2022 BMW 3 Series 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. Positioned as an entry-level BMW, it was an attractive option for 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 xDrive all-wheel-drive 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 a new adaptive damping suspension and driving-assistance safety features.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each model featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology offering 23 miles of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, enhancing power and performance. The high-performance M3 topped the lineup. The M340i test vehicle featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and various optional packages, bringing the price to $67,390. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, with optional 19-inch wheels and high-performance tires enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could uphold BMW's "ultimate driving machine" reputation. Despite skepticism from some enthusiasts, the 228i Gran Coupe, with its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and optional xDrive all-wheel drive, offered a performance comparable to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The 2 Series Gran Coupe delivered a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds, powered by an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and equipped with performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The M Sport Package added M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience with swift, sharp, and direct handling. The suspension was firm but manageable, and the car averaged 27.9 mpg on the testing loop, surpassing the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, offering impressive speed and performance. The car's M Sport suspension and optional Adaptive M Suspension contributed to its exceptional handling and driving dynamics. The M340i's drivetrain, combined with its precise steering and powerful brakes, made it a thrilling car to drive, especially on winding roads. Despite its performance capabilities, the M340i returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA's rating but commendable given the driving conditions.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and agile individuals, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats providing comfort and adequate storage. However, entry and exit were challenging due to its low-slung design. The Gran Coupe's rear seat and extra doors were less convincing, with limited space and comfort for rear passengers. The traditional trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, though the car lacked the full sportback treatment.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i, with its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The power-adjustable front sport seats provided ample support, and the driving position was ideal. Rear seat passengers had sufficient legroom, though the center rear seating position was less practical. The M340i featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with optional heated seats and steering wheel. Interior storage was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk provided ample cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Despite its practicality, a sports wagon variant would have been a welcome addition.

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, paired with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using iDrive 7.0 technology. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system, 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, and Gesture Control was available but inconsistent.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the digital display lacked the integration of maps and imagery seen in competitors, the iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive and easy to use. The M340i included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology offered BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice recognition. The Premium package added a head-up display, though it was challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package included advanced safety features and parking assistance.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and parking assistance, though the test car lacked this upgrade. It included Active Driving Assistant features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot warning. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i included Active Guard with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package offered lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The M340i earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with optional adaptive LED headlights and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA.