2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 MINI Cooper

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology offering 23 miles of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology and dynamic tuning for enhanced handling, while the high-performance M3 stood at the top of the range.

The M340i test vehicle featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, and an optional SensaTec dashboard wrap. It included the Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Pro packages, the Premium package, the Cooling and High-Performance Tire package, and an Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the total price to $67,390. The M Performance exterior design treatment, 19-inch wheels, and perforated SensaTec upholstery contributed to the car's appealing styling and upscale interior. The 3 Series combined quality materials with a technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than plush elegance.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible, retained its unique and playful design. Larger than its predecessors due to safety regulations and customer expectations, the MINI Cooper remained compact, shorter than a Mazda Miata. The two-door Cooper resembled a bug-eyed bulldog, with its short, squat body and tires stretched to the corners, maximizing space. The 2023 model featured a gradient paint effect, 18-inch wheels, and big red brake calipers, giving it a life-size windup toy appearance.

Inside, the test car sported Chesterfield leather seats with diamond-patterned double stitching and white piping. The giant circle on the dash with its inset touchscreen resembled a ship's porthole, while the toggle switches and metal loops added to the playful design. The six-speed manual transmission and clutch pedal provided a fun driving experience. The Cooper S and electric SE models offered the Resolute Edition with Rebel Green paint, special hood stripes, unique wheels, and bronze accents. The regular MINI Cooper SE, an all-electric model, featured yellow mirrors, a yellow accent around a covered grille, and four-spoke wheels.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's M Sport differential, four-wheel ventilated-disc brakes, variable sport steering, and M Sport suspension contributed to its impressive driving dynamics. The optional Adaptive M Suspension further enhanced the car's handling, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW, the quickest Cooper, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual transmission had an abrupt clutch take-up, making it ideal for teaching manual driving but challenging for smooth launches. The engine rev-matched on downshifts in Sport mode, and an eight-speed automatic transmission was also available. Base MINI Cooper models had a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine with 134 hp and 162 lb-ft, while Cooper S models had a detuned version of the JCW engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft. The electric MINI Cooper SE had a range of 114 miles and similar output to the gasoline Cooper S.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered power-adjustable front sport seats with plenty of support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had enough legroom for four relatively tall people, though the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The car featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available in the Premium package. The 17 cubic-foot trunk provided roomy cargo space, and the back seat offered a 40/20/40-split folding design for added utility.

The 2023 MINI Cooper Hardtop had good outward visibility and plenty of legroom and headroom in the front seats. The rear bench on the two-door model and the cargo hold, measuring just nine cubic feet, were less practical. The four-door Cooper models offered 13 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41 cubic feet with the seats folded. Convertible models had only eight cubic feet of cargo space, but the tailgate and roof rails provided helpful features for loading and enjoying the open air. The instrument panel had a matte finish to reduce glare, and the infotainment system used both a touchscreen and buttons on the console.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with satellite radio and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various queries and requests.

The 2023 MINI Cooper featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, connected apps, LED headlights, Union Jack-patterned taillights, rain-sensing wipers, and manual seats. Cooper S models in Signature trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. Navigation, automatic parking, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display were available on the Iconic trim. The infotainment system used reskinned BMW iDrive software, with an Openometer, a "checkup" feature, and cartoonish sounds and chimes.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Emergency Stop Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and many other safety features were unavailable. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain versions with the automatic transmission. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI Cooper, and the IIHS last published safety ratings for the 2014 model, giving it the highest "good" rating in five out of six crash tests.