieved 27.1 mpg. The JCW models offered a tuned version of the Cooper S engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The MINI Convertible provided a sporting experience, with maximum torque available at low rpm. However, the steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, reducing driving satisfaction. The test car's tires struggled on curves, and the rearview mirror's location hindered visibility. The suspension was compliant on back roads but firm on highways, and wind buffeting was noticeable with the top down.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and agile individuals. The sport-bolstered front seats were snug yet comfortable, and storage was adequate for everyday items. Entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design. The rear doors and back seat, while present, were not particularly accommodating, especially for larger individuals. The 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 utility, but the Gran Coupe lacked the sportback design of the 4 Series, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially unusable rear seats. The trunk measured just 5.2 cubic feet, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Cabin storage was limited, with the infotainment controls consuming space on the center console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, or Countryman, which offered more practicality.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a fully digital 10.25-inch display, resembling a video game. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The premium sound system with ten speakers provided satisfactory audio quality. Gesture Control was available but inconsistent. The head-up display was helpful, though polarized sunglasses affected visibility.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen within the classic center dashboard ring. The LED ring colors and graphics changed based on vehicle settings. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were optional. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens performed well, even in convertible models. The head-up display was visible with polarized sunglasses. The Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality, overcoming ambient noise.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and parking assistance, though the test car lacked this upgrade. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and speed limit information. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from increased size for improved safety. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable. The Convertible featured standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional for automatic models. Blind-spot monitoring was not available, impacting visibility with the top raised. The lane-departure warning system was effective, providing subtle feedback.