2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front featured a bold grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, with tasteful badging and chrome accents enhancing its premium look. Inside, the TLX boasted a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The dash was well-organized, and the 10.2-inch infotainment screen was elegantly integrated, offering a seamless blend of style and functionality.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a refreshed exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. The 2 Series was available in various configurations, including the RWD 230i Coupe and AWD M240i xDrive Coupe, with the four-door Gran Coupe also in the lineup. The coupe variants featured an extended wheelbase, making them longer, wider, and lower than their predecessors. The signature kidney grille was wider, and the front air curtains had an upright triangular shape, contributing to a leaner, aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe had a more performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents. Inside, the 2 Series offered a straightforward, driver-focused interior with new perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The updated interior featured an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional upgrade to a 10.25-inch display.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX offered an engaging driving experience with its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Individual modes. The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX's chassis boasted 50% greater global torsional stiffness and up to 100% greater rigidity at the suspension mounts, resulting in a solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe packed impressive performance in its subcompact size. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved it in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick paddle shifter responses. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, providing balanced and refined handling.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices enhanced its form and function. The shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined gear selector mechanism, freeing up space in the center console. The transmission controls were conveniently located in the center stack, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The center console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and cupholders. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a wide opening for easy loading.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while small, offered a practical interior layout. The rear seats were best suited for children or short trips, with limited legroom and headroom due to the coupe's slanted roofline. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seat for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The lower console area had a layout similar to other new BMW models, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with technology, both for performance and comfort. It featured drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems, along with a 10-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting themes and an impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter and Turbo Boost Indicator on the instrument panel.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Connectivity features included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured Active Driving Assistant with blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included adaptive front LED headlights, a 360-degree surround view, and BMW Drive Recorder. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.