2021 Lexus ES 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 change was part of a broader trend among German automakers to redefine the term "coupe." 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 front end of the Gran Coupe echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic design cues. However, the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe, despite efforts with frameless doors and flared fenders. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of some competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES presented a more traditional sedan design with a focus on luxury and comfort. The ES lineup expanded to include the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The ES 350, with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, offered a range of trims, including the F Sport and the limited-production Black Line Special Edition. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and artful detailing, particularly in the F Sport trim, which added unique styling elements and larger wheels. Inside, the ES boasted a striking black and white interior with quality materials and a focus on comfort, making it a true Lexus experience.

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, affecting acceleration 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. However, the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models. The Gran Coupe's handling was sharp, but it struggled with road imperfections, making it less suitable for rough roads.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The ES 350 offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with the F Sport trim adding Sport+ and Custom modes. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, the ES 350 F Sport demonstrated unexpected competence and genuine driving enjoyment, particularly in Sport modes. While not an outright sports sedan, the ES 350 F Sport offered a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism, making it a dynamic choice for a luxury sedan.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe provided supportive and comfortable front seats, but rear-seat legroom was limited, making it suitable for one or two passengers. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls. However, storage options were limited, with small cupholders and a center console. 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 variants also provided above-average cargo space for their class.

The 2021 Lexus ES excelled in interior comfort and space. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats offered ample foot and legroom, with supportive cushions and a comfortable seating position. The ES provided excellent outward visibility and plentiful storage, though the configuration was unconventional. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

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

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring attention to navigate the screen. However, the ES offered separate climate and stereo controls, dynamic voice command technology, and an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display. The ES included a range of connectivity features, such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The test model featured a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system for enhanced audio quality.

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 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.