2021 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a notable departure from BMW's traditional design, being the first model sold in the U.S. with standard front-wheel drive. Despite its name, it was not a coupe but a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its larger sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was an entry-level BMW, appealing to those who desired the prestige of the brand without the higher price tag. It 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 safety features. The test model, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, was equipped with various premium features, bringing its MSRP to $48,595.

Visually, the 2 Series Gran Coupe faced challenges due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed design tricks to improve its proportions. Large LED headlights, grilles, and air intakes helped reduce the perception of excessive front overhang, while the cabin was pulled back to enhance the dashboard-to-axle ratio. The tapering roofline and busy rear end added to its sporty appearance, complemented by round exhaust outlets and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the car adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim and optional leather upholstery adding to the appeal. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe did not compromise on the look and feel of a premium BMW.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over into 2022 with minimal changes. Its exterior resembled a downsized Altima, featuring a low-slung, coupe-like, and modern design. This was a significant improvement over previous models, aligning with Nissan's current design language. The Sentra was available in various bold colors, though the test model was in a sedate gray. The interior was a highlight, with a modern and functional layout. The controls were user-friendly, and the center dash featured a trio of vents for an upscale look. The touchscreen infotainment system was the focal point of the front cabin design.

The Sentra was offered in S, SV, and SR trims, each with varying features. The base S trim included essentials like 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV trim added 16-inch alloy wheels, premium upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The SR trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and sport cloth seats. The Midnight Edition package for the SR added dark accents, including black 18-inch alloy wheels and a black rear spoiler. The test model also included optional ambient and under-car lighting, executed tastefully. Overall, the Sentra's design and features made it a competitive choice in the compact sedan segment.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under a brand known for its "ultimate driving machines." Despite some skepticism, 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 edge in varying road conditions. The car's zero-to-60 mph acceleration time was six seconds, delivering a satisfying driving experience. The turbocharged engine 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 to the driving enjoyment with M Sport steering, offering a swift and direct response. The suspension was firm but manageable, and the car felt well-connected to the road. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not outstanding, the engine and transmission combination provided satisfactory performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and cornering was sharp for a non-performance-oriented car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, though it struggled with harsher bumps. Overall, the Sentra was suitable for commuting, city driving, and occasional road trips, offering consistent performance across different environments.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two people, with sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats providing comfort. Storage was adequate, though entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seat and extra doors 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. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment of its larger sibling.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the rear bench created a ledge, complicating the loading of larger items. The trunk could be opened remotely via the key fob or a dashboard button. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating in both rows, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the center console provided ample storage for personal items.

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, paired with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using iDrive 7.0 technology. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system, with over-the-air updates. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with multiple control options and responsive software. The car also had a premium sound system and optional Gesture Control, though the latter was inconsistent. A full-color head-up display was available, though less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SV and SR trims offered an 8-inch screen. The system was easy to navigate, with hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. However, the graphics needed updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the Sentra's infotainment system was functional and user-friendly.

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. It 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 car highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The test model had additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise control was responsive, though braking could be abrupt. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, with a "Superior" rating for driver-assistance features, earning a "Top Safety Pick" award.