2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 MINI Cooper adhered to its classic design roots while incorporating modern elements, resulting in a car that exuded personality and was fun to drive, especially in Cooper S and JCW specifications. Over time, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, and the cars themselves grew larger for utility and safety reasons. The 2022 models featured refreshed styling, including new bumpers, a redesigned grille, standard LED headlights, and updated interior elements like a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Despite the updates, the 2022 MINI Convertible retained its distinctive look, though the new grille drew attention to its awkward proportions. Inside, the car combined retro aesthetics with modern technology, offering a unique open-air experience when the top was down. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered interior, and the car's driving dynamics felt less connected and inconsistent compared to earlier models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured a cohesive exterior design that incorporated elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish sedan recognizable from any angle. The car's cab-rearward proportions emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from front-wheel-drive models like the CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights, with an optional Digital Light system, added to its sophisticated look.

Inside, the C-Class aimed to replicate the luxury of the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles. The interior felt special, with nightclub-style ambient lighting and comfortable seats. However, the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was a reminder of its price range, with Nappa leather available on higher trims.

The 2022 MINI Cooper came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. The Cooper S offered a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 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 car featured front-wheel drive with Green, Mid, and Sport driving modes.

Our Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, averaged 27.1 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's 26 mpg estimate. The JCW models offered even more power with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. However, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the car's tires struggled with aggressive cornering. The ride quality varied, feeling compliant on back roads but firm and choppy on highways.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The car could reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The sportier AMG C43 version offered 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

Our C300 4Matic test car felt powerful but suffered from turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. The ride quality was impressive, muting bumps and potholes, though it lacked the sophistication of air-suspension systems. The C300 handled well on twisty roads, with good body control and precise steering, but required a more deliberate approach to cornering.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly useless rear seats. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with hard-to-reach infotainment controls consuming valuable space. For those needing more passenger and cargo room, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman were better options.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan offered more interior space than its predecessor, with slight increases in headroom and rear-seat legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was near the bottom. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with good forward visibility but thick rear pillars creating blind spots. The trunk provided 17.9 cubic feet of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for longer items.

The 2022 MINI Cooper featured a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology and paired with a standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system were available options, with the latter providing impressive sound quality even at highway speeds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an S-Class-inspired infotainment setup with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims adding a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, head-up display, and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system's "Zero Layer" setup allowed easy access to multiple functions, and the voice recognition system was highly effective. The optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on a front-camera feed.

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. 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 and a digital rearview mirror were not available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2021 model was an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+." The C-Class came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitor, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, park assist, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. The Car-to-X communication system provided real-time warnings based on data from other vehicles.