2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance. The standard LED headlights were more streamlined, and the twin-kidney grille was enlarged, though not excessively so. The M Sport Package introduced trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers, while the car's length increased by 1.2 inches, maintaining a drag coefficient of 0.27. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained, with details like the touchscreen positioning and shifter design reinforcing the brand's identity. The interior materials varied, with SensaTec upholstery standard and options for Dakota and Nappa leather. The aluminum trim added a high-end feel, though the sport steering wheel seemed out of place.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, in contrast, featured 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 was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor. The kidney grille was wider, and the front air curtains had an upright triangular shape, contributing to a leaner, aerodynamic look. The M240i xDrive Coupe had performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type finishes. Standard 18-inch wheels on the 230i and 19-inch wheels on the M240i xDrive added to the sporty appearance. Inside, the 2 Series featured a straightforward, driver-oriented design with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The updated interior included an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional creature comforts.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options. The base 530i sedan had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 532 hp, while the M5 offered 617 hp in Competition spec. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor for 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, capable of electric-only driving.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, despite its subcompact size, packed impressive performance. The 230i Coupe had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M240i xDrive featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts. 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 xDrive AWD system provided stability, though the steering feel was somewhat numb, offering more spec-sheet bragging rights than emotional engagement.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a four-door sedan in the U.S., offered spaciousness in line with its exterior proportions. Front-seat space was competitive, and while rear seats appeared less roomy on paper, they provided ample room for occupants. The 540i had 14.0 cubic feet of trunk space, more than rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench had a 40/20/20 split fold for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with lumbar support, heating, and ventilation, offering supportive bolstering. Forward visibility was poor, but a surround-view camera system aided maneuvering.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, a small coupe, technically seated four, but rear seats were best suited for children or short trips. The front seats were relatively spacious, but the slanted roofline and rear window design limited rear headroom. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seat to maximize capacity. Soft touch points and improved ergonomics, including updated multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, enhanced the interior experience. The lower console layout mirrored other new BMW models.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot were standard. The rotary knob controller provided tactile feedback, while voice control and gesture controls offered alternative interaction methods.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, iDrive 7, and connected services. A WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration were standard. The optional Live Cockpit Professional included a head-up display and upgraded displays. Remote features like the BMW Digital Key and My BMW App extended connectivity. A 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system was standard, with an optional Harman Kardon system available.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, and lane-keep assist.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included Active Driving Assistant with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view were available. The BMW Drive Recorder could capture driving footage before and after a collision. The 2 Series had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.