2020 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from the traditional coupe design, adopting a four-door layout with a sloping roofline. This model shared its platform with the BMW X1 and X2, as well as the Mini Clubman and Countryman, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias. The front end of the 2 Series echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille, giving it a modern and athletic appearance. However, the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe, with awkward window trim and evident pillars. Inside, the 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though not as elegant as some competitors. The model was available in various trims, with the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe offering features like power-folding heated side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and a digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series had a more restrained design, lacking the flourishes of the 3 Series or the imposing size of the 7 Series. The 5 Series received a minor styling refresh for 2021, with sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet proportionate, twin-kidney grille. The sedan's design changes included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. The interior retained the familiar BMW layout, with a focus on specific BMW styling elements. The 540i xDrive test car featured Nappa leather upholstery and aluminum trim, enhancing the high-end feel, though the sport steering wheel felt out of place. The 5 Series offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and a trunk larger than some rivals, making it a practical choice for luxury sedan buyers.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 228i was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. The engine was refined, but turbo lag was noticeable, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The Drive Mode selector offered Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode providing a more engaging experience. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301 hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models featured a 248 hp base engine and a 335 hp six-cylinder option in the M240i. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp, but the FWD layout lacked the natural feel of the RWD Coupe and Convertible. The ride quality was firm, with minimal body roll but poor absorption of road imperfections.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 530i could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 mph or 155 mph with performance tires. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. The 540i xDrive could reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 offered even more powerful V8 engines, with the M5 Competition reaching 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range, though EPA figures for 2021 were not available. The 540i xDrive test car offered precise handling and a smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true driver's car.

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

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in the U.S., offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and a slightly less roomy rear seat compared to rivals. The 540i's trunk provided 14.0 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with lumbar support, heating, and ventilation, offering supportive bolstering. Forward visibility was limited due to the long hood, but a surround-view camera system aided parking maneuvers.

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

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive 7, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing. A rotary knob provided tactile control, and voice control was available. Gesture controls were also offered, though they required learning specific gestures.

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, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, and lane-keep assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was sophisticated and smooth, with traffic-jam assist allowing for stop-and-go driving on highways.