2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 MINI Cooper

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology for an estimated 32 kilometres of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, enhancing performance and handling. The M3 and M3 Competition represented the high-performance end of the lineup. The M340i xDrive test vehicle, adorned in Barbera Red paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, included options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to nearly $80,000. The M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and technical interior design contributed to the car's appeal, focusing on driving enjoyment over luxury.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, available as a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, or two-door convertible, maintained its unique charm with a design reminiscent of the original 1959 Mini. Despite its larger size compared to earlier models, it remained compact, shorter than a Mazda MX-5. The Cooper's playful design featured stripes, multicolour roofs, and vibrant colours, with the JCW model showcasing a gradient paint effect and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Chesterfield leather seats with diamond-patterned stitching and the distinctive dashboard design added character. The MINI Cooper offered various trims, including the Cooper S and electric SE models, with the Resolute Edition featuring Rebel Green paint and unique accents. The electric SE model, with its yellow mirrors and four-spoke wheels, stood out as a rare find. The MINI's interior, though abstract, maintained high quality, with features like a manual gear shifter and clutch pedal enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, delivered power to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada, except for the M3 and plug-in hybrid models. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. The car's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i excelled in handling, offering precise and responsive steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite the introduction of software and electronics in the sixth-generation 3 Series, BMW had refined the driving experience, maintaining its status as a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2023 MINI Cooper JCW featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with certain BMW models, provided smooth revving and strong performance in the lightweight Cooper. The six-speed manual transmission offered an engaging driving experience, with Sport mode enabling automatic rev matching on downshifts. An eight-speed automatic transmission was also available. The base MINI Cooper models had a 1.5-litre inline-three turbo engine with 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S models featured a detuned version of the JCW engine with 189 horsepower. The MINI Cooper's fuel economy varied, with the JCW achieving 10.7/7.5/9.3 L/100 km with the manual transmission. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered 183 kilometres of range. The JCW's handling was enjoyable, with flat cornering and nimble characteristics, although the steering lacked immediacy. The firm ride and impressive brakes added to the driving experience, but the MINI's go-kart-like feel was somewhat diminished.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats, providing ample support for various driving conditions. The driving position was ideal, with a well-shaped steering wheel for comfort and grip. Rear seat passengers enjoyed sufficient legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for four relatively tall individuals. The back seat offered good thigh support, although the centre rear seating position was less practical. The car included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated steering wheel and front seats standard in Canada. Interior storage was decent, with a 481-litre trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the absence of a sports wagon variant was noted, as North American preferences leaned towards SUVs.

The 2023 MINI Cooper offered good outward visibility and ample front seat legroom and headroom. The two-door model's rear bench and cargo hold were limited, with only 254 litres of cargo space, expanding to 962 litres with the seats folded. The four-door Cooper models provided more cargo space, with 368 litres and 1,160 litres with the seats up and down, respectively. Convertible models had 226 litres of cargo space, with a unique tailgate design for easier access. The convertible's roof rails allowed the fabric section to slide back like a sunroof, enhancing the open-air experience. The MINI's instrument panel featured a matte finish, reducing glare but softening the central display. The infotainment system combined a touchscreen and console buttons, with a glowing ring on the dashboard porthole providing visual feedback. Despite its abstract design, the MINI's interior maintained quality and functionality.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. While the digital gauges lacked the charm of traditional analog ones, the infotainment technology was user-friendly. BMW iDrive 7.0 provided intuitive controls, with options for using the centre console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or voice recognition. Gesture control was available but had mixed success. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. The system responded accurately to various commands, enhancing convenience. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added features like a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, connected apps, LED headlights, and British Union Jack-patterned taillights. The Cooper S models in Premier 2.0 trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated leatherette seats. Wireless phone charging and a head-up display were available on the Premier+ 2.0 trim, though the head-up display was a pop-up piece of plastic. The infotainment system used reskinned BMW iDrive software, lacking the latest features found in new BMW models. The MINI Cooper included unique features like an Openometer, tracking convertible top usage, and a "checkup" display with a MINI wearing sunglasses. The dashboard's glowing ring provided visual feedback for various functions, adding a playful touch to the driving experience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, a safety package with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The available Traffic Jam Assistant combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous driving. An Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver and bring the car to a safe stop. The M340i test vehicle featured these safety systems, with lane-keeping assist technology being notably aggressive. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with models equipped with adaptive LED headlights qualifying for the accolade. The car also received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including for rollover resistance.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with eight airbags, including two front knee airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, blind-spot monitoring and other advanced safety features were not available. The MINI Cooper did not offer semi-automated driving assist or parking assistance, but adaptive cruise control was available on certain versions with the automatic transmission. The NHTSA had not rated the MINI Cooper, while the IIHS last published safety ratings for the 2014 model, which was structurally identical to the 2023 MINI Cooper, giving it high ratings in most crash tests.