2022 Dodge Charger 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. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to specific packages, and new driving-assistance safety features. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with various packages and features, bringing the 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 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years, with a major facelift in 2015. While its Challenger coupe counterpart embraced retro muscle-car styling, the Charger adopted a more modern and menacing design. However, the cabin, despite its ease of use, appeared dated compared to contemporary automotive interiors. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models with supercharged V8 engines. The test car, a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering impressive power and performance. The Hellcat Widebody setup enhanced handling and cornering capabilities, making it a well-rounded performance machine. The Charger provided a blend of sports-car performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan, offering a unique combination of power and versatility.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, particularly the 228i xDrive model, posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could uphold BMW's reputation as the "ultimate driving machine." Despite some skepticism, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe delivered a commendable performance with its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The car's all-wheel-drive system, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, provided a dynamic driving experience. BMW quoted a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds for the 228i xDrive, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The M Sport Package enhanced the driving experience with precise steering and a firm suspension, making it enjoyable on various road conditions. The Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

In comparison, the 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower in the base SXT trim. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Charger SRT Hellcat, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, delivered an impressive 717 horsepower, with the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushing the power output even further. The Hellcat and Redeye achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds, showcasing supercar-level performance. The Hellcat Widebody setup, with its wider tires and track, improved handling and cornering capabilities, making it a versatile performance machine. The Charger offered a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engines and advanced performance features.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, while practical for transporting two people, faced challenges in terms of rear-seat space and accessibility. The sport-bolstered front seats provided comfort and support, but entry and exit were not effortless due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seats offered limited headroom and legroom, making it less suitable for taller passengers. The Gran Coupe featured a traditional trunk with 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space, along with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, it lacked the sportback design of its larger sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe, limiting its cargo-carrying capabilities.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large sedan size, offered a more spacious interior. The front seats provided an intimate experience with performance bucket seats, while both rows offered ample legroom. However, headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger's trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading larger items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered a unique combination of sports-car performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both power and utility.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with advanced technology, including the Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display and the optional Live Cockpit Pro with a fully digital 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen with BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive controls and voice recognition technology. The test car also featured a premium sound system and a head-up display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured the Uconnect infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8.4-inch version. The system was known for its ease of use, with a simple layout and large icons for major functions. Both screens offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration. While the Charger may not have been the most advanced in terms of technology, its user-friendly interface and conventional controls made it a practical choice for drivers.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a range of advanced driving-assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot warning. However, the test car did not include the optional Driving Assistance Package, which added adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The Gran Coupe received top ratings from the IIHS for crash protection, but its headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger lagged behind in terms of standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors as standard equipment. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. While the Charger offered some modern safety features as options, its standard safety equipment was limited compared to newer vehicles.