2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The sedan's design updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 1.2 inches longer, the 5 Series maintained a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and shifter style reinforcing the brand's identity. While the interior materials varied by trim, the Nappa leather option in the 540i xDrive test car added a touch of luxury, though the sporty steering wheel felt somewhat out of place.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, continued to embrace its iconic design roots while incorporating modern updates. The MINI lineup expanded over the years, and for 2022, the Hardtop and Convertible models received refreshed bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior featured a new steering wheel and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite the updates, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained somewhat awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. Inside, the retro-modern blend persisted, allowing for personalization through various colors and materials. The Convertible's open-air experience was unique, but the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, especially in the Sidewalk Edition test car.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on the tires. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. It reached 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive all-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a 3.1-second zero-to-60 mph time. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range, though EPA figures for 2021 were unavailable.

The 2022 MINI Cooper came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S variant offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the Convertible was front-wheel drive. The JCW models featured a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, delivering 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the Cooper S was not a sports car, with some handling and steering limitations.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered spacious front seats and adequate rear-seat room. The 540i's trunk provided 14.0 cubic feet of space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided parking maneuvers.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were nearly unusable, even for children. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment controls occupying valuable space. For those needing more room, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman were better suited.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. The system's LED lighting and graphics changed with vehicle settings. A head-up display was available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system delivered impressive audio quality, even with the top down.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features, with smooth operation distinguishing BMW's driver-assist tech.

The 2022 MINI Cooper's safety ratings were unavailable from the NHTSA and IIHS. However, it came with standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was not available, posing a challenge with the top raised.