Mini Cooper vs BMW 4 Series
What's the difference?

Mini Cooper

$44,990 - $65,990

2025 price

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BMW 4 Series

$39,888 - $89,990

2022 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Mini Cooper

2022 BMW 4 Series

By Byron Mathioudakis

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

7.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Lively powertrains
Brilliant dashboard
Fun to drive

Dynamic performance
Value
Quality

Dislikes

Expensive
Petrol-powered Minis aren't a great leap forward
No manual gearbox availability

Slender door handles
Low roof for ingress/egress
Overly keen 'Lane Departure Warning'

2025 Mini Cooper Summary

Can it be possible that, between 1959 and 2023, there have only been four distinct generations of Mini?

Besides the 1959 British Motor Corporation (BMC) original, it’s just been a trio of hatchback versions under BMW stewardship – the R50 of 2001, 2006’s R56 and the 2014 F56.

Now, in 2024, that number has suddenly jumped to six.

The F56 has morphed into the lightly restyled and solely petrol-powered F66 Cooper range in F66 three-door (3DR) and coming F65 five-door (5DR) hatchback guises like before.

Meanwhile, the completely new and electric-only J01 Cooper 3DR joins the fold, along with its J05 Aceman 5DR crossover spin-off.

Despite their shared name and similar styling inside and out, the British-built Cooper and electric Cooper from China are two different cars. You can read all about the latter in another review, as this is about the petrol-powered Cooper range.

More of a thorough makeover and less of a total redesign, has it changed enough? Let’s find out.

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2022 BMW 4 Series Summary

Without a whole lot of fanfare BMW has slipped yet another model into its Australian line-up.

Sitting alongside existing coupe and convertible variants, the new 4 Series Gran Coupe follows the template established by the previous gen version.

A sports luxury four-door with a sleek, fastback twist, it provides a more adventurous alternative to its close 3 Series cousin.

Offered in three grades, this is the M440i xDrive, the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, all-wheel drive 4 Series Gran Coupe flagship.

It competes with premium all-wheel drive four-doors like Audi’s S5 Sportback, the Jaguar XF P300 R-Dynamic HSE, and the Mercedes-AMG C 43.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Cooper 2022 BMW 4 Series

Verdict

The new petrol Cooper range very gently evolves the upmarket Cool Britannia cliché BMW invented with the R50 back in 2001 and fostered with every iteration since.

More of the same, only slightly updated and just improved enough to justify trading the old one in. If this appeals to you, then go for it. This is the best petrol version yet. Probably.

But the Cooper’s real spark literally and metaphorically lies within the EV version.

Two very different Minis indeed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe manages to combine sleek design with a fun-to-drive personality and surprising practicality. It’s a rapid premium, four-door, five-seater offering extra flair, and in this part of the market, good value. But more than anything else it’s got a cracking in-line six under the bonnet.

Mini Cooper vs BMW 4 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Cooper vs BMW 4 Series
What's the difference?