2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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 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 new adaptive damping suspension and 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 front-drive platform posed challenges for BMW in achieving the right proportions, but visual elements like large LED headlights and grilles helped mitigate the perception of excessive front overhang. 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 one.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, a rarity in the automotive world. The sedan variant, designated as the E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all E-Class models were available as E450s, powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. Enthusiasts could opt for the AMG-tuned E-Class, with the AMG E53 model offering a more powerful version of the E450's engine.

The test vehicle, an AMG E53 Cabriolet, featured $10,000 worth of matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim, with a base price of $85,400 and an as-tested MSRP nearing $110,000. The E53 Cabriolet was not for the frugal but for those who appreciated luxury. The AMG styling, larger wheels, convertible top, and matte-blue paint created a stunning appearance. Inside, the high-end spec offered bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, exuding luxury.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe raised questions about whether a front-drive platform could uphold the brand's "ultimate driving machine" reputation. Despite skepticism from some reviewers, the 228i Gran Coupe, with its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered a comparable performance to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, equipped with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and AWD, delivered a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The car featured performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation, cornering brake control, and three driving modes. The M Sport Package added M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but manageable, and the car felt glued to the road, though the run-flat tires squealed at the limit. The 228i xDrive averaged 27.9 mpg, slightly exceeding the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided robust throttle response across the rev range, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system delivered power to the pavement, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car's character. The E53 Cabriolet had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car offered a dual personality, serving as a quiet cruiser or a spirited performer, with the exhaust note enhancing the driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet was suitable for three-season, top-down driving, with features like heated wiper blades and AWD enabling winter use.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and agile individuals. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug yet comfortable, with adequate storage for essentials. Entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design. The Gran Coupe's rear doors and back seat were less convincing, with limited space and comfort for larger passengers. The 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. However, the car lacked the sportback design of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, accommodating adults in both front and rear seats. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rapid-heating front seats. The Airscarf neck-warming system and sun-reflective leather enhanced comfort in varying weather conditions. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top up, reduced by half with the top down.

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 reminiscent of a video game. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, and connected services. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The premium sound system had ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available but inconsistent. The head-up display was helpful, though less so with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was complex yet intuitive, with swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel requiring acclimation. MBUX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. The digital assistant could be accidentally activated, and wind noise affected its performance in the convertible. The system's broad menu structure required familiarity for efficient use.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, though the test car lacked this upgrade. The Active Driving Assistant included 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 abrupt. The IIHS rated the 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for collisions and protecting hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and other advanced features. The package impressed with its functionality, particularly the adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist.