2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of awe reminiscent of majestic marine life, with its lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille giving it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and reaching $69,570 with options, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was praised for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on quality, making the price more palatable.

In contrast, the 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a new addition to the lineup, joining the established two-door coupe and convertible models. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the BMW X1 and X2, the Gran Coupe's styling echoed the larger 8 Series but struggled to maintain the aesthetic of its two-door counterparts. Inside, the Gran Coupe featured a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though it lacked the elegance of some competitors. The model designations varied across body styles, with the Gran Coupe available in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was lauded for its driving dynamics, with significant structural and suspension changes enhancing its handling capabilities. The M340i trim featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite the absence of a manual option, the M340i's performance, including a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, was impressive, making it a joy to drive even in challenging conditions.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive, came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the engine was refined, turbo lag was noticeable, and the front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible. The M235i offered more power with 301 horsepower, but the Gran Coupe's handling and ride quality were not as engaging as its siblings, making it less of a driver's car.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered comfortable and supportive front seats, with high-quality leather and heating options. Rear-seat entry was awkward, but once inside, passengers found ample comfort. The trunk provided 17 cubic feet of space, though its narrow design limited its practicality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a widescreen display and excellent voice recognition.

In the 2020 BMW 2 Series, the front seats were supportive, 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. The Gran Coupe offered 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing some competitors. The infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, enhancing usability.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with multiple interaction methods, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, responding to natural commands.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, offering touch functionality and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, with center console buttons for quick navigation. The fully-digital instrument panel and customizable head-up display added to the tech-savvy interior, making it user-friendly.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for full ADAS features, though the systems were not always smooth. The lane-keeping assist was abrupt, but the car received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Available features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable, providing a safe driving experience.