VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
160 kW
Torque
500 Nm
330 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
15.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
6.7 s
Engine
2998 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the BMW 4 Series and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 4 Series delivers 285 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 160 kW. On fuel, the 4 Series returns 7.8 l/100km while the Cooper uses 15.1 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 511 100 for the 4 Series and R806 000 for the Cooper. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
285 kW
160 kW
Torque
500 Nm
330 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
6.7 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
6
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
15.1 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
54.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4783 mm
3858 mm
Width
1852-2081 mm
1756-1967 mm
Height
1442 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2856 mm
2526 mm
Ground Clearance
129 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1825 DIN / 1900 EU Kg
1605 DIN / 1680 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
470-1290 l
210-800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
555 l
450 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 4 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
4 Series
Value
Cooper
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 4 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
Lower starting price (R806 000)
Higher fuel consumption (15.1 kWh/100km l/100km)
Less power than rival (160 kW vs 285 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 4 Series or Cooper?
The 4 Series uses 7.8 l/100km and the Cooper uses 15.1 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The 4 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 4 Series or Cooper?
The 4 Series produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 160 kW and 330 Nm of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 4 Series and Cooper?
The 4 Series starts from R1 511 100 and the Cooper from R806 000. The Cooper is cheaper by R705 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 4 Series or Cooper?
The 4 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the Cooper can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 4 Series or the Cooper?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.