2021 MINI Cooper vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series took a trip back to its classic styling cues, trying to emulate the essence of its E30 predecessor. This return to a "familial look" was intended to create visual harmony with its bigger siblings, the 5 Series and 7 Series. Fans described it as crafting “the same sausage in different lengths”. However, unlike the E30 which evolved into a design icon, the G20 variant struggled to captivate. It faced criticism especially for its oversized, awkwardly shaped grille that looked better suited for a larger sedan like the 5 Series. Other elements like the headlights, meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia with their “halo” inspiration, barely managed to add any distinctive charm. Despite the badge holding significant value for the customers, the overall design didn't strike as revolutionary.

The M Sport trim package in our test vehicle added some spice with M 19-inch wheels and striking blue brake calipers. The more standard Sport Line trim, typically found on the 330e and 330i models, featured 18-inch wheels. Inside, the design was appreciable but fell short in the materials department. The cabin, littered with plastic trim and Ash wood that resembled plastic too much, failed to exude true luxury. Even the leather upholstery was an option, not a standard offering, with the base being synthetic Sensatec. An optional M heated steering wheel clashed somewhat with the otherwise understated interior.

In contrast, the 2021 MINI Cooper shined with its iconic design, drawing on a legacy almost as instantly recognizable as a Jeep Wrangler. The MINI’s rounded contours, compact dimensions, and vast selection of vibrant colors made it a standout in the subcompact segment. MINI’s commitment to customization extended to roof graphics like the Union Jack flag, as well as hidden design Easter eggs, such as the Union Jack taillights. Though larger compared to the original Mini, it retained its charm with wheel and trim upgrades tailored to specific models.

Inside, the Cooper continued its playful design philosophy. The dashboard, seats, and center stack followed a theme centered around circles and rounded shapes. The infotainment touchscreen, embedded within a circular light ring, added a funky twist while ensuring usability. High-quality materials adorned the cabin, providing a pleasurable tactile experience, despite its tight dimensions. The back seats, while aesthetically in sync, were more practical for package storage rather than passengers, suggesting adults or even children might be starved for space back there.

Performance-wise, the 2021 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains tailored to different driving preferences. The base 330i packed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out a solid 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those inclined towards sustainable power, the 330e plug-in hybrid presented a compelling option. Combining a less powerful variant of the same 2.0-liter engine with electric assist, it delivered an overall output of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, inclusive of an XtraBoost overboost function for enhanced performance. The BMW M340i stood at the top with a turbo inline-six producing 382 hp and a robust 369 lb-ft of torque. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) were options, albeit all models were coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M3 performance model teased a six-speed manual to cater to driving purists.

The 2021 MINI Cooper, meanwhile, offered a range of four powertrains catering to various performance appetites. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. Stepping up, the Cooper S packed a more vigorous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 hp. The John Cooper Works (JCW) variant further dialed up the performance with a 228-hp turbo-four, while the John Cooper Works GP model topped the lineup with a turbo-four engine mustering 301 hp. All models operated on front-wheel drive (FWD) with a six-speed manual transmission standard on the Cooper and Cooper S. An optional seven-speed automatic was available, whereas the JCW GP came with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Despite whichever drivetrain, the MINI felt lively due to its small size. The turbocharged four-cylinder engines demonstrated superior pulling power compared to the three-cylinder, especially noticeable at highway speeds. The JCW GP model, in particular, provided exhilarating acceleration, living up to its “rocket ship” moniker. However, all Cooper models featured a somewhat stiff ride, transmitting road imperfections more noticeably and occasionally feeling twitchy at higher speeds. Despite these nuances, the tradeoff manifested in its agile handling, allowing for spirited cornering and an engaging drive overall—though comfort took a backseat on longer trips.

When compared for interior space, the 2021 BMW 3 Series performed decently within the small luxury sedan category. It boasted commendable rear headroom, outperforming others in its segment, while the front headroom was slightly above average. Although it did lag behind the Infiniti Q50. Legroom balanced out to be average, which means taller passengers could feel cramped if seated behind equally tall front-seaters. Shoulder room was another area where the 3 Series fell short compared to the Acura TLX, which provided a more spacious feeling with its layout.

Cargo-wise, the 3 Series excelled among competitors, with the gasoline models offering a generous 17 cubic feet of space. However, opting for the 330e plug-in hybrid, with its lithium-ion battery pack, trimmed the trunk space down to 13.2 cubic feet. Utilization of this space was slightly awkward due to its long-and-narrow shape, even though the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats provided some flexibility.

The driving setup in the 3 Series remained a highlight. The cockpit was meticulously designed, with a crisply positioned touchscreen for easy glances and reaches. A low hood line and ample side glass enhanced outward visibility, ensuring a driver-centric experience remained paramount.

On the flip side, the 2021 MINI Cooper emphasized its heritage with an interior catered more towards aesthetics and charm rather than pure functionality. The rear seats were essentially more practical as extra cargo space, unsuitable for regular passenger use. The front seats, though comfortable, provided just enough head and legroom for an average adult. Taller drivers could find themselves at odds with the dashboard’s ergonomics, especially given the knee-bashing area below the steering column.

Storage compartments inside the MINI Cooper faced scrutiny for their limited utility. The center console held just enough for a small smartphone, and the door pockets weren’t particularly better. However, Cooper Hatchbacks compensated with decent cargo space and the option to fold down the back seats for added storage. The Convertible models, though stylish, offered minimal usable storage under the folding top compartment.

In terms of technology, the 2021 BMW 3 Series took a well-rounded approach. The standard BMW iDrive infotainment system came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Gasoline models benefited from both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e had only CarPlay compatibility. Upgrading to the optional Live Cockpit Professional system integrated a digital instrument cluster and navigation, with a head-up display (HUD) also available.

In our test, the Live Cockpit Professional system stood out with high-quality graphics and responsive screen behavior, shouting premium from the get-go. Logical controls placed it ahead of the Mercedes system in user-friendliness. Various control options, including the iconic iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant activated by “Hey BMW”, and even gesture controls, provided flexibility. While some gestures felt gimmicky, traditional controls remained available, letting users stick with whatever felt most intuitive.

Meanwhile, the 2021 MINI Cooper lagged slightly in standard tech features. The base screen was a modest 6.5 inches, though an 8.8-inch unit could be opted for, bringing in SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, among other features. Additional options included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights.

Interestingly, the MINI's physical controls improved the user experience, making interactions easy even while driving. However, Android Auto was absent in all Cooper trims, leaving a significant portion of smartphone users dependent on standard Bluetooth connections. MINI's system borrowed BMW's infotainment software, inclusive of an iDrive controller. Nonetheless, the tight armrest space and central console layout made it cumbersome to operate the controller, leading some users to rely purely on touch interaction.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not released ratings for the 2021 model. BMW's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control and other advanced systems were part of the pricier Driving Assistant Professional Package, which also integrated lane-keep assist and automated lane centering, among other features.

In contrast, the 2021 MINI Cooper fell short of a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS. It earned “Good” ratings in crash tests but scored “Acceptable” or “Poor” for headlights. The standard front crash systems were rated “Advanced”, and the LATCH system for child seat anchors got a “Marginal” rating for ease of use.

The NHTSA had neither rated the 2021 MINI Cooper nor the previous year's model. Standard driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features extended to front parking sensors, a parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.