2022 Lexus ES 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 affordable entry-level option for those aspiring to own a BMW, featuring 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. 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 options, 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, including large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, the 2 Series Gran Coupe adhered to modern BMW design with upscale materials, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation.

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, had evolved over seven generations. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES remained a popular choice among an aging demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The latest generation, launched in 2018, utilized the Global Architecture-K platform, supporting a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. The ES featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus spindle grille. Standard 17-inch wheels could be upgraded to 18 or 19 inches, with the latter appearing somewhat exaggerated. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled interior with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model. The dashboard, though asymmetrical, provided a cockpit feel for the driver. A small analog chronometer added a touch of heritage but contributed to a cluttered appearance.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed the question of whether a front-drive platform could uphold the brand's "ultimate driving machine" reputation. 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 all-wheel drive. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe offered a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of six seconds, delivering a spirited driving experience. The turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and performance-enhancing technology, including brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The M Sport Package enhanced the driving experience with sharp and direct M Sport steering, suitable for various driving environments. The suspension tuning was firm but manageable, and the car averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, achieving 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, achieving 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The test car, an ES 250 AWD, exhibited a strained engine note under throttle but handled well and drove smoothly. The ES 350's V6 offered more engaging performance, while the ES 300h excelled in fuel economy. The ES 250's standard all-wheel drive did not significantly impact driving dynamics.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and agile individuals. The sport-bolstered front seats were snug yet comfortable, and storage was adequate for typical items. Entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seat, accessed through small doors, offered limited space, with headroom and legroom constraints. The trunk provided 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment beneath the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment of its larger sibling.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, unaffected by the hybrid battery in the ES 300h. A pass-through behind the center armrest allowed for long, slim cargo, and the second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat for additional storage. The ES sedan boasted a lower center of gravity and better handling than its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. It also offered superior fuel economy and a tighter turning circle. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, including bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between 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. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car featured a premium sound system with ten speakers and an optional Gesture Control feature. A full-color head-up display was also available.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES used a touchpad interface for infotainment control, which was challenging on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, providing critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also offered a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist and Lexus Enform connected services.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The test car included the Active Driving Assistant suite, featuring 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 car highly for crash protection but noted issues with headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign assist, Enhanced Lane-Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. The ES also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency services for three years.