2023 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning design from the previous year, following a comprehensive makeover that left many in awe. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long, elegant profile and a distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, exuded sophistication. The interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a meticulously crafted dashboard with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offering a blend of modern technology and classic luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 MINI Cooper was a playful and unique offering in the automotive world. Available in various body styles, including a two-door hatchback, four-door hatch, and convertible, the MINI Cooper maintained its iconic design while growing slightly larger to meet modern safety standards. Its compact size, bug-eyed appearance, and vibrant colour options made it a standout choice for those seeking a fun and distinctive vehicle. The interior, though abstract in design, featured high-quality materials and a charming mix of classic and modern elements, such as Chesterfield leather seats and a giant circular touchscreen.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a powerhouse of performance, offering a choice between the S500 and S580 models. The S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor. The S580, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, also enhanced by EQ Boost. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. Despite their weight, the S-Class models were quick off the line, with the S500 reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the S500 achieving 11.4 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway, while the S580 managed 14.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, particularly the JCW variant, offered a spirited driving experience with its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with certain BMW models, provided smooth and powerful performance, especially in a car weighing under 1,400 kilograms. The six-speed manual transmission, though requiring some finesse, added to the driving enjoyment, while the available eight-speed automatic offered engaging shifts. The base MINI Cooper models featured a 1.5-litre inline-three turbo engine with 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S models had a detuned version of the JCW engine. Fuel economy varied, with the three-cylinder engine excelling at 8.6 L/100 km city and 6.3 highway, while the JCW was less efficient at 10.7 L/100 km city and 7.5 highway. The electric MINI Cooper SE offered a range of 183 kilometres.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious interior, catering to the needs of executives and passengers alike. The cabin featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk for ample storage. The front seats offered rapid-heating, multicontour adjustments, and lumbar support, while the Executive Rear Seating package in the S580 added reclining and massaging features for rear passengers. The S-Class also boasted six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply, ensuring connectivity for all occupants. However, the wide-opening doors could pose a challenge for some, though the soft-close feature mitigated this issue.

The 2023 MINI Cooper, true to its name, offered a compact interior with good outward visibility and comfortable front seats. The two-door model's rear bench and cargo space were limited, with just 254 litres available, expanding to 962 litres with the seats folded. The four-door models provided slightly more cargo space, while the convertible offered unique features like a tailgate that folded down for easy access and roof rails for a sunroof-like experience. The MINI's instrument panel, though charming, had some usability issues, with the touchscreen and buttons positioned awkwardly. The glowing ring around the touchscreen added a playful touch, responding to various inputs.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a technological marvel, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED technology provided superior image quality and energy efficiency, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured seamless connectivity. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel offered customizable themes, and the optional 3D instrument cluster added depth to the display. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience, providing clear and futuristic guidance. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved performance and maneuverability.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. The infotainment system, based on older BMW iDrive software, offered a user-friendly interface but lacked the advanced features found in newer BMW models. The MINI's unique features included an Openometer, a "checkup" display, and playful sounds and chimes. While the Premier 2.0 trim added a panoramic moonroof and heated seats, the Premier+ 2.0 trim offered wireless phone charging and a head-up display, though the latter was criticized for its design. The MINI's infotainment system, though charming, fell short of the sophistication found in the S-Class.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with an array of safety features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, while car-to-x communication provided real-time road condition updates. Rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags were available for added safety, making the S-Class a leader in safety innovation.

The 2023 MINI Cooper came standard with eight airbags, rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other vehicles, such as blind-spot monitoring and semi-automated driving assist. Adaptive cruise control was available on certain models, but the MINI's safety offerings were limited compared to the S-Class. The NHTSA had not rated the 2023 model, while the IIHS had given the structurally identical 2014 model high ratings in most crash tests.