2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to a more traditional design approach, reminiscent of its classic predecessors, with a familial look across its sedan lineup. However, the G20 3 Series didn't quite capture the iconic status of the E30, as its large, oddly-shaped grille seemed more fitting for larger models like the 5 Series. The design lacked distinctive features beyond the grille and headlights, which aimed to evoke the "halo" lights of older models. While the M Sport trim package added flair with M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, the standard Sport Line trim offered 18-inch wheels with a different design. Inside, the 3 Series had a pleasant design but was marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and faux wood detracting from the luxury feel. 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 2022 BMW 2 Series, on the other hand, introduced a new exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. Offered as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, the 2 Series Coupe variants featured an extended wheelbase and larger dimensions compared to their predecessors. The design included a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains, giving the 2 Series a leaner, aerodynamic appearance. The M240i xDrive Coupe boasted performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. Standard 18-inch wheels on the 230i Coupe and 19-inch M light alloys on the M240i xDrive added to the sporty look. Inside, the 2 Series offered a straightforward, driver-oriented interior with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The updated interior featured an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 10.25-inch display, and a range of optional creature comforts.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base 330i, which was powered by 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 for a total output of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, featuring an XtraBoost overboost function. The M340i, with its turbo inline-six, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All models were available with 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 330e's focus on efficiency, it matched the 330i's acceleration time, though the transition from electric to gasoline power was clunky. The 3 Series offered a solid chassis with a comfortable ride and excellent handling, but it lacked the engaging driving experience of past models.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe packed impressive performance into its subcompact size. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six produced 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. The 230i Coupe could sprint to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, with the M240i xDrive achieving the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quick paddle shifter response. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, while the 230i could be optioned with similar features. The 2 Series offered balanced handling and dynamics, though the driving experience felt disconnected, with numb steering feel and a lack of engagement.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered better interior space than most small luxury sedans, with the best rear headroom in the segment and above-average front headroom. However, legroom was average, and rear-seat passengers might feel cramped. The 3 Series had 17 cubic feet of cargo space in gasoline models, but the 330e's battery pack 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 well-designed, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access and good outward visibility.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, being a coupe, was small and technically seated four, but the rear seats were best suited for children or those you don't like. The front seats were relatively spacious, but the slanted roofline and rear window design limited rear headroom. The trunk lid was shorter, posing challenges for loading bulky items, though the 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats helped maximize cargo capacity. With the second row up, the 2 Series offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to competitors. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with updated multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and a layout similar to other new BMW models.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only had CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. BMW offered multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls, though some features felt gimmicky.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, with BMW Live Cockpit Plus offering over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and connected services. It included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests but mixed headlight scores. The optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention than the base system. The 3 Series required additional packages for features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering, though it included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Standard features also included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder could record driving footage using onboard cameras. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.