2021 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the E-Class from two generations prior with its rounded, smooth body. While some felt it was overly streamlined, the resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it a recognizable and respectable member of the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked rich with the traditional hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, though most models featured a sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. The LED lighting was delicate, and the car's proportions were visually appealing across different models.

The cabriolet version of the E-Class particularly benefited from the fluid, creaseless form, with a contrasting soft top that revealed a sumptuous interior. The interior, when specified with multi-tone leathers and polished wood, was a delight. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and knurled silver toggles. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors and animations, enhancing the luxurious feel. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt a cut above other cars in its segment.

The 2021 MINI Cooper stood out with its iconic styling, immediately recognizable like the Jeep Wrangler. Its rounded shape, compact dimensions, and wide variety of color choices set it apart in the subcompact car space. MINI offered several customization options for the exterior and top, including graphics like the Union Jack flag. Hidden Easter eggs, such as Union Jack taillights, added to its charm. Though larger than the original Mini, the 2021 Cooper offered wheel and trim upgrades depending on the model.

Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with plenty of circles and rounded shapes. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted inside a circular light ring, and the air vents followed the same design. The cabin was generally high quality but lacked space, with the back seats best used for cargo rather than passengers. The front seats were comfortable, but the overall space was tight, making it less suitable for taller drivers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains. The E350 replaced the E300, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite its improvements, the E350 felt underpowered at higher speeds. The E450, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, provided a more balanced and powerful experience. The AMG models, E53 and E63 S, offered even more performance, with the E63 S boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the E63 S showing 16/23 mpg city/highway.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 hp. The Cooper S featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four. The JCW GP model, with a 301-hp turbo-four, provided the best acceleration. All models were front-wheel drive, with manual and automatic transmission options. The MINI felt spritely and energetic, though the ride was stiff and could become tiresome on long drives. Fuel economy varied, with the most efficient model being the Convertible at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complicated COMAND infotainment system, which was not touchscreen and could be unwieldy. The system required multiple steps for various functions, making it distracting while driving. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with features like seat and seat climate controls on the door panels and ample space in every dimension. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon offered a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The digital dash, when set up properly, was clear and high-res.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior was more suited for cargo storage than passengers, with the rear seat being tight. The front seats were comfortable, but the overall space was limited, making it less ideal for taller drivers. Interior storage was also tight, with small center console storage and door pockets. The Hatchback models offered decent cargo space with the back seats folded down, while the Convertible had limited space under the folding top compartment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured advanced tech, including a semi-automated driving system that could steer, change lanes, and sense obstacles. The V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road hazards. The dash could be reconfigured, and the car included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo and multi-contour seats added to the luxury. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, were more novelty than necessity.

The 2021 MINI Cooper was less generous with standard features. The base screen was 6.5 inches, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering more features. Optional tech included a Harman Kardon sound system and automatic climate controls. MINI included more physical controls, improving usability, but did not offer Android Auto. The infotainment system used BMW's software, with a physical iDrive controller that was difficult to reach due to the tight space.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon scored a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet were not tested but were considered equally safe. Innovations included Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during a side collision, and countering crosswinds. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 optional driver-assist features.

The 2021 MINI Cooper did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, scoring "Good" in crash tests but "Acceptable" or "Poor" for headlights. The front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system was rated "Marginal." NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with other features being optional.