2021 Lexus IS 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 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 echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic front-end features, but the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of its two-door counterparts. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of some competitors. The model was available in various trims, with the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe offering a range of standard and optional features, including a Premium Package and M Sport Package for enhanced comfort and style.

The 2021 Lexus IS presented a bold and athletic design, capturing a sense of motion even when stationary. Its elegant proportions were highlighted by a well-measured distance between the front axle and dashboard, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. The fast roofline balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback, while the signature spindle grille and narrow headlights added to its assertive look. The interior continued the theme of bold design with a simple yet modern dashboard layout. The center stack had a retro hi-fi feel, and the overall build quality was impressive. However, the analog clock felt outdated in the context of the otherwise modern interior. The IS's design choices reflected a focus on creating a sporty and elegant sedan that made a statement about its driver.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 228i model, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. While the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, turbo lag was noticeable, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The Gran Coupe offered a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. For those seeking more power, the M235i variant offered a tuned version of the same engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The Coupe and Convertible models provided even more power, with the M240i featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The 228i Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The ride quality was firm, with minimal body roll, but road imperfections were not well absorbed, making it less suitable for rough roads.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of powertrains, starting with the IS 300 RWD, which featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The IS 350 models, both RWD and AWD, used the same V6 engine but were tuned to produce 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The RWD models were equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, showcasing its sporty credentials. The IS's handling was precise and balanced, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, along with electrically powered steering. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the IS 350 RWD was rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, with ample legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat legroom, which was severely limited once the front seats were adjusted for average-height occupants. The car was best suited for one or two passengers, with the second row usable only in a pinch. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls in the center of the dash. The cupholders and center console were small, requiring larger water bottles to be placed in the door cupholders. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing competitors like the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible models offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity further reduced when the top was lowered.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized a driver-centered focus, with an easily adjustable driver position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seats were standard in IS 350 models, featuring heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which Lexus claimed offered the look and feel of leather without the added cost and care. The interior provided ample storage space, including an open cubby, twin cupholders, large door pockets, and a decent glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two passengers but cramped for three, with legroom requiring negotiation with front-seat occupants. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, with a surprisingly deep configuration, and included a temporary spare tire stored beneath the load floor.

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, customizable to display navigation and other information. A head-up display was also available, providing additional customization options. BMW's infotainment system was praised for its ease of use, with the addition of touch functionality being a welcome improvement.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, moving away from the touchpad as the default option. The IS utilized Lexus' connected services, offering free trial periods for features like Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years, though the subscription model posed potential future costs. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system was a recommended option, delivering superb sound quality and including a CD player for audiophiles.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features such as 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, with a central dash button for easy access.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to perform well based on its platform. The IS came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of features, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, and LED lighting. The IS also featured a four-channel/four-sensor anti-lock braking system integrated with vehicle dynamic management.