2021 BMW 4 Series vs 2022 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2021 BMW 4 Series represents how, for better or worse, BMW has changed. The 4 Series name has been around since the 2014 model year when it was introduced for the former 3 Series coupe and convertible. Earlier two-door 3 Series models built BMW’s reputation, with excellent handling, smooth yet powerful engines, and understated styling.

The redesigned second-generation 4 Series departs dramatically from that template. It’s bigger and more luxurious, with garish styling and a greater reliance on technology for performance. The car’s rivals haven’t changed though. It still competes against the Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus RC, and Infiniti Q60 for buyers willing to sacrifice a bit of practicality to make a fashion statement.

As before, the 4 Series is available in coupe and convertible body styles—the latter with a soft-top instead of the previous retractable hardtop. Both body styles are offered in four-cylinder 430i and six-cylinder M440i configurations, with high-performance M4 variants on the way. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with xDrive all-wheel drive optional (and mandatory on the M440i coupe). Our test car was a 430i xDrive coupe.

Nearing its 70th anniversary, the Chevrolet Corvette is an automotive institution. While some past Corvette models rested on their laurels, the eighth-generation C8 Corvette is the real deal. The current Corvette Stingray is destined to be superseded by more extreme versions, but even it offers impressive performance and technology, and even manages to be a decent value.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray enters the new model year with only minor changes. Chevy launched an IMSA GTLM Championship Edition (limited to 1,000 units) commemorating the Corvette’s racing success, made some powertrain changes (which don’t affect output), and added three new exterior colors: Hypersonic Gray, Caffeine, and Amplify Orange Tintcoat.

The lineup remains unchanged from 2021, consisting of coupe and convertible body styles, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trim levels. A Z51 performance package is available on any trim level, which upgrades the suspension and adds an electronic limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes. Our test car was a 2LT coupe without the Z51 package.