2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 MINI Cooper

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, yet its aerodynamic efficiency was notable, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. This model was slightly larger than its predecessor, with increased length, wheelbase, height, and width. The car's size was its most striking feature, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels were offered, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The interior was centered around a prominent infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist design approach. Mercedes enhanced the ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and 64 color options, integrating it with infotainment and driver-assist functions. Interior materials included Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2022 MINI Cooper, while maintaining its iconic design, had grown over the years, offering various body styles like the Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman, and Countryman. The 2022 model featured refreshed styling with new bumpers, grille, and standard LED headlights. New paint colors and wheel designs were introduced, along with the Piano Black Exterior treatment. The interior included a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Despite its personality, the MINI Convertible's proportions remained awkward, with a grille that accentuated its overbite. The interior combined retro style with modern technology, offering customization options. However, the emphasis on design over function resulted in a cluttered appearance. The Sidewalk Edition package added unique features, with pricing under $40,000.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system providing additional electric assist. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds, with top speeds limited to 130 mph. The S-Class included standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control suspension, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and effective driving modes.

The 2022 MINI Cooper offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in over eight seconds. The Cooper S variant featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in under seven seconds. Both engines were available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the MINI Convertible was front-wheel drive. The Cooper S test car had a manual transmission, achieving 27.1 mpg in combined driving. The JCW models offered a tuned engine with 235 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds. The MINI Convertible provided a sporty driving experience, though steering response and brake feel were less satisfying.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered increased front and rear headroom, as well as more rear legroom compared to its predecessor. It had segment-leading shoulder room, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though it remained less than other luxury sedans. The front seats featured 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, with comfortable head restraints. The center console provided ample storage, and rear-seat passengers had a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible prioritized form over function, with comfortable front seats but nearly unusable rear seats. The trunk offered 5.2 cubic feet of space, accessible through a bottom-hinged lid. Cabin storage was limited, with infotainment controls consuming space on the center console. While the MINI's compact size was expected, other models like the Hardtop 4 Door, Clubman, and Countryman offered more passenger and cargo space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 30-speaker Burmester audio system and rear-seat infotainment with 11.6-inch touchscreens were available. The updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and touchscreen reliance. The system included an augmented-reality head-up display and personal profiles with biometric access. However, the digital instrument cluster's touchpads were small, and the ambient lighting's reactive features seemed gimmicky.

The 2022 MINI Cooper introduced the MINI Connected infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, LED lighting, and customizable widgets. It offered Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM radio, with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system available. The system was based on BMW's iDrive technology, paired with a digital instrument cluster. A head-up display was available, visible with polarized sunglasses. The Harman Kardon sound system provided impressive sound quality, overcoming ambient noise.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but included numerous safety features, such as a rear-passenger airbag, adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes claimed improvements in traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist, with capacitive sensors in the steering wheel. The S-Class' driver-assist features performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2022 MINI Cooper Convertible also lacked crash-test ratings but gained standard Driving Assistant technology, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control was optional, and the lane-departure warning system provided subtle feedback. However, blind-spot monitoring and a digital rearview mirror were unavailable, affecting visibility with the top raised.