2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 BMW i4 was a striking vehicle that shared its design language with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. Despite its four-door sedan structure, BMW's use of the term "Gran Coupe" added a layer of confusion. The i4 boasted a more aerodynamic profile than 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 design tweaks like a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The i4's interior balanced modern minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. However, the leather upholstery was not standard, and the seating was noted for being somewhat flat and hard.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over its 2020 redesign, presenting a modern, low-slung, and coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The Sentra's design was a significant improvement over previous models, offering a more refined execution of Nissan's design language. The interior was a highlight, with a simple yet functional layout, easy-to-use controls, and a visually appealing touchscreen. The Sentra offered a range of trims, each adding features like alloy wheels, premium upholstery, and advanced infotainment systems. The Midnight Edition package added dark accents for a more distinctive look. Overall, the Sentra's design was both practical and stylish, with a focus on comfort and usability.

The 2022 BMW i4 delivered impressive performance with its electric powertrains. The base i4 eDrive40 produced 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, boasted 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4 maintained BMW's reputation for handling, thanks to a low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced the driving experience with adaptive suspension, sport steering, and upgraded brakes. The i4's regenerative braking system was innovative, though the adaptive recuperation system received mixed reviews for its unpredictability.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offered 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance standout, the Sentra's CVT managed power effectively, providing consistent acceleration in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions adequately, making it a reliable choice for commuting and road trips. The Sport button, though present, did not significantly enhance performance, but the Sentra's overall driving dynamics were satisfactory for its class.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered a low seating position despite its battery pack, with limited headroom due to its fastback roof. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the seats were noted for being flat and lacking bolstering. The i4 provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors, and lacked a front trunk. The rear seats folded for additional cargo capacity, but BMW did not provide a figure for this configuration.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. While the load floor was not flush, the trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dashboard button. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the center console provided additional storage options.

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

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with similar connectivity features. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics were dated, and the lack of wireless connectivity options was a drawback compared to some competitors.

The 2022 BMW i4 came equipped with 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. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for crashworthiness and driver-assistance effectiveness.