2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 BMW i4

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original models while embracing modernity. 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 interior saw updates with a new steering wheel and a next-generation infotainment system featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite the updates, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille accentuated its overbite. Inside, the MINI maintained its retro-modern aesthetic, offering a customizable experience with various colors and materials. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, and the rear seats were practically unusable. The Convertible's top could be lowered in 18 seconds, providing an open-air experience unique to the MINI.

The 2022 BMW i4, on the other hand, shared its styling with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. The i4 boasted improved aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50. BMW achieved this with design tweaks like a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The i4's interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality met BMW's standards, though leather upholstery was not standard. The seating position was low, but the fastback roof limited headroom. The i4 offered more rear legroom than the Polestar 2, but less cargo space. Despite some shortcomings, the i4's interior felt open and airy, with a well-designed center console and ample storage.

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, achieving 0-60 mph in over eight seconds. The Cooper S variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, delivered a spirited driving experience, averaging 27.1 mpg. The JCW models offered a more thrilling ride with a tuned engine producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI's steering and brake feel were disappointing, and the tires struggled on challenging roads.

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor powertrain, produced 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The i4's battery pack lowered its center of gravity, enhancing handling despite its weight. Both models featured rear air suspension and lift-related shocks, with the M50 adding adaptive M suspension and sport brakes. The test car's Dynamic Handling Package provided a smooth ride and precise steering, making the i4 a joy to drive. The integrated braking system offered natural pedal feel, while the adaptive recuperation system adjusted regenerative braking for efficiency. However, the system's unpredictability made it challenging to gauge braking needs.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, with the Convertible offering comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk provided just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more space could opt for other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door or Countryman.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered a low seating position despite its battery pack, with limited headroom due to the fastback roof. The i4 had more rear legroom than the Polestar 2 but less cargo space. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the seats were flat and hard, lacking bolstering. The wireless charging pad was small, and the lack of a power-adjustable steering column was disappointing. The i4's cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet, with no front trunk.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The system featured LED lighting and customizable graphics. A head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system were available. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive, paired with a digital instrument cluster, performed well even in sunlight.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation. The system offered a familiar user experience with a rotary controller, voice recognition, and menu shortcuts. Optional features included a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and 5G connectivity.

The 2022 MINI Cooper's increased size improved safety, but crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was not available.

The 2022 BMW i4 lacked crash-test ratings but offered standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assistance features.