2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to a more traditional design approach, reminiscent of the classic E30 3 Series, aiming to resemble a smaller version of the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans. However, the G20 3 Series did not achieve the iconic status of its predecessor, with its large, oddly-shaped grille appearing more suited to the larger 5 Series. The design lacked distinctive features beyond the grille and headlights, which referenced older models. The test car featured M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, part of the optional M Sport trim package, while the standard Sport Line trim included 18-inch wheels. Inside, the design was pleasant but marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and faux Ash wood. Leather upholstery was optional, with synthetic Sensatec as standard, and the optional M heated steering wheel seemed out of place in the otherwise conservative interior.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced the previous year, marked BMW's first U.S. car with standard front-wheel drive, despite its misleading "coupe" name. It was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its larger 4 Series Gran Coupe sibling. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was an affordable entry-level BMW, appealing to those desiring the brand's signature grille and badge. Available in 228i and M235i models, with optional xDrive AWD for the 228i and standard for the M235i, the 2021 model added standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission for specific packages, and new safety features. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe with various packages, had an MSRP of $48,595. Despite challenges with proportions due to its front-drive platform, visual tricks like large LED headlights and grilles helped. The interior followed BMW's modern design, with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. Materials were upscale, with metallic trim and optional leather, making it feel more premium than its entry-level status suggested.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base 330i, which featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a less powerful version of that engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, including an XtraBoost overboost function. The M340i boasted a turbo inline-six engine, generating 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All three powertrains were available with either rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M340i could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. Despite the added weight of the battery pack, the RWD 330e matched the 330i's zero to 60 mph time, although the transition from electric to gasoline power was clunky. The 3 Series maintained a solid chassis, offering a comfortable highway ride and excellent handling, but lacked the engaging driving experience of past models.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, particularly the 228i xDrive model, featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering its front wheels, with AWD as an option. The car accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, providing a lively driving experience. The turbocharged inline-four engine was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, AWD, and performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The M Sport Package equipped the car with M Sport steering, offering swift, sharp, and direct handling. The suspension was firm but manageable, 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 during testing, surpassing the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series excelled in interior space for a small luxury sedan, offering the best rear headroom in its segment and above-average front headroom, though still behind the Infiniti Q50. Legroom was average, potentially causing discomfort for rear-seat passengers with tall individuals in front. The 3 Series lacked the shoulder room of the Acura TLX, which felt more spacious. Gasoline models boasted 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e plug-in hybrid's battery reduced it to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's long-and-narrow shape required an awkward reach, though a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The cockpit was driver-focused, with a well-positioned touchscreen and good outward visibility.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber individuals. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug yet comfortable, with adequate storage. Entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design. The rear seat, accessed through two extra doors, was cramped, with limited headroom and legroom. The hard plastic front seatbacks could be uncomfortable. The Gran Coupe's trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor, and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility. However, it lacked the sportback design of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with the standard iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only offered CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a head-up display. The infotainment system, with high-quality graphics and responsiveness, felt premium. It offered multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls, providing flexibility in operation.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with 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, with over-the-air updates. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options, including voice recognition. The test car had a premium sound system with ten speakers and an optional head-up display, though gesture control was inconsistent.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in crash tests, though headlight scores were mixed. The optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention than the base system. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering, with additional features like Extended Traffic Jam Assistant and Active Side Collision Avoidance.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a new Driving Assistance Package, adding adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The test car included the Active Driving Assistant, with 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 2 Series Gran Coupe highly in crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick due to poor or marginal headlight ratings and less-than-perfect vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.