2023 MINI Cooper vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2023 MINI Cooper, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible, retained its unique charm and compact dimensions, reminiscent of the original 1959 Mini. Despite being larger than its predecessors due to modern safety standards, it remained smaller than most contemporary vehicles, such as the Mazda Miata. The MINI Cooper's design was playful and distinctive, with its bug-eyed appearance, short and squat body, and tires stretched to the corners. The 2023 model featured a gradient paint effect and bold design elements like 18-inch wheels and red brake calipers, giving it a toy-like appearance. Inside, the Cooper's interior was slightly more mature, with Chesterfield leather seats and a unique dashboard design that included a large circular touchscreen and toggle switches, maintaining a high level of fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a subtle yet sporty mid-cycle refresh. The exterior design featured a narrow kidney grille, redesigned full-LED headlights, and reshaped air intakes, creating a striking first impression. The 3 Series offered a range of trims, including the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The interior showcased BMW's advanced iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch curved display, providing a driver-centric cockpit experience. The minimalist dashboard design and optional M Sport package added to the sporty feel, while the cabin remained comfortable and well-equipped with features like power-adjustable front sport seats and a leather steering wheel.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the most powerful variant, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with some BMW models, delivered smooth performance with minimal turbo lag. The JCW's six-speed manual transmission offered an engaging driving experience, though clutch take-up was abrupt. The base MINI Cooper models had a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three engine with 134 hp, while the Cooper S models featured a detuned version of the JCW engine with 189 hp. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 114 miles of range. Despite its nimble handling and stiff suspension, the Cooper's steering lacked immediacy, detracting from the promised "go-kart" experience.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, including 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 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor, offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reached 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 3 Series provided a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a comfortable suspension, making it a versatile performer.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat space, but the rear bench in the two-door model was cramped, with a cargo hold of just nine cubic feet. The four-door Cooper models provided more cargo space, with 13 cubic feet expanding to 41 cubic feet with the seats folded. Convertible models had only eight cubic feet of cargo space, but the tailgate design and roof rails added practicality. The MINI's instrument panel featured a matte finish, and the infotainment system included a touchscreen and buttons, though some controls were awkwardly placed. The dashboard's glowing ring added a playful touch, responding to various inputs.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of front headroom and 42 inches of legroom. Rear occupants had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support, though the seat bottom cushion was firm. The iDrive controller knob was intuitive, and the 3 Series offered ample storage options, including a 17-cubic-foot cargo capacity. The rear seats folded in a 40/20/40-split, accommodating larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and LED headlights. Cooper S models in Signature trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, lacking the advanced features of newer BMW models. Unique features included an Openometer and cartoonish sounds, adding a playful touch to the driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced 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 voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a HiFi sound system. Available options included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

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 blind-spot monitoring and semi-automated driving assist features. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI Cooper, but the IIHS gave the structurally identical 2014 model high ratings in most crash tests.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The IIHS had not rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, including active blind spot detection and semi-autonomous driving systems.