2021 Nissan Sentra 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 sleek, tapering roofline, 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 aesthetics. However, the rear design struggled to maintain the same appeal, despite sharp fender flares and well-spaced wheels. 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 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The Sentra's design was a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative styling, offering a dynamic and modern look. Available in eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic, the Sentra allowed for personalization with two-tone paint schemes on SR trims. The interior featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastic surfaces, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel for a sporty touch. The second row provided ample space for two passengers, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with a split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

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. While the engine was refined, 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 driving experience. The M235i variant offered a more powerful 301 hp engine, while the Coupe and Convertible models featured even more robust powertrains, with the M240i boasting a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 hp. 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 a tendency to transmit road imperfections to the cabin.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, the Sentra offered adequate performance for daily commuting. Weighing between 3,036 and 3,084 pounds, the Sentra was relatively lightweight, contributing to its fuel efficiency of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models. The driving experience was enhanced by a well-sorted CVT, providing a smooth and efficient ride. The Sentra's suspension setup, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, along with dual-pinion electric steering, resulted in tidy road manners and enjoyable cornering. While not a powerhouse, the Sentra's 149 hp was well-suited for its intended purpose, balancing performance and fuel economy.

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, making the second row suitable only for occasional use. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls and small cupholders and center console. 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 models offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity further reduced when the top was lowered.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with well-placed features and controls. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned at the top of the center stack, with neatly grouped controls below. The Sentra retained a traditional gear selector lever, open cupholders with gripping fingers, and ample storage options, including a large glove compartment and roomy covered storage beneath the center armrest. The vehicle offered multiple USB ports and a 12-volt port for connectivity. Nissan's Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort for long journeys, with optional power-adjustable seats and heated front seats available in higher trims. The Sentra's interior space and features made it a comfortable choice for extended trips.

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

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a range of audio and connectivity options, starting with a basic AM/FM/USB system in the S trim, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM capability in SV and SR trims. An optional premium Bose system with eight speakers was available in the SR. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard across all trims, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free capabilities. The SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface, with navigation available through a subscription to NissanConnect services. NissanConnect also included a WiFi hotspot and remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, offering a comprehensive suite of tech features.

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. Additional safety options included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were designed to alert the driver without being distracting, with customization options available.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including an advanced airbag system, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags. The Sentra also featured a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, which provided audible feedback during tire inflation. Nissan Safety Shield 360 offered a suite of driver assistance features, including intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.