2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, with its aggressive headlights and prominent grille, which had evolved since its 2011 iteration. The 2015 facelift introduced a sleeker front design with a thin inlet and a more pronounced lower grille, enhancing its menacing appearance. Inside, the Charger combined retro elements with modern technology, featuring large bezels housing digital displays and a cockpit-like feel due to its raised transmission tunnel. The trim levels ranged from the base SXT to the high-performance Hellcat, each offering unique features and visual enhancements, such as larger wheels and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a new addition to the lineup, marking BMW's first foray into front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a traditional trunk, offering an entry-level luxury experience. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with optional xDrive AWD. The design featured visual tricks to balance its proportions, such as large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, it adhered to BMW's modern design language, with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and upscale materials, providing a sophisticated feel despite its entry-level status.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower in the SXT and 300 horsepower in the GT. Both models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission with optional AWD. The R/T trim boasted a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, along with an upgraded suspension and active exhaust. The R/T Scat Pack took performance further with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, complemented by Brembo brakes and launch assist. The pinnacle of the lineup, the Hellcat, featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 horsepower, offering exhilarating acceleration and precise handling thanks to its adaptive suspension and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, particularly the 228i xDrive, was equipped with a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed sport automatic transmission and AWD. It offered a spirited driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of six seconds. The car featured performance-enhancing technologies like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control, along with three driving modes. The M Sport Package added sharp steering and a firm suspension, enhancing the driving dynamics. While not as raw as the Charger, the 2 Series Gran Coupe provided a refined and enjoyable ride, with a focus on agility and sophistication.

The 2020 Dodge Charger excelled in interior space, offering ample legroom for rear passengers, a rarity among performance sedans. The front seats were well-bolstered, providing comfort and support, while the cabin featured practical storage solutions. The Charger's trunk was notably spacious, with 16.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, surpassing many competitors and even some family sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench further enhanced its practicality.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, while practical for two passengers, faced challenges in rear-seat accessibility and comfort. The sport-bolstered front seats were snug yet comfortable, but the rear seats were cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the traditional trunk design limited its cargo versatility compared to a sportback.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an 8.4-inch screen on higher trims. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's intuitive layout allowed easy navigation between functions, with docked icons always accessible, even when using smartphone integration. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information and navigation directions.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges, while the Premium Package upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital display. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The system was responsive and easy to use, with multiple control options, including voice recognition. The car also featured a premium sound system and optional Gesture Control, though its effectiveness varied.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered standard safety features like airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger's crash prevention technology earned a Superior rating from the IIHS, though many features were optional rather than standard.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The lane-keeping system was effective but could be intrusive. The IIHS rated the car highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.