2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a serious demeanor, while the availability of vibrant paint colors and two-tone schemes added a touch of flair. The Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that was well-positioned for ease of use. The cabin offered a spacious second row, though it was more comfortable for two passengers than three. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with the flexibility of a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

The 2022 BMW i4 shared its styling cues with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. It boasted a more aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base model. The i4's interior struck a balance between minimalism and traditional BMW elements, with a freestanding screen and familiar controls. However, the seating was somewhat flat and hard, lacking the expected bolstering. The i4 offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors, but its hatchback design allowed for easier loading and unloading.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's fuel economy was commendable, with 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway for S and SV models. The suspension and steering setup delivered tidy road manners, making it almost fun to drive despite its modest power output.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance, with the base eDrive40 model delivering 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor powertrain, produced 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The i4's handling was enhanced by its low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems, providing a smooth and engaging driving experience. The integrated braking system and adaptive recuperation added to the i4's performance credentials, though the latter's effectiveness was somewhat inconsistent.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for practicality, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It offered ample storage options, including a large glove compartment and roomy door pockets. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, and the available Premium Package added power-adjustable seats and a moonroof for added luxury.

The 2022 BMW i4's interior felt open and airy, despite its limited headroom due to the fastback roof. The center console was efficiently designed, housing essential controls and storage. However, the seats were less comfortable than expected, and the lack of a power-adjustable steering column was a notable omission. The i4's cargo space was limited compared to some competitors, but its hatchback design facilitated easier access.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system, upgraded to a premium Bose system in higher trims. It featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. NissanConnect services offered additional connectivity options, including a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle access.

The 2022 BMW i4 was equipped with the latest iDrive8 infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. It included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with options for a head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was well-equipped with safety features, including a comprehensive airbag system, tire pressure monitoring, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 BMW i4's safety ratings were not available at the time of publication. It offered standard driver-assist features, with optional packages adding advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The Parking Assistant Package provided additional convenience features for parking and maneuvering.