2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 BMW i4 was a striking vehicle that shared its design language with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring an oversized grille that divided opinions. The term "Gran Coupe" was used by BMW to describe this four-door sedan with a rear hatch, which could be confusing given the traditional two-door connotation of a coupe. Despite its polarizing design, 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 active grille flaps. The interior of the i4 balanced modern minimalism with classic BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and high-quality materials, although leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its bland beginnings to a sharper, sportier design in its sixth generation. Available in five trim levels, the Altima showcased Nissan's V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance with a "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package added a sporty flair with gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel. However, the quality of materials varied across trims, with higher trims offering a more premium feel. The Altima's design was practical, but its high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance with its electric powertrains. The base i4 eDrive40 produced 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor setup, delivered 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. The Dynamic Handling Package further improved ride quality and steering precision, making the i4 a joy to drive. The integrated braking system provided a natural pedal feel, although the adaptive recuperation system's variable regenerative braking was less predictable.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. The Altima's performance was adequate for daily driving, but the CVT struggled during acceleration, resulting in noticeable engine noise. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and Active Ride Control. The VC-Turbo engine offered better performance but lacked AWD compatibility.

The 2022 BMW i4's interior offered a low seating position despite the battery pack beneath, but the fastback roof limited headroom. The i4 provided more rear legroom than the Polestar 2, but less headroom overall. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the seats were flat and hard, lacking the expected bolstering. The i4's cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet, and it lacked a front trunk. The absence of a power-adjustable steering column was a notable omission for a car in this price range.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was a practical midsize sedan with comfortable seating for four and a spacious trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic feet trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. The Altima's rear visibility was compromised by its high rear shelf and sloping roofline, but the rear camera helped mitigate this issue. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Overall, the Altima offered a balanced package of space and practicality.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and OTA updates. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition. Optional features included a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and 5G connectivity.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim came with a 5-inch information display and a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and voice recognition. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The advanced drive-assist display provided convenient access to various functions. The Altima also offered active noise cancellation and ProPilot Assist, enhancing the driving experience with advanced driver aids.

The 2022 BMW i4 came equipped with standard driver-assist features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Nissan Altima boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The SV trim and above included Safety Shield 360, adding rear automatic braking and blind-spot warning. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.