2021 Nissan Altima 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, 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 and X2, as well as the Mini Clubman and Countryman, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias. The exterior design echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with modern and athletic front-end styling, but the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe. 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 features like power-folding heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.8-inch iDrive touchscreen.

The 2021 Nissan Altima presented a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. The Altima's design featured a sloping "coupe-like" roofline and taut body lines, though its stance appeared slightly old-fashioned due to the overhangs and short dash-to-axle distance. Despite this, modern features like LED lighting and a range of wheel options kept the look contemporary. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for safety and convenience. The interior materials improved with higher trim levels, offering better hand feel and added stitching to the dash and seats.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series 228i Gran Coupe 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, though it exhibited pronounced turbo lag, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The vehicle featured a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301 hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models provided even more power with their six-cylinder engines. The 228i 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 minimal body roll but poor absorption of road imperfections.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered two distinct powertrains. Most models featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The fuel economy was commendable, with ratings of 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for FWD models. The standout option was the VC-Turbo engine, exclusive to the Altima SR VC-Turbo trim. This 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produced 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering a lively performance. The VC-Turbo was only available with FWD and achieved nearly the same fuel economy as the AWD 2.5-liter models. The Altima's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with the VC-Turbo featuring a sport-tuned setup. The electric-powered steering offered decent feedback and feel.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe provided supportive and comfortable front seats, though rear-seat legroom was limited when the front seats were adjusted for taller occupants. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls. However, the cupholders and center console were small, making it challenging to store larger items. 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 the least when the top was lowered.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, which were praised for their comfort on long drives. Upper trim levels offered power adjustment, position memory, leather appointments, and heated seats. The front cabin included ample storage options, such as a large glovebox, center console storage bin, and door pockets. The second row was spacious enough for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for increased cargo flexibility. The Altima's trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, accommodating a variety of items.

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

The 2021 Nissan Altima included a range of standard tech features, such as Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the base S model. The base touchscreen was 7 inches, with an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen on higher trims. The Altima offered multiple USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an available Bose audio system. Advanced features like Nissan Door to Door Navigation and NissanConnect Services were available on upper trims.

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 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features standard on SV and above trims. It included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance, and the Intelligent Around View Monitor was offered on upper trims. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.