2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Subaru Impreza

The 2021 Subaru Impreza presented a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, which had taken bolder styling risks. This generation featured sleek headlights and taillights that enhanced its width, along with a nicely-tapered front end. The body sides had subtle scalloping for visual interest, and the previously awkward wheel arch sheetmetal was toned down. The Impreza Sport models stood out with specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels, while base models came with 16-inch steel wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy and Outback, the Impreza boasted a refined engineering foundation. Inside, the design was typical of compact cars, with a dashboard split by the infotainment touchscreen and various plastic forms. The Impreza Sport added contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights.

The 2022 BMW i4's styling closely resembled the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring an oversized grille that was polarizing for some. Despite this, the i4 was more aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50, achieved through design tweaks like a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. 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, enhancing structural rigidity and handling, though it added weight. The interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality was up to BMW's standards, though leather upholstery wasn't standard.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine design allowed for a lower center of gravity. Most models came with a CVT, while a five-speed manual was available on select trims. The Impreza Sport featured specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for the AWD system. While it provided a solid and refined ride, the Impreza lacked the engagement of competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Sport's suspension offered a good balance between ride quality and handling, but the steering was noncommunicative, and the engine's power was modest.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance, with the base eDrive40 producing 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model boasted 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The i4's handling was enhanced by a low center of gravity, rear air suspension, and lift-related shocks. The M50 included adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, and M Sport brakes. The Dynamic Handling Package further improved the eDrive40's ride and handling. Despite its weight, the i4 was fun to drive, with precise steering and instant torque. The integrated braking system provided natural pedal feel, though the adaptive recuperation system was less predictable.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered reasonable legroom, though headroom was below average. The sedan had 12.3 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided 20.8 cubic feet, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Impreza included features like a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and roof rails on higher trims. Premium and higher trims had an All-Weather Package, and the Sport trim added keyless entry and pushbutton start. The Limited trim featured a power driver’s seat and automatic climate control, with a power moonroof available as an option.

The 2022 BMW i4 had a low seating position despite the battery pack, with limited headroom due to the fastback roof. It offered more rear legroom than the Polestar 2 but less headroom. 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 lack of a power adjustable steering column was notable. The i4 had 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the Polestar 2 or Tesla Model 3. It lacked a front trunk, unlike its competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on base and Premium trims, while higher trims had an 8-inch screen. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display showed information like range, though it seemed redundant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and easy access to functions, though it lacked advanced features for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the latest iDrive8 infotainment system and BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, OTA updates, and SiriusXM. Optional features were a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, and 5G connectivity. The user experience was familiar to BMW drivers, with a rotary controller, menu shortcut buttons, and effective voice recognition, making the touchscreen largely unnecessary.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award, with “Good” scores in crash tests but “Marginal” standard headlights. The Limited trim's headlights were rated “Good.” The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru’s EyeSight safety tech was standard on CVT models, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

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