2021 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its larger sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It was positioned as an affordable entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to specific packages, and new safety features. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with various packages and options, bringing its MSRP to $48,595. Despite challenges in achieving ideal proportions due to its front-drive platform, BMW employed visual tricks to enhance its appearance, while the interior adhered to modern BMW design with upscale materials and advanced technology.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its restrained design, lacking the design flourishes of the 3 Series or the imposing size of the 7 Series. The 2021 model received a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker look with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet not overly large, twin-kidney grille. Other updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, new taillights, and revised bumpers for the M Sport Package. The 5 Series was slightly longer than before, maintaining a good drag coefficient for efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the 5 Series retained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements contributing to its identity. While lower trim levels featured standard SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered Dakota and Nappa leather options. The test car, a 540i xDrive, featured Nappa leather and aluminum trim, enhancing its high-end feel. However, the sport steering wheel felt out of place in the otherwise luxurious interior.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under the "ultimate driving machine" moniker. While some critics were skeptical, the 228i Gran Coupe shared similarities with the revered Volkswagen GTI, featuring a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels, with optional AWD. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe offered a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and performance-enhancing technology. The car's M Sport Package provided excellent steering, enhancing the driving experience. Despite a firm suspension, the Gran Coupe felt glued to the road, and its fuel economy exceeded expectations, averaging 27.9 mpg.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i sedan's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It achieved zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 mph or 155 mph with performance tires. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive. The 540i xDrive test car offered precise handling and a smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true driver's car. Sportier options included the M550i xDrive with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and the legendary M5 with a more powerful V8. The 530e plug-in hybrid offered a combination of a 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor, providing 288 hp and an electric range, though EPA figures for 2021 were not available.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and agile individuals. The sport-bolstered front seats were comfortable, and storage was adequate. However, entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The Gran Coupe's rear seat and extra doors were not particularly convincing, as rear-seat access was difficult, and space was limited. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility, though the car lacked the sportback design of its larger sibling.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series was available as a four-door, five-seat sedan in the U.S. market. The sedan offered spacious front-seat accommodations, while the rear seats provided ample room for passengers. The 540i's trunk offered 14.0 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, providing supportive bolstering. However, forward visibility was limited due to the long hood, though a surround-view camera system aided parking.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a fully digital 10.25-inch display, paired with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using iDrive 7.0 technology. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services, with over-the-air updates. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with multiple control options and responsive software. The car featured a premium sound system with ten speakers, though Gesture Control was hit-and-miss. A full-color head-up display was also available.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The graphics on both screens were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be improved. A rotary knob served as the default controller for infotainment functions, providing tactile feedback. Voice control and gesture controls were also available, though gesture controls required learning specific gestures.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a new Driving Assistance Package, though the test car did not include it. The package added adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The test car featured the Active Driving Assistant, including 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 aggressive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly in crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist technology was sophisticated and smooth, with features like traffic-jam assist and adaptive cruise control providing a competent driving experience.