2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original models while embracing modern updates. Over the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, but the Hardtop and Convertible remained the quintessential MINI Coopers. For 2022, these models received refreshed styling with new bumpers, a redesigned grille, and standard LED headlights. The addition of new paint colors and wheel designs further enhanced their appeal. Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its retro-modern aesthetic, featuring a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite its playful design, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained somewhat awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite. However, the car's personality and promise of fun were unmistakable.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series showcased a new exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. The 2 Series was available as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and an all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, with both models featuring extended dimensions for improved stability. The design included a wider kidney grille, flared fenders, and reshaped headlights, giving the coupe a sleek and aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe boasted performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents. Inside, the 2 Series offered a driver-focused interior with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The updated interior featured a standard 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 10.25-inch display available. Despite its compact size, the 2 Series exuded a high-end vibe, though some cost-cutting materials were evident.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the MINI to accelerate to 60 mph in over eight seconds. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Convertible to reach 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, offered a lively driving experience with ample torque for quick acceleration. However, the steering response and brake pedal feel were less precise, affecting overall driving satisfaction. The JCW models provided even more excitement with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, but only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In comparison, the 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe delivered impressive performance with its engine lineup. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M240i xDrive Coupe, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, produced 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick responses with paddle shifters. The M240i xDrive Coupe included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, providing balanced handling and dynamics. While the 2 Series offered impressive speed and control, the driving experience felt somewhat disconnected, lacking the engagement and emotional depth expected from a performance car.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially unusable rear seats. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with the infotainment system's controls occupying valuable space on the center console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more passenger and cargo space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, or Countryman.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, though larger than its predecessor, remained a compact coupe with limited rear seat space. The rear seats were best suited for small children or short trips, as the slanted roofline and design elements restricted headroom. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with a layout similar to other new BMW models. Despite its compact size, the 2 Series provided a comfortable and well-designed cabin.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system featured LED lighting with 12 colors, changing based on vehicle settings. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system available. The system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, visible even with polarized sunglasses. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality, overcoming ambient noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display. The infotainment system, featuring iDrive 7, offered over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Connectivity features included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. The MINI Convertible 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 and a digital rearview mirror were not available. The lane-departure warning system provided effective feedback through the steering wheel.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured Active Driving Assistant, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder, utilizing onboard cameras, could record driving footage before and after a collision. The 2 Series had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.