2020 Lexus ES vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 Lexus ES underwent a transformation from its earlier "boring" label, adopting a more aggressive design with a larger spindle grille that integrated well with its expanded proportions. The rear of the vehicle maintained a more subdued aesthetic, featuring thin taillamps and a distinctive kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen that blended seamlessly into the dashboard. The interior was considered one of the best in its class, second only to Mercedes-Benz. The ES was available in several trims, including the 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, each offering a range of standard and optional features.

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 a more affordable entry into the BMW brand. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive as an option. The car's design included visual tricks to balance its proportions, such as large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, the 2 Series adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The interior materials were upscale, and the optional leather added to the car's premium feel.

The 2020 Lexus ES was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. While not a performance powerhouse, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and the steering was precise, though light. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for enhanced driving dynamics, including a Sport+ mode for a more engaging experience.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. BMW quoted a 0-60 mph time of six seconds flat. The car offered a lively driving experience, especially in Sport mode, with paddle shifters and a more engaging exhaust note. The M Sport Package enhanced the driving dynamics with M Sport steering, providing a sharp and direct feel. The suspension was firm but not uncomfortable, and the car felt well-planted on the road, though the all-season run-flat tires could be noisy at the limit.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear-seat headroom was improved with the 2019 redesign, accommodating taller occupants. The front doors featured deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was average for the segment, but the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for two passengers, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats that were snug yet comfortable. However, rear-seat access and space were limited, with tight headroom and legroom. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added some utility, but the car lacked the cargo versatility of a sportback design.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the system was intuitive with practice, aided by hard buttons for quick navigation. The infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10-speaker premium audio system or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. A head-up display was also available, offering crisp graphics and customization.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges, or Live Cockpit Pro with a fully digital 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, with multiple control options and responsive software. The car also offered a premium sound system and an optional head-up display, though it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. The system also included pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional safety features included airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered the Active Driving Assistant package, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and a speed limit information system. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be overly aggressive. The car received top crash protection ratings from the IIHS, but its headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.