2021 MINI Cooper vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 MINI Cooper was renowned for its iconic styling, which was as instantly recognizable as the Jeep Wrangler. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and a wide array of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car market. MINI offered numerous customization options, including exterior and top graphics like the Union Jack flag, and hidden Easter eggs such as Union Jack taillights. Despite its small size, the MINI Cooper was larger than the original Mini, with available wheel and trim upgrades. Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with circular motifs throughout the seats, dash, and center stack. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted within a circular light ring, and the cabin, though high in quality, was notably cramped, especially in the back seats, which were more suitable for packages than passengers.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced the previous year, marked BMW's first U.S. car with standard front-wheel drive, diverging from the brand's traditional rear-wheel drive. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was an affordable entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille. Available in 228i and M235i models, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system was 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 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, and other features, had an MSRP of $48,595. The car's design included visual tricks to balance its proportions, with large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, it adhered to BMW's modern design with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and upscale materials.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower. The Cooper S had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, the John Cooper Works (JCW) boasted a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP delivered a robust 301-hp turbo-four. All models came with front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual standard for the Cooper and Cooper S, and a seven-speed automatic available. The JCW GP featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. The MINI's small size contributed to its sprightly and energetic feel, with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines providing more power, especially at highway speeds. The JCW GP model offered the best acceleration, akin to a rocket ship. However, all Cooper models had a somewhat stiff ride, making long drives tiresome. The car's agility and cornering ability made it fun to drive, though it lacked comfort. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model being the Convertible at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could serve as a credible "ultimate driving machine." The 228i Gran Coupe featured a 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to the revered Volkswagen GTI, with optional all-wheel drive. The 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a sophisticated driving experience, with a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds. It paired a turbocharged inline-four with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, AWD, and performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The car's Sport mode and paddle shifters added to the driving enjoyment. The M Sport Package equipped the car with M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel. The 228i xDrive averaged 27.9 mpg, surpassing the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior continued its heritage with a rear seat more suited for cargo storage than passengers. The front seats were comfortable, offering decent head and legroom for average adults, though taller drivers might struggle with knee placement due to the dash shape. Interior storage was limited, with a small center console and door pockets. The Cooper Hatchbacks provided decent cargo space, with foldable back seats for additional storage. Convertible models had a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment, with minimal usable space in the back.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug yet comfortable, with adequate storage for personal items. Entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The Gran Coupe's rear seat and extra doors were less convincing, with limited space and comfort. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, though the car lacked the full sportback treatment.

The 2021 MINI Cooper was not the most generous in terms of standard features. The base screen was a 6.5-inch unit, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and more. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights. MINI included more physical controls, improving the technology experience, but did not offer Android Auto, leaving many users reliant on Bluetooth. The infotainment system used BMW's software, with a physical iDrive controller that was difficult to reach due to the tight space.

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 BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services, with over-the-air updates. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car had a premium sound system with ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available. A full-color head-up display was helpful, though less so with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it scored "Good" in crash tests. Headlight ratings were "Acceptable" or "Poor," and the LATCH system earned a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with optional features like front parking sensors, parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe added a new Driving Assistance Package, though the test car did not have it. The package included adaptive cruise control and parking assistance. The test car had the Active Driving Assistant, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and a speed limit information system. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the car highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.