2022 MINI Cooper vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It lacked the design flourishes of the 3 Series and the imposing size of the 7 Series, making it a luxury car that preferred to fly under the radar. The 2021 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, giving the sedan a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The interior maintained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the materials varied by trim level, the overall feel was one of high-end sophistication, albeit with some sporty elements that felt slightly out of place.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper continued to embrace its iconic design heritage while incorporating modern updates. The MINI Convertible, in particular, exuded personality with its refreshed styling, including restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights. The interior combined retro charm with modern technology, offering a customizable experience through various colours and materials. Despite its playful design, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained somewhat awkward, and the emphasis on form over function resulted in a cluttered appearance. Nevertheless, the MINI's distinctive style and implied promise of fun were unmistakable.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the base 530i sedan, which featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h. The 540i model, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. For those seeking more power, the M550i xDrive and M5 models offered V8 engines with 523 hp and 617 hp, respectively, providing exhilarating performance. The 530e plug-in hybrid variant combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, offering 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The JCW models offered a more thrilling experience with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. While the MINI Convertible provided a fun driving experience, it was not a sports car, and its handling and steering response left room for improvement.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The trunk provided 396 litres of cargo space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 16-way power front seats offered comfort and support, although forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system helped with parking and maneuvering.

In contrast, the 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but essentially unusable rear seats. The trunk, measuring just 147 litres, was accessible through a bottom-hinged lid, offering limited storage space. The cabin also lacked storage options, with the infotainment system's controls consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those seeking practicality would find better options in other MINI models.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, with excellent graphics and a user-friendly interface. The rotary knob controller provided tactile feedback, and voice and gesture controls were available, though the latter required some learning.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced a new MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The system offered Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system were optional. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display provided additional information, and the Harman Kardon system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for the 2021 model year, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features, offering smooth operation and sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured newly standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was not available, posing a challenge for visibility with the top raised.