2022 MINI Cooper vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

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, especially in the Cooper S and JCW variants. The 2022 refresh brought restyled bumpers, a new grille, and standard LED headlights, enhancing its distinctive look. However, the new grille design accentuated the car's awkward proportions, particularly in lighter colours. Inside, the MINI Convertible offered a retro-modern feel, with a wide range of customisation options. The convertible top, which could be lowered in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h, provided an open-air experience unique to the MINI.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series maintained its sporty elegance with subtle exterior updates. The narrow kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights gave it a sleek appearance, while the M Sport package added sporty accents. Inside, the 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch curved display, creating a driver-centric cockpit. The minimalist dashboard design reduced button clutter, enhancing the overall driving experience. The 3 Series offered a balance of comfort and sportiness, appealing to those seeking a refined yet dynamic ride.

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 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The Cooper S variant 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. The JCW model, with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, achieved 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive, with a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its sporty intentions, the MINI's steering and brake feel were less precise, affecting driving satisfaction.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years. The 330i featured a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a twin-turbo 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 35 km electric range. The M340i, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The 3 Series offered a balanced performance, with precise steering and a comfortable ride, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 MINI Cooper prioritised form over function, especially in the Convertible model. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were nearly unusable, even for children. The trunk offered just 147 litres of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Interior storage was limited, with controls placed on the centre console, consuming valuable space. While the MINI's compact size was expected, those needing more practicality could opt for other MINI models with better passenger and cargo space.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a more spacious interior, with 982 mm of front headroom and 1,066 mm of legroom. Rear passengers had 955 mm of headroom and 894 mm of legroom, accommodating average-sized adults comfortably. The 3 Series featured SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats. The trunk offered 481 litres of cargo space, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for added versatility. The 3 Series balanced comfort and practicality, making it suitable for daily use and longer journeys.

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 available. The digital instrument cluster and head-up display enhanced the driving experience, though the screens occasionally washed out in direct sunlight. The Harman Kardon system provided impressive sound quality, even with the top down.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard features included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 5G hotspot. The 3 Series offered a cutting-edge infotainment experience, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 MINI Cooper lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it featured standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but blind-spot monitoring was unavailable, posing a challenge with the top raised. The lane-departure warning system provided effective alerts without being intrusive.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The 2022 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, missing the "Plus" distinction due to headlight performance. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The 3 Series provided comprehensive safety features, enhancing driver confidence.