2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year, following a complete makeover that was widely praised. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to stand out as a testament to the enduring appeal of sedans. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long, elegant profile and a distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, exuded sophistication. The interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a dashboard that delighted with its open-pore wood trim and advanced digital displays.

In contrast, the 2023 MINI Cooper offered a unique and playful design that set it apart from other modern cars. Available in various body styles, the MINI Cooper maintained its compact dimensions, reminiscent of the original 1959 Mini. Its bug-eyed, bulldog-like appearance, combined with vibrant colors and distinctive design elements, made it a charming and eye-catching choice. The interior, while slightly more mature, retained a playful character with features like Chesterfield leather seats and a dashboard that resembled a ship's porthole. The MINI Cooper's design was both simple and authentic, appealing to those seeking a fun and distinctive vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed to cater to both business and pleasure, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering a total of 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also enhanced by EQ Boost. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, providing impressive acceleration and handling. The S500 achieved 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did so in 4.4 seconds. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the S500 rated at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, and the S580 at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, particularly the JCW model, offered a spirited driving experience with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with BMW models, provided smooth and strong performance. The six-speed manual transmission, while fun, required some finesse, and an eight-speed automatic was also available. Base models featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine with 134 horsepower, while Cooper S models had a detuned version of the JCW engine with 189 horsepower. Fuel economy varied, with the three-cylinder achieving up to 31 mpg combined, while the JCW managed 25 mpg combined with the automatic transmission. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 114 miles of range. Despite its nimble handling, the MINI Cooper's steering lacked immediacy, and the ride was firm, though the brakes were impressive.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage. The interior featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. Front-row seats were equipped with heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings, ensuring comfort during long drives. The Executive Line package further enhanced rear-seat comfort with advanced features like neck and shoulder heating and a high-end rear-seat entertainment system. However, the wide-opening doors could be challenging to close, though the soft-close feature mitigated this issue.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, true to its name, offered limited interior space, especially in the two-door model. The rear bench was best avoided, and cargo space was minimal, with just nine cubic feet available. The four-door model provided slightly more room, with 13 cubic feet of cargo space. Convertible models had only eight cubic feet of cargo space, but the tailgate design facilitated easier loading. The convertible's roof rails allowed for a sunroof-like experience. The instrument panel, while stylish, could be difficult to read due to its matte finish. The infotainment system, though functional, was not as advanced as those in newer BMW models, but it included unique features like the Openometer and playful animations.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with cutting-edge technology, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen as the centerpiece of the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, while the 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable displays. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and an augmented reality head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with futuristic visuals. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, such as EQ Boost and rear-axle steering, improving performance and maneuverability.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Cooper S models in Signature trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. The infotainment system, based on older BMW iDrive software, offered basic functionality but lacked the advanced features of newer systems. Unique MINI features included the Openometer and playful animations. While the technology was not as advanced as in the S-Class, it provided a fun and engaging experience for MINI enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, while car-to-x communication enhanced situational awareness. Rear-passenger airbags and other executive-level safety features were available, ensuring a high level of protection for all occupants.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in similarly priced vehicles, such as blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain models, but there were no semi-automated driving assists. The MINI Cooper had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the structurally identical 2014 model received high ratings from the IIHS.