2020 BMW 2 Series vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional two-door coupe design, adopting a four-door layout with a sloping roofline. This change aligned with a broader trend among German automakers, where the term "coupe" was redefined to include vehicles with a coupe-like silhouette, regardless of the number of doors. The Gran Coupe shared its platform with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias, unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup of the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible. The exterior design of the Gran Coupe echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic front-end features, but the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic appeal of its two-door counterparts. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of Mercedes-Benz interiors.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class retained a more traditional and streamlined design, reminiscent of earlier E-Class models. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet forms, the E-Class appealed to conservative buyers with its understated elegance. The sedan featured a classic hood ornament and chrome grille, while most models sported a large Mercedes emblem on the grille. The E-Class's fluid form was particularly striking on the cabriolet, with a contrasting soft top revealing a luxurious interior. The interior boasted multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood, complemented by high-resolution digital screens and ambient lighting. The E-Class offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with thoughtful features like heated armrests and massaging seats, making it a place of solitude and luxury.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive, was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. While the engine was refined, it suffered from turbo lag, making acceleration from a standstill less exciting. The Gran Coupe offered a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode providing a more engaging driving experience. However, the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the organic feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models. The M235i variant offered more power with 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 335 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, particularly the E350, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The E350's engine was improved with a twin-scroll turbo design, providing quicker response and reduced noise. In Comfort mode, the E-Class offered a relaxed driving experience, while Sport and Sport+ modes kept the engine in its power band. The E450 variant, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, provided a more effortless driving experience. The AMG models, including the E53 and E63 S, offered even more power and performance, with the E63 S featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The E-Class's performance was complemented by its light steering and supple suspension, providing a comfortable and precise driving experience.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, but rear-seat legroom was limited, making it suitable for one or two passengers in most situations. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls, though the cupholders and center console were on the smaller side. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which was better than competitors like the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible variants offered 13.1 and 11.8 cubic feet of trunk space, respectively, with the Convertible's space reduced to 8.8 cubic feet with the top down.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a more complex infotainment system with the COMAND interface, which could be unwieldy on the large screens. The system was not touchscreen, requiring multiple steps for various functions, which could be distracting while driving. However, the E-Class offered functional features like seat and seat climate controls on the door panels and ample space in every dimension. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The E-Class provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with clear sightlines and high-resolution digital displays.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The fully-digital instrument panel allowed for navigation display customization, and the available head-up display (HUD) could also be personalized. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and center console buttons for easy navigation.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like lane change assistance and obstacle detection. The E-Class also included a V2X system for communication with nearby Mercedes models and a reconfigurable digital dash. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The E-Class offered unique features like multi-contour seats, a Burmester stereo, and the Energizing Comfort Package, which adjusted climate settings and lighting for a personalized experience.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Available features included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The E-Class offered innovative safety features like Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during a side collision, and crosswind countermeasures. Standard features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.