2019 MINI Cooper vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 MINI Cooper retained the charm that made its predecessors popular, but with a more mature and technologically advanced design. While it still offered the iconic floating roof and wrap-around glass, the newer model's larger headlights and taillights, along with a longer front overhang, detracted from the simple elegance of earlier versions. Inside, the classic pie-plate speedometer was replaced by a modern infotainment screen, surrounded by mood lighting, and the toggle switches remained, now accompanied by a head-up display. Despite these changes, the MINI Cooper continued to exude individuality, though the added technology introduced complexity that some enthusiasts might find unnecessary.

In contrast, the 2019 BMW 3 Series maintained its evolutionary design approach, avoiding radical changes and instead refining its classic sport sedan aesthetics. The car grew slightly in size, offering a compact footprint that was easy to maneuver. The signature Hoffmeister kink was subtly altered, and the front end featured recognizable BMW elements, such as the kidney grilles and LED running lamps. The interior layout remained driver-focused, with intuitive controls and a digital instrument panel. The 3 Series' design was clean and timeless, ensuring it would age gracefully while retaining its sporty appeal.

The 2019 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works model was the pinnacle of performance within the lineup, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This power allowed the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the automatic transmission, or 6.1 seconds with the manual. The car's performance was enhanced by a sport exhaust system, providing an engaging auditory experience, especially in Sport mode. However, torque steer and occasional braking inconsistencies during spirited driving were noted drawbacks.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series, specifically the 330i xDrive, featured a refined 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its smoothness and power delivery, although some turbo lag was present at low speeds. The 8-speed automatic transmission offered seamless shifts, and the M Sport package added a firmer suspension and enhanced handling capabilities. The 3 Series excelled in providing a balanced driving experience, with impressive fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for the xDrive model.

The 2019 MINI Cooper, despite its compact size, offered surprising practicality. The back seat could accommodate passengers if the front seats were adjusted, and the trunk provided 8.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was characterized by its unique design elements, such as chrome toggle switches and unconventional controls, which prioritized style over functionality. The front seats were adjustable and supportive, catering to taller occupants.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series provided a comfortable and spacious interior for four passengers, with improved rear legroom and a generous 17-cubic-foot trunk. Visibility was excellent, and the seats offered firm support for long journeys. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with a touchscreen infotainment system and easy-to-use climate controls. The inclusion of USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad added to the car's modern conveniences.

The 2019 MINI Cooper's infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, featured an 8.8-inch display with navigation and MINI Connected Services. While offering multiple control methods, the system was criticized for its small virtual buttons and occasional unpredictable behavior. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a Harman Kardon audio system were available, but Android Auto was notably absent. The Parking Assistant was a useful feature, especially given the car's susceptibility to wheel damage.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series boasted an advanced iDrive system with customizable menu tiles and over-the-air updates. The navigation system adapted to driving habits, and the car offered a digital key option for NFC-equipped smartphones. Gesture control and a personal assistant enhanced the user experience, though they were not always reliable. The Driving Assistance Professional Package provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, making the 3 Series a leader in automotive technology.

The 2019 MINI Cooper offered basic safety features, including eight airbags, a reversing camera, and an Active Driving Assistant with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The car received a 4-star overall rating from the federal government, with a 3-star rating for rear seat occupant protection in side impacts.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was a Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS, with top ratings in all crash tests and for its optional laser headlights. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and pedestrian detection, while optional features like blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist enhanced safety further.