2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued the brand's tradition of blending retro charm with modern updates. The refreshed model featured restyled bumpers, a new grille, standard LED headlights, and the iconic Union Jack taillights. New wheel designs and paint colors like Island Blue and Zesty Yellow added to its appeal. Inside, the MINI Convertible maintained its quirky, personality-filled design, with a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the car's proportions and grille design remained polarizing, and the interior could feel cluttered depending on the chosen options.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, offered a more refined and performance-oriented look. The M Performance exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. The interior featured Cognac-color SensaTec simulated leather upholstery and a SensaTec dashboard wrap, providing a more upscale feel. The M340i's design was technical rather than luxurious, focusing on driving enjoyment. The car's styling, combined with its performance capabilities, made it a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty yet practical sedan.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engines, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine took over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. The JCW models had a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the car's tires struggled with aggressive cornering.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, propelled the car to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The M340i's drivetrain included 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, contributing to its impressive fuel economy of 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route. The car's M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, and M Sport brakes provided exceptional handling and driving dynamics. The M340i's performance was thrilling, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons and delivering a confident driving experience.

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

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i provided a balance of driving satisfaction and practicality. The car featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for carrying four relatively tall people. The 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space, and the back seat's 40/20/40-split folding design added utility. The M340i's interior storage was decent, and the car's three-zone automatic climate control system ensured passenger comfort.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant. A head-up display was available, and the Driving Assistance Professional package added advanced safety features.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The car came with newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was available, but blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were not offered.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package provided lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.