2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it offered a $460 savings. The Accord Hybrid was never available in Sport trim. The car was praised for its excellent design, showcasing a balance of proportion, stance, style, and detailing. Minor front styling updates included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new paint color, Sonic Gray Pearl. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, had a dark undertone that avoided the typical brightness of silver metallic paint. The new wheels looked great but were challenging to clean due to gloss black inserts. The interior, regardless of color, appeared upscale with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display included both a volume and tuning knob. Visibility was excellent, aiding in parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 BMW i4's styling closely resembled the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring an oversized grille and a four-door sedan design with a rear hatch. The i4 was more aerodynamic than its gasoline counterpart, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base i4 eDrive40 and 0.25 for the i4 M50. BMW achieved this with a smooth underbody, front spoiler, rear diffuser, and an active flap for airflow control. The i4 had lighter alloy wheels, with 18-inch wheels standard on the eDrive40 and 19-inch on the M50. The battery pack was mounted below the floor, providing extra structural rigidity. The interior balanced Tesla-style minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen atop the dashboard. Material quality was up to BMW's standards, though leather upholstery was not standard.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a generator/starter motor, and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Most trims achieved 48 mpg in combined driving, while the Touring trim earned a 43-mpg rating due to larger wheels. The powertrain operated in three modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, with additional driver-selectable modes like EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport mode. The 2021 model saw improvements in throttle response and sound, with an average fuel economy of 42.8 mpg for the Touring trim. The Accord Hybrid Touring offered excellent handling and a compliant ride, with a brake-by-wire regenerative braking system providing good feel and response.

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 had 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model's two-motor powertrain produced 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The i4's battery pack lowered the center of gravity, enhancing handling despite the car's weight. Both i4 models featured rear air suspension and lift-related shocks, with the M50 also having adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, and M Sport brakes. The Dynamic Handling Package, available for the eDrive40, improved ride quality and handling. The i4's steering was precise, and the integrated braking system provided natural pedal feel. The adaptive recuperation system adjusted regenerative braking levels, though it was not always predictable.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offered impressive interior space, competing as a midsize sedan but providing full-size sedan roominess. The driver's seat was 12-way power-adjustable, and the back seat was spacious. Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with a wireless charger, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was 16.7 cubic feet, larger than competitors, and featured 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2022 BMW i4 had a low seating position despite the battery pack, with limited headroom due to the fastback roof. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the seats were flat and hard, lacking bolstering. The wireless charging pad was small, and the steering column was not power adjustable. The i4's cargo space was 10 cubic feet, less than competitors, but the hatchback design allowed for easier loading. The i4 did not have a front trunk.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and quick-charge USB ports for rear passengers. EX-L trim included a premium sound system, while Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink services, and a WiFi hotspot. The voice command system required specific prompts and pathways, which could be limiting.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the iDrive8 infotainment system and BMW Curved Display, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, OTA updates, and SiriusXM. Optional features included a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, and 5G connectivity. The user experience was similar to previous iDrive systems, with a rotary controller, menu shortcut buttons, and effective voice recognition.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed for a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights. It included a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder, and low-speed braking control on the Touring model. The Honda Sensing suite featured adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, though some refinements were needed for smoother operation. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration.

The 2022 BMW i4's crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The Parking Assistant Package included a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and Back-Up Assistant.