2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E-Class was available with different engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG E53 model, in particular, featured a more powerful version of the E450’s engine, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The E53 Cabriolet, with its luxurious interior and high-end features, looked sensational and provided a perfect blend of comfort and performance.

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 variant offered a more spirited drive with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in under seven seconds. The JCW models further amped up the performance with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, generating 235 hp and 228 lb-ft 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 fun driving dynamics, the MINI's steering response and brake pedal feel were somewhat disappointing.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured the power was effectively delivered to the pavement. The E53 Cabriolet also boasted an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, making it a versatile vehicle that could switch from a quiet cruiser to a dynamic performer with the adjustment of AMG Dynamic Select driving modes.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, offering comfortable front seats but essentially useless rear seats. The trunk space was limited to 5.2 cubic feet, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was also minimal, with the infotainment system's physical controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI Convertible'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 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, on the other hand, was a true four-passenger convertible with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down, and the car featured numerous comfort amenities, including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, which reduced significantly when the top was down. The E53 Cabriolet's interior was luxurious, with multi-contour front seats, massage functions, and an Air Balance interior fragrance system.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, featuring LED lighting and customizable widgets. The system included 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 options. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display added to the tech-savvy interior, although the screens could wash out in direct sunlight.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system, featuring two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, including voice commands, touch controls, and steering wheel buttons. MBUX offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car also included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

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 available for automatic transmission models, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not offered.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Additional safety technologies like Pre Safe, Pre Safe Sound, and Active Parking Assist were standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist, making the E-Class one of the safest vehicles in its class.