2023 MINI Cooper vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 MINI Cooper was available in various configurations, including a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, and two-door convertible. Despite being larger than its predecessors due to safety regulations and customer expectations, it remained compact, even smaller than a Mazda Miata. The MINI Cooper's design was distinctive, with a short, squat appearance and tires stretched to the corners, reminiscent of the original 1959 Mini. Its playful and colorful design, including options like a gradient paint effect, made it stand out. The interior featured Chesterfield leather seats and a unique dashboard design, maintaining high quality and a playful aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded calm sophistication with its clean lines and sculpted front end. The S 580e model, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, featured optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers, adding a touch of sportiness. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious experience with options for sumptuous leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The fit and finish were superb, and the seats provided exceptional comfort, making it a haven for passengers seeking relaxation.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW was the quickest in its lineup, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with some BMW models, delivered smooth performance with minimal turbo lag. The six-speed manual transmission offered an engaging driving experience, though clutch take-up was abrupt. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, with flat cornering and impressive brakes, but it lacked the immediate steering response expected from a MINI. Fuel economy varied across models, with the electric MINI Cooper SE offering 114 miles of range.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, providing 56 miles of all-electric range. The plug-in hybrid delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-62 mph in about 4.4 seconds. The S 580e excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered seamless gear shifts, though there was a slight jerk when downshifting to first gear. The S 580e's hybrid mode provided smooth transitions between electric and gas power.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat space, but the rear bench and cargo hold were limited in the two-door model. Cargo space improved in the four-door Cooper models, while the convertible had unique features like a tailgate that folded down for easy access. The convertible's roof rails allowed for a sunroof-like experience. The MINI's instrument panel had a matte finish, and the infotainment system featured a touchscreen with buttons, though some controls were inconveniently placed.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. Ambient lighting with 64 colors added to the luxury experience. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a mood-boosting experience. While the trunk space was limited in the S 580e, the standard S-Class offered more room. The interior featured ample storage cubbies and a spacious center armrest.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. The infotainment system used older BMW iDrive software, lacking the slick interface of newer BMWs. The Cooper included unique features like an Openometer and cartoonish sounds, but Android Auto was unavailable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a native navigation system with augmented reality. The Mercedes AI assistant responded to natural language commands, and the system included games for entertainment. The S-Class also had wireless charging and USB-C ports, with a standard Burmester sound system.

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. The MINI Cooper had not been rated by NHTSA, but IIHS gave it high ratings in previous tests.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety features. The S-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.