2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 MINI Cooper continued to charm with its iconic design, reminiscent of the original MINI models, while embracing modern updates. Despite its growth over the years, the MINI retained its playful character, evident in its refreshed styling for 2022. The new model featured restyled bumpers, a redesigned grille, and standard LED headlights, complemented by the distinctive Union Jack taillights. The interior boasted a new steering wheel and an advanced infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. However, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, with the new grille accentuating its overbite, especially in lighter colours. Inside, the retro-modern blend offered a unique experience, with a wide range of customization options. The convertible top, operable at speeds up to 30 km/h, added to the open-air feel, though the emphasis on design over function resulted in a somewhat cluttered interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presented a sophisticated and cohesive design, drawing elements from other Mercedes models. The sedan's cab-rearward proportions, long hood, and short rear deck highlighted its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights, with the option for the advanced Mercedes Digital Light system, enhanced its stylish appearance. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class, featuring a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. Despite its luxury billing, the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was typical for its price range, with Nappa leather seats available. The C-Class interior exuded a sense of luxury, making a compelling case for choosing a luxury sedan over mainstream brands.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. For more spirited driving, the Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Both engines were paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive and selectable driving modes. The Cooper S test car, equipped with a manual transmission, delivered a lively driving experience, though it lacked the go-kart handling of earlier models. The JCW models offered even more excitement with a tuned version of the Cooper S engine, producing 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. However, the MINI's steering response and brake feel were less precise, and the ride quality varied between back roads and highways.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed the C300 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The C300 4Matic test car provided sufficient power, though turbo lag was noticeable, and the transmission occasionally delivered rough shifts. Despite these issues, the ride quality met luxury standards, with muted impacts over bumps and potholes. The C-Class demonstrated good body control and precise steering on twisty roads, though it required more effort to handle compared to the best sports sedans. The sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version, with a more powerful engine, offered enhanced performance, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats, even for children. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid, suitable for a full-sized suitcase and a few smaller items. Interior storage was limited, partly due to the design focus and the placement of infotainment controls on the centre console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more practicality could opt for other MINI models like the 4-Door Hardtop, Clubman, or Countryman, which offered more passenger and cargo space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, available only as a sedan, offered increased interior space compared to its predecessor, with improved headroom and rear-seat legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was less generous. The seats provided comfort and support for spirited driving, with excellent forward visibility but some rear blind spots. The trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for longer items. Minor issues included dashboard glare and an inconveniently placed wireless charging pad, but overall, the C-Class provided a luxurious and practical interior.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display, featuring LED lighting and customizable graphics. The system offered Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and BMW-based connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system were available options. The infotainment system, based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster, performed well even in convertible models. A head-up display was available, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system delivered impressive sound quality, overcoming ambient noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, head-up display, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX infotainment system, with its "Zero Layer" setup, allowed easy access to functions, and the voice recognition system was highly effective. The optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on a front-camera feed, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible benefited from its increased size, offering better protection in collisions, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were not available. The lane-departure warning system was effective, providing subtle steering wheel vibrations to alert the driver.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, though NHTSA had not tested it. The C-Class came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitor, park assist, and Pre-Safe systems. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Car-to-X communication system provided real-time information sharing between vehicles, enhancing safety in various driving conditions.