2021 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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 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 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year's complete makeover, continuing to defy the notion that sedans were becoming obsolete. The S-Class, rooted in a rich history dating back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, represented the seventh generation of the series, known as the W223. As Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, the S-Class exuded elegance with its sleek exterior and long dashboard-to-axle ratio. The interior featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, all crafted with high-quality materials. The S-Class was a testament to luxury and sophistication, offering a serene and comfortable cabin for both drivers and passengers.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under the "ultimate driving machine" moniker. Despite some skepticism, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, with its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered a comparable performance to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system provided an edge in various road conditions. The 228i xDrive accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds, delivering a lively driving experience with its turbocharged inline-four engine, eight-speed sport automatic transmission, and performance-enhancing technology. The M Sport Package added fantastic steering, enhancing the driving experience across different environments. The Gran Coupe's suspension was firm but manageable, and it achieved an average of 27.9 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, offered a seamless blend of power and efficiency. The EQ Boost system provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, complementing the engine's 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S500 and S580 models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, both models were quick off the line, with the S500 reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class delivered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel economy ratings of up to 24 mpg combined for the S500 and 19 mpg combined for the S580. The 22.2-gallon fuel tank allowed for extended journeys without frequent stops.

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 provided comfort, and there was adequate storage for everyday items. However, entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seats, accessible through two extra doors, were cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The traditional trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added some utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment seen in other BMW models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided lushly carpeted storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The driver and front passenger benefited from heated and ventilated active multicontour seats with massage and memory functions. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating, while the Executive Line catered to the chauffeured set with upgraded rear seats and entertainment systems. The S-Class's soft-close doors ensured a quiet and refined experience.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro, offering a fully digital 10.25-inch display reminiscent of a video game. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by iDrive 7.0 technology, included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The premium sound system with ten speakers provided satisfactory audio quality, and the optional Gesture Control feature was hit-and-miss in accuracy. The full-color head-up display was helpful, though less so with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted cutting-edge technology, with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, while the 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest, enhancing driver assistance features. The standard augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display provided clear and futuristic guidance. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system adding headrest speakers for an immersive experience. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering further enhanced the S-Class's performance and maneuverability.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a new Driving Assistance Package, though the test car did not include it. The package added adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The test car featured the Active Driving Assistant, which 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-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance systems were effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe highly in crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with an array of standard and available safety features, including Magic Vision Control, which optimized windshield spray. Driver assistance features included active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and active parking assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the S-Class for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared warning messages about road conditions. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags for added safety.