2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 MINI Cooper

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded an aquatic elegance reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights, bulging curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversized grille, contributed to this impression. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on quality, making the premium price more palatable.

In contrast, the 2020 MINI Cooper stood out with its unique and charming design. Its wide-eyed LED headlights, grinning front grille, and vibrant colour options made it an enthusiast's delight. The Union Jack taillights added a touch of British flair. The MINI Cooper evolved from its original two-door hardtop to include a convertible and a four-door variant, with the all-electric SE trim offering a modern twist. The interior maintained a circular design theme, providing a premium feel unmatched in its size category.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was praised for its improved driving dynamics, thanks to significant structural and suspension changes. The M340i trim, with its 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, delivered a thrilling driving experience. The rear-biased xDrive AWD drivetrain, M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes enhanced its sporty handling. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the eight-speed automatic transmission, combined with paddle shifters, offered a satisfying driving experience.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE excelled in performance with its electric motor generating 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Although slightly less powerful than the Cooper S's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the SE's immediate torque delivery made it feel just as quick. The SE's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, while its low centre of gravity and direct steering maintained the classic MINI driving experience. The SE's single-speed gearbox replaced the traditional manual transmission, with a six-speed manual set to return in 2021.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered comfortable and supportive front seats, ideal for exploring its handling capabilities. The interior featured high-quality leather, front-seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once inside, passengers enjoyed exceptional comfort. The infotainment system was well-integrated, with generous storage space and a trunk capacity of 479 litres, although its narrow design limited its practicality.

The 2020 MINI Cooper, while not ideal for carpooling or road trips, provided good front-seat space and a sense of openness. The backseat was best suited for children, and cargo space was limited, with the two-door Cooper offering 246 litres. The SE trim maintained the same interior space, with a maximum of 730 litres when the rear seats were folded. Despite its compact size, the MINI Cooper featured thoughtful design elements, such as two-zone automatic air conditioning and ergonomic controls.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with multiple ways to interact, although the flat centre console made it harder to use by touch. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was excellent, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE included an "eDrive" driver-information display, which moved with the steering wheel adjustments. The 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display housed within a circular dash housing offered Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and Apple CarPlay. The SE Premier+ trim added an 8.8-inch screen, wireless charging pad, and head-up display, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered advanced driving assistance systems through the optional Advanced Driver Assistance package. While the safety features were accurate, their smoothness was sometimes lacking. The lane-keeping assist system was notably abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE lacked many advanced safety features, with only front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera included in the Premier+ package. Forward-collision warning was standard, but automatic emergency braking was unavailable. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper with top marks, earning "Good" scores in all crash tests.