2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 BMW 2 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 five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It served as an entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. For 2021, BMW added standard equipment, restricted the sport automatic transmission to specific packages, and introduced new suspension and safety features. The test model, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with various packages and options, bringing the MSRP to $48,595.

The design of the 2 Series Gran Coupe faced challenges due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed visual tricks like large LED headlights and grilles to improve its proportions. The cabin was pulled back to enhance the dashboard-to-axle ratio, and the tapering roofline extended the car's appearance, culminating in a busy rear end. Inside, the Gran Coupe adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather upholstery was appealing. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when equipped with premium features, did not look or feel like a basic BMW.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. The Altima's design featured a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a sloping "coupe-like" roofline and taut body lines. While its stance appeared slightly ungainly due to the overhangs, modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept its look contemporary. The Altima boasted exceptional fit and finish, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. It offered nine exterior colors, some with premium pricing. Inside, the Altima's dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. The base model felt basic, but higher trims improved interior materials, adding stitching and enhancing the overall feel.

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 and optional AWD. The 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a sophisticated driving experience, with a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, and performance-enhancing technology. The M Sport Package added fantastic steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel, and the car averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA's estimate.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a Jekyll-and-Hyde experience with its powertrains. Most models featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower, paired with a CVT and available AWD. The VC-Turbo engine, exclusive to the SR VC-Turbo trim, delivered 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering a livelier performance. The Altima's suspension was sport-tuned, and its electric-powered steering provided decent feedback. The VC-Turbo model was more engaging to drive, with a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people. The front seats were snug but comfortable, with adequate storage. However, entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seats were cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The Gran Coupe featured a traditional trunk with 15.2 cubic feet of space and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's praised Zero Gravity front seats, providing comfort on long drives. The front cabin offered ample storage, including a big glovebox, center console storage, and door pockets. The second row was roomy for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding seat for trunk access. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The premium sound system had ten speakers, and a head-up display was available.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen, while others had an 8-inch display. Higher trims offered a Bose audio system, Active Noise Cancellation, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. NissanConnect Services provided additional features like WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The IIHS rated it highly for crash protection but noted issues with headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.