2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 MINI Cooper, refreshed for the model year, retained its iconic charm with restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The car's playful personality was evident in its design, from the Union Jack taillights to the new paint colors like Island Blue and Zesty Yellow. Inside, the MINI Convertible combined retro aesthetics with modern technology, featuring a new steering wheel and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the car's proportions remained awkward, and the new grille accentuated its jutting overbite, especially in lighter colors. Despite these quirks, the MINI Convertible promised a fun driving experience, with a unique open-air feel when the top was down.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series received a subtle yet sporty exterior update, maintaining its narrow kidney grille and adding redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches contributed to a striking first impression. The interior saw significant changes with the introduction of BMW iDrive 8 and the new BMW Curved Display, totaling 27.2 inches of high-definition screens. The minimalist dashboard design and driver-centric cockpit enhanced the overall experience. The M Sport package added further flair with an M leather steering wheel and Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite interior finish.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered 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. For more spirited driving, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 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 was front-wheel drive. The JCW models boasted a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, delivering 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. Despite its sporty nature, the MINI Convertible's steering response and brake pedal feel were disappointing, and the car struggled with handling on curvy roads.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous years, featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. The 330i produced 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric assist, offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and providing up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 3 Series offered a balanced blend of performance and fuel efficiency, with the 330i achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, the 330e 75 MPGe combined, and the M340i 26 mpg combined. The 330i, equipped with the M Sport package, provided a comfortable and precise driving experience, though it lacked the raw excitement of the M340i.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritized form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the rear seats were essentially useless, even for pre-teen children. The trunk offered just 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, 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 2023 BMW 3 Series excelled in comfort and convenience, offering a compact yet spacious interior. Front occupants enjoyed 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom, while rear passengers had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The power-adjustable front sport seats provided good bolstering and adjustable thigh support, though the seat bottom cushion was stiff. The 3 Series featured standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel, and intuitive ergonomics. Cargo capacity was 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding down in a 40/20/40 split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power lumbar support, keyless entry, and remote start.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display, featuring LED lighting with 12 colors. 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 newly standard digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was also available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed with its quality.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a curved display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and natural speech recognition through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and a one-year SiriusXM subscription. Available options included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 MINI Cooper 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 lane-departure warning system was effective, providing subtle steering wheel vibrations.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The 2022 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, missing the "Plus" distinction due to poor headlight ratings. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. The Driving Assistance Package added active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, park-distance control, and collision warnings. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered semi-autonomous driving systems. Additional safety options included a head-up display, Parking Distance Control, and Drive Recorder.