2021 Dodge Charger vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

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 model was built on a front-wheel-drive platform, shared with the BMW X1 and X2, as well as the Mini Clubman and Countryman, contrasting with the rear-wheel-drive setup of the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible. The Gran Coupe's exterior design echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille. However, the rear design elements, such as the belt-line and window frames, struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe. Inside, the Gran Coupe featured a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of some competitors. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe came with a range of standard features, including power-folding heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control, with options for premium packages that added luxury touches like a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats.

The 2021 Dodge Charger continued to be a popular choice among buyers, largely due to its wide range of variants, from the base SXT to the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. The Charger maintained a consistent design over the years, with subtle differences between models, giving it a timeless appeal. The widebody styling option added an athletic stance, particularly in the SRT Hellcat Redeye variant. The interior, while updated over the years, still showed signs of its age, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces. The Charger offered a spacious cabin with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding its cargo capacity. Despite its dated technology, the Charger provided a functional and comfortable driving experience, with paddle shifters and a steering wheel that offered easy access to in-car functions.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 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. The engine was refined, though it exhibited noticeable turbo lag, particularly when pulling away from a standstill. The Gran Coupe offered a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode providing a more engaging driving experience. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301 hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models featured even more potent powertrains, with the M240i boasting a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 hp. The Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The ride quality was firm, with the car struggling to absorb road imperfections, making it less suitable for areas with poor road conditions.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options to suit different preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The Charger R/T featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. The Scat Pack models were equipped with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat variant boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye offered an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its high output, the Redeye's powertrain was manageable and versatile, capable of both track performance and everyday driving. The Charger offered a connected driving experience, with configurable drive modes and a Performance Pages function for SRT models, allowing for in-depth vehicle settings adjustments.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe provided supportive and comfortable front seats, with ample legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat legroom, 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 on the smaller side. The Gran Coupe offered 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible models also provided above-average cargo space for their class.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, offering a spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations for five passengers. The interior technology, while dated, was easy to read and use, with a steering wheel that provided convenient access to in-car functions. The Charger featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding its already spacious trunk for additional storage. Compared to other large cars, the Charger offered average cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

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

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a basic set of standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and a rearview camera. Available features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect infotainment system was easy to navigate, though some functions were buried in menus. The Charger lacked a head-up display, making navigation less convenient, and its buttons and dials felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety options included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable, providing alerts without being distracting.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Available safety options varied by model and included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The Charger offered a range of safety features, though its headlights received poor ratings in previous crash tests.