2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 MINI Cooper

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution that began in 2017. It moved away from the sharper, boxier angles of its predecessor to embrace the fluid, curvier forms seen in the S-Class and C-Class models. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer Gorden Wagener, was evident in the E-Class's smooth and elegant exterior. The 2021 model introduced a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite these updates, the E-Class maintained its reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms. The interior was a showcase of luxury, featuring rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber accents, along with advanced technology like dual 12-inch screens and a digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2021 MINI Cooper was instantly recognizable with its iconic rounded shape and compact dimensions. The MINI offered a wide range of customization options, including various color choices and graphics for the roof, such as the Union Jack flag. The car's unique styling extended to the interior, where circular design elements dominated the seats, dash, and center stack. The MINI's cabin, while high in quality, was notably tight on space, especially in the rear seats, which were more suited for cargo than passengers. Despite its compact size, the MINI Cooper's design and customization options made it stand out in the subcompact car segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, with the E450 model transitioning to a hybrid system featuring an electrified inline-six engine. This setup included a 48-volt electrical system that provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-liter engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG E53 model added a second turbocharger, boosting output to 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the E-Class prioritized comfort and refinement over outright sportiness, with fuel economy ratings ranging from 18 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the model.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower in the base model. The Cooper S featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 189 hp, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) model delivered 228 hp. The high-performance JCW GP variant boasted a 301-hp turbo-four engine. All models came with front-wheel drive, and transmission options included a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic, with the JCW GP featuring an eight-speed automatic. The MINI Cooper's small size contributed to its agile and energetic driving experience, though its ride could be stiff and less comfortable on longer journeys. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model achieving 31 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, accommodating four adults comfortably. The cabin featured ample headroom and legroom, with supportive cushions and thoughtful design elements like knee cutouts and a scalloped roof. However, some features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats were missing in certain models. The E-Class sedan provided 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe and convertible offered slightly less. The wagon variant excelled in cargo capacity, with up to 64 cubic feet available with the seats folded. The E-Class All-Terrain model added versatility with increased ground clearance and rugged styling.

In contrast, the 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was more compact, with the rear seats better suited for cargo storage than passengers. The front seats offered decent comfort and space for average-sized adults, though taller drivers might find the dash design restrictive. Interior storage was limited, with small compartments and door pockets. The Cooper Hatchback provided reasonable cargo space, and the back seats could be folded down for additional storage. Convertible models had a small cargo area under the folding top, further limiting practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system, which included a touchscreen interface, gesture controls, and natural voice processing. The system offered a range of features, such as live camera feeds with overlay arrows for navigation and optional extras like massaging seats and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they were not wireless, and over-the-air updates were not available. The E-Class also offered a variety of driving assists, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's technology package was less comprehensive, with a base 6.5-inch screen and an optional 8.8-inch unit that included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. Android Auto was notably absent. The MINI's infotainment system, derived from BMW's iDrive, featured a physical controller, though its placement made it challenging to use. The MINI's technology experience was improved by the presence of physical controls, making it more user-friendly while driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a standout in terms of safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS for the sedan and wagon models. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during side collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 MINI Cooper, however, did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. While it scored well in crash tests, its headlights received mixed ratings, and the LATCH system was rated "Marginal" for ease of use. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with other features available as options.