2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2022 BMW i4 was a visual continuation of the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille and a design that blurred the lines between a traditional sedan and a "Gran Coupe." Despite its controversial styling, the i4 boasted improved aerodynamics over its gasoline counterpart, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50 model. This was achieved through various design tweaks, including a smooth underbody and an active grille flap. The i4's interior balanced modern minimalism with classic BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series introduced a new exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. The 2 Series was available in several configurations, including the RWD 230i Coupe and AWD M240i xDrive Coupe, with the latter featuring more performance-oriented styling. The interior of the 2 Series was straightforward and driver-focused, offering standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The cabin featured an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional upgrade to a 10.25-inch display, and a range of optional comfort features like heated seats and a moonroof.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance with its electric powertrains. The base i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor setup, produced 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4's handling was enhanced by a low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems, providing a smooth and engaging driving experience. The i4 also featured an integrated braking system for a natural pedal feel and an adaptive recuperation system for efficient energy use.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, though smaller, packed a punch with its turbocharged engines. The 230i Coupe's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the M240i xDrive's 3.0-liter inline-six offered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 230i reached 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and the M240i in 4.1 seconds. Both models featured an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, with the M240i xDrive offering additional performance features like adaptive M suspension and variable Sport steering. However, the driving experience was noted to be somewhat disconnected, with the car's engineering overshadowing driver engagement.

The 2022 BMW i4's interior was designed to feel open and airy, despite limited side glass. The seating position was low, but headroom was restricted by the fastback roof. The i4 offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, less than some competitors, and lacked a front trunk. The interior featured a well-organized center console, though the seats were criticized for being flat and hard, and the lack of a power-adjustable steering column was noted.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while larger than its predecessor, remained compact. The rear seats were cramped, suitable only for small children or short trips. The coupe's design limited rear headroom and trunk access, though the 40/20/40-split rear seats allowed for some cargo flexibility. The interior featured soft-touch materials and improved ergonomics, with a layout similar to other new BMW models.

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. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates, 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 2022 BMW 2 Series came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver display, with an optional upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and included features like cloud-based navigation and real-time traffic updates. The 2 Series also offered a WiFi hotspot, wireless smartphone integration, and an optional Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2022 BMW i4 included standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured the Active Driving Assistant suite, with standard blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a 360-degree view, and the BMW Drive Recorder. Like the i4, the 2 Series had not been rated by major safety organizations.