2020 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a new addition to the lineup, diverging from the traditional two-door coupe and convertible models that had been popular among driving enthusiasts since 2014. Unlike its predecessors, the Gran Coupe was built on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, contrasting with the rear-wheel-drive setup of the Coupe and Convertible. The exterior design of the Gran Coupe attempted to echo the styling of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille. However, the transition to a four-door layout resulted in an awkward aesthetic, particularly around the rear doors and window frames. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of some competitors.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to a more traditional design approach, resembling a smaller version of the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans. While the G20 3 Series aimed to capture the classic appeal of the E30, it fell short in terms of design, with a large grille that seemed out of place on the smaller sedan. The interior design was pleasant but marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and optional leather upholstery. The M Sport trim package added some flair with 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, but the overall conservative styling left much to be desired. Despite these shortcomings, the 3 Series maintained a focus on driver-centric features, with a well-positioned touchscreen and good outward visibility.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series offered a range of powertrains, with the 228i Gran Coupe featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. While the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, turbo lag was noticeable, and the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301 hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models boasted a 248 hp base engine and a 335 hp inline-six in the M240i.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series featured three powertrains, starting with the base 330i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a less powerful version of this engine with electric assist for a total of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The M340i topped the range with a turbo inline-six producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. The M340i could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the 330i took 5.6 seconds. Despite the impressive technical specifications, the 3 Series lacked the engaging driving experience of its predecessors, with a disconnected feel and clunky transitions in the hybrid model.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe provided supportive front seats with ample legroom, though this came at the expense of rear-seat space, making the second row suitable only for occasional use. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls, but the cupholders and center console were small. The Gran Coupe offered 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible models had slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible offering 11.8 cubic feet with the top up.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series excelled in interior space for a small luxury sedan, offering the best rear headroom in its segment and above-average front headroom. Legroom was average, and shoulder room was less generous than some competitors. Gasoline models boasted 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e's battery pack reduced this to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's shape required an awkward reach to maximize space, though a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The cockpit was designed for ease of use, with a well-positioned touchscreen and good visibility.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen featuring touch functionality and Android Auto, along with wireless Apple CarPlay. The fully-digital instrument panel included a customizable navigation display, and a head-up display was available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and helpful center console buttons for quick navigation.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series featured a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB ports, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on gasoline models. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster and navigation, with a head-up display available. The infotainment system was premium, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. BMW provided multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls, though some features felt gimmicky.

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

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests but mixed headlight scores. The optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering. Additional packages offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assistance.