2022 Kia K5 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. 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 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 vehicle, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, M double-spoke alloy wheels, extra-cost paint, leather upholstery, and wireless smartphone charging, bringing the MSRP to $48,595. The car's design faced challenges due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed visual tricks like large LED headlights and grilles to improve its proportions. Inside, the 2 Series 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 was appealing. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when well-equipped, did not look or feel like a basic BMW.

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, all featuring turbocharged engines. The LXS and GT-Line offered optional all-wheel drive, while base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding the destination charge. The test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, the EX Premium option package, and floor mats, had an MSRP of $33,945, including destination. The K5's pricing was attractive, especially considering the higher average transaction prices for new vehicles in the U.S.

The K5's design was distinctive, with a low, long, and sleek appearance that suggested a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family sedan. The test car's Glacial White Pearl paint was paired with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior featuring matte-finish fake wood trim and polished metallic accents, creating an upscale feel. The K5 exuded quality, with controls that conveyed a sense of solidity. The automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks all demonstrated a refined sense of motion, contributing to the perception of the K5 as a bargain-priced but not bargain-sourced vehicle.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about whether a front-drive platform could credibly serve as the foundation for a self-proclaimed "ultimate driving machine." While some critics were skeptical, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, with its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered a performance comparable to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system provided an advantage in varying road conditions. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, delivering a satisfying driving experience. The turbocharged inline-four engine was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and performance-enhancing technology, including brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The M Sport Package added fantastic M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience across different environments. The suspension was firm but not overly harsh, and the car felt glued to the road, although the all-season run-flat tires squealed at the limit of adhesion. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg on the testing loop, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT offered maximum power and performance with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. However, the GT was the most expensive and least efficient K5 variant, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Despite modest figures, the engine delivered linear power with minimal low-end lag. The Drive Mode Select system allowed calibration of the powertrain, and the K5 EX featured Active Sound Control for added personality. During testing, the 1.6-liter turbo proved well-matched to the car, offering sufficient power for daily driving. The K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA's estimate. The suspension struggled with small road anomalies, but the K5 handled speed bumps well. The car's 0.27 coefficient of drag minimized wind noise at highway speeds, although road noise was noticeable. The K5's steering feel was so-so, and while it wasn't as fun as a Honda Accord, it was reasonably capable.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug but comfortable, and there was adequate storage for typical items. Entry and exit were not effortless due to the car's low-slung design. The Gran Coupe's rear doors and back seat were not particularly convincing, as accessing the rear required contorting oneself, and the hard plastic front seatbacks could be uncomfortable. The rear seat offered air vents and USB charging ports, but headroom and legroom were limited. The 2 Series Gran Coupe featured a traditional trunk with 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car would have benefited from a sportback design.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control across all trim levels. The test vehicle featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and front passenger's seat with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof provided natural light, and the power sunroof shade operated smoothly. While getting in and out of the low-slung K5 was challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was a convincing alternative to real leather. Rear passengers had ample room, although the hard plastic front seatback panels could be a liability if the front seats were reclined too much. The K5's controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a roomy bin under the center armrest, a dedicated smartphone charging slot, and integrated trays in the door panel armrests. The K5's 16 cubic-foot trunk offered ample cargo space, expandable by lowering the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, the trunk lid lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional round analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro, with a fully digital 10.25-inch display reminiscent of a video game. The Live Cockpit Pro display paired with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe featured a premium sound system with ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available for stereo volume and radio station changes. The test car also had a full-color head-up display, although it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The standard system for LX and LXS trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting with GT-Line trim, the K5 featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. This setup included satellite radio, Kia Connect subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, and Sounds of Nature ambient noise tracks. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The test car had a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, and the K5's infotainment graphics were predominantly purple. The voice recognition technology was lacking, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, but the test car did not have this upgrade. It did include the Active Driving Assistant, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning with intervention, and a speed limit information system. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance systems were effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in driver assistance systems, with features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, a rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a surround-view monitoring system, and power rear child locks. The K5's safety tech contributed to its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA.