2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 MINI Cooper

Few cars carried styling as iconic as the 2021 MINI Cooper. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and wide variety of available color choices set it apart in the subcompact car space. MINI offered several customization options for the exterior and top, including graphics for the roof like a Union Jack flag. The unique styling cues continued inside, with seats, dash, and center stack all following the same design language. The cabin was generally high quality but lacked space, making the back seats more suitable for packages than passengers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offering a variety unmatched by other models. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, featured a matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim, making it look sensational. Modern Mercedes had a design purity, and the AMG styling, larger wheels, convertible top, and matte-blue paint finish made the E53 Cabriolet nearly perfect. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, and luxurious materials, making it feel and smell like pure luxury.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. The Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP boasted a 301-hp turbo-four. All models were front-wheel drive (FWD). The Cooper and Cooper S came with a six-speed manual as standard, with a seven-speed automatic available. The JCW GP had an eight-speed automatic transmission. The MINI felt spritely and energetic, especially with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines. However, the ride was somewhat stiff, and small road imperfections felt larger. The most efficient model was the Convertible, delivering 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured robust performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG E53 Cabriolet had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car offered a dual personality, being a quiet cruiser on the Pacific Coast Highway and a firm, agile performer on mountain roads. The E53 Cabriolet was suitable for three-season, top-down driving and could handle winter conditions with its AWD system and heated features.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior continued its heritage, with the rear seat more usable for cargo than passengers. The front seats were comfortable with decent head and legroom, but taller drivers might struggle with knee placement. Interior storage was tight, with limited space in the center console and door pockets. Hatchback models offered decent cargo space with foldable back seats, while Convertible models had a small cargo hold under the folding top compartment.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seats and an Aircap system to reduce turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The car also featured sun-reflective leather, ventilated front seats, and a triple-layer acoustic soft top. The test car had multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. With the top raised, the trunk held 9.5 cubic feet of cargo, which reduced by half with the top down.

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

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction options included the touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, and touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car had a Burmester surround-sound audio system. Challenges included navigating the deep menu structure and accidental activation of the digital assistant.

The 2021 MINI Cooper missed a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Good" in crash tests but "Acceptable" or "Poor" for headlights. The standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system was rated "Marginal." 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 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Standard features included Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound, Active Parking Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The test car had this package, offering impressive driver aids.