2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-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 the years, the MINI lineup expanded to include various body styles, and the cars themselves grew in size for utility and safety reasons. For 2022, the MINI Hardtop and Convertible received refreshed styling, including new bumpers, a redesigned grille, standard LED headlights, and updated interior features like a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Despite the updates, the 2022 MINI Convertible retained its quirky charm but struggled with awkward proportions, particularly with the new grille design. Inside, the car maintained its retro-modern aesthetic, offering a unique open-air experience with the top 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. Pricing for the Convertible ranged from $27,900 to $38,900, with the high-end John Cooper Works model exceeding $46,000.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, following a complete makeover in 2021, continued to impress with its sleek design and luxurious features. The S-Class has a long history, dating back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, and the 2022 version represented the seventh generation of this flagship sedan. The exterior design was elegant, with a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. The S-Class dashboard featured a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, both offering high-quality visuals and user-friendly interfaces.

Inside, the S-Class cabin was adorned with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The car offered a serene and comfortable environment, with features like powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a spacious 13.8-cubic-foot trunk. The front seats were equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the rear seats in the Executive Line package provided additional luxury with features like neck and shoulder heating and a high-end rear-seat entertainment system. The S-Class also boasted advanced safety and driver assistance systems, making it a top choice for both commuting and weekend pleasure driving.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, taking over eight seconds to reach 60 mph. For more spirited performance, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 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 was front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, averaged 27.1 mpg in combined driving.

For those seeking even more excitement, the JCW models offered a tuned version of the Cooper S engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the Cooper S was not a true sports car, but rather a sporting car with a broad torque range and fluid gear shifts. However, the car's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the tires struggled with aggressive cornering. The ride quality was firm and choppy on highways, and the rearview mirror's location obstructed visibility around right-hand curves.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and the S580 with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Both engines featured the EQ Boost system, providing an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque during high-demand situations. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved the same in 4.4 seconds. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD.

Despite their weight, the S-Class models offered flat and predictable handling, powerful braking, and impressive fuel efficiency. The S500 delivered up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 was rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. The S-Class provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, making it suitable for both commuting and weekend drives.

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, other MINI models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman offered more practicality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in form and function, providing a roomy and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. The 13.8-cubic-foot trunk was spacious and well-appointed, and the cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the Executive Line package added luxury features for rear passengers. The S-Class also included soft-close doors and a comprehensive warranty.

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

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, both offering high-quality visuals and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest, while the augmented video for navigation and augmented reality head-up display provided clear and futuristic driving assistance. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and available Burmester 4D Surround system delivered an exceptional audio experience. The S-Class also offered advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including the EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering.

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 car came with 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 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including Magic Vision Control, active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist, Pre-Safe systems, and car-to-x communication. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags for added safety.