2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. This range of options was unparalleled in the market. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, but 4Matic all-wheel drive was also an option. For driving enthusiasts, the AMG-tuned E-Class models, such as the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450’s engine.

In contrast, the 2023 MINI Cooper was available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible. This third-generation model was larger than its predecessors due to increased safety regulations and customer expectations, yet it remained compact. The MINI Cooper's design was playful and authentic, with features like gradient paint effects and 18-inch wheels with big red brake calipers. The interior was slightly more grown-up, featuring Chesterfield leather seats and a unique dashboard design with a giant circular touchscreen and toggle switches.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This setup produced 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, delivering robust performance across a wide rev range. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured that power was effectively transferred to the pavement. The E53 Cabriolet also featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, making it both a comfortable cruiser and a capable performer on twisty roads.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest Cooper model, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was shared with some BMW models and provided smooth, strong performance. The six-speed manual transmission had an abrupt clutch take-up, making it ideal for teaching manual driving but challenging for smooth launches. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, with flat cornering thanks to a stiff suspension and adaptive dampers. However, the steering felt a bit delayed, detracting from the promised "go-kart" experience. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 114 miles of range and similar output to the gasoline Cooper S.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The car featured an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence when the top was down. The front seats were equipped with heating, rapid-heating options, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped keep the cabin cool and quiet. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, but this reduced significantly when the top was down.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat space. The two-door model's rear bench and cargo hold were limited, with just nine cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 34 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door models provided more cargo space, with 13 cubic feet expanding to 41 cubic feet. The convertible models had only eight cubic feet of cargo space but featured a tailgate that folded down for easier access. The convertible's roof rails allowed the fabric section to slide back like a sunroof, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system, which included two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system was user-friendly, with multiple interaction options including touch, voice, and physical controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. Upgrades like WiFi service and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation were also available.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected apps. Cooper S models in Signature trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, which was functional but lacked the slick interface of newer BMW models. Unique features included an Openometer and cartoonish sounds and chimes, adding a playful touch to the driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Additional features included Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound, which prepared the cabin and protected occupants' hearing in the event of a collision. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assist.

The 2023 MINI Cooper included eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard. However, it lacked many advanced safety features available in similarly priced cars. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain automatic transmission models. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI Cooper, but the IIHS gave the structurally identical 2014 model high ratings in five out of six crash tests.