2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was both distinctive and polarizing. Its broad grille and tapered tail made it instantly recognizable, while the N Line treatment enhanced its appeal with functional and stylistic changes. The front fascia was restyled with larger air intakes, and gloss black side mirrors and window surrounds added a stealthy visual suggestion of performance. The interior featured sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet refined atmosphere. A panoramic sunroof added to the car's spacious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4's styling closely resembled the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, with an oversized grille that was likely to divide opinions. The i4 was more aerodynamic than its sibling, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50. BMW achieved this with a smooth underbody, front spoiler, rear diffuser, and an active flap for airflow control. The interior balanced Tesla-style minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality was up to BMW's standards, though leather upholstery was not standard.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The car offered Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, and its sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes enhanced its performance. The Sonata N Line delivered a thrilling driving experience, with responsive steering, minimal body roll, and a comfortable ride. It achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 23.7 mpg.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered two powertrain options: the base eDrive40 with 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and the M50 with 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque. The eDrive40 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M50 achieved it in 3.7 seconds. The i4's battery pack lowered its center of gravity, enhancing handling despite its weight. Both models featured rear air suspension and lift-related shocks, with the M50 adding adaptive M suspension and sport brakes. The i4's integrated braking system provided natural pedal feel, and its adaptive recuperation system adjusted regenerative braking for efficiency.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and support. The rear seats provided adequate space, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle could be inconvenient.

The 2022 BMW i4's seating position was low, but visibility was not compromised. The fastback roof limited headroom, and the seats felt flat and hard. The i4 offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than competitors, but its hatchback design allowed for easier loading. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console, though the wireless charging pad was small, and the lack of a power adjustable steering column was disappointing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose sound system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link services. The lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues were drawbacks, but the Sounds of Nature feature provided a calming experience. Hyundai Digital Key was standard, though only compatible with Android devices.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and OTA updates. A head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and 5G connectivity were available. The rotary controller and voice recognition system made the user experience intuitive, minimizing the need for touchscreen interaction.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and more. The Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning systems added safety, and Highway Drive Assist provided Level 2 ADAS functionality. While crash-test ratings were not available for the N Line, the standard Sonata rated high for occupant protection.

The 2022 BMW i4 included standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The Parking Assistant Package offered a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and Back-Up Assistant. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.