2021 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2022 BMW 4 Series

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, with its massive flying buttresses behind each seat, presented a striking visual compared to the Corvette Coupe with its targa roof panel removed. The power retractable hardtop of the convertible dropped in 18 seconds and raised in 22 seconds, all without the driver needing to leave their seat. With the top down, the Corvette Convertible felt more open than it appeared, amplifying the engine's revs and exhaust sounds to a nirvanic degree. However, the convertible's design did come with some drawbacks, such as obstructed rear visibility and the inoperability of the rear camera mirror when the top was down. Despite these issues, the Corvette Convertible remained equally rewarding as the Coupe, offering a level of performance and exotic proportions that were flabbergasting for its price.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, particularly the Sunset Orange 430i test vehicle, featured a long hood, fast windshield, and sporty roofline tapering into a tidy tail. However, the unnaturally large, flared-nostril grille and chrome-tipped studs of the chain-link grille pattern were garish details that detracted from its overall appeal. The flush-fitting door handles were also a design misstep, proving difficult to use. Inside, the 430i Gran Coupe showcased BMW's modern approach to interior design with asymmetrical geometric shapes and quality materials. However, the lack of power-adjustable front seats and premium sound system in the test vehicle was surprising for its price point. Despite these shortcomings, the 4 Series Gran Coupe offered a practical hatchback design with a 16.6 cubic foot trunk, expandable to 45.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette, equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package and performance exhaust system, delivered 495 horsepower at 6,450 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 5,150 rpm. This power allowed the Corvette to pin drivers to their seats as the surroundings blurred past. Despite its low-slung, cab-forward design, the Corvette was nearly as easy to drive daily as a typical family sedan or SUV, though reversing with the top down required special care. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) provided a big dose of character, and multiple driving modes, including My Mode and Z Mode, allowed for custom configurations. The Z51 Package added performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, performance brakes, a performance rear-axle ratio, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential, among other features. The Corvette's mid-engine layout contributed significantly to its gratifying dynamic character, offering outstanding forward visibility and rotational handling talents in corners and curves.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 430i RWD test vehicle, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. The engine's maximum torque was available from 1,500 rpm to 4,400 rpm, with maximum horsepower kicking in from 5,000 rpm to 6,500 rpm. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, with paddle shifters and both Sport and Manual driving modes, provided excellent performance, though a manual gearbox was unavailable. The 430i Gran Coupe's Dynamic Handling Package, which included M Sport brakes, high-performance tires, an Adaptive M suspension, and an M Sport differential, helped the car perform flawlessly on challenging roads. The 430i's near-perfect weight distribution and precise steering made it tossable and easy to trust, though the M Sport brakes made it difficult to bring the car to a smooth stop in everyday traffic. The Gran Coupe's sport suspension provided a smoother ride, though it could feel dull to drive at the posted speed limit.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette's interior was full of character, with a digital instrumentation panel, useful infotainment technology, and a squarish steering wheel. The climate controls ran in a long strip atop the dividing wall's ridge, and the transmission buttons and other switchgear were largely exclusive to the Corvette. The test car's GT2 seats featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heating, and ventilation, while the steering wheel was also heated. Storage space was more generous than expected, with a total cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet, accommodating three roll-aboard suitcases. However, getting into and out of the car was somewhat of a challenge, especially in tight parking situations.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, while more practical than a two-door coupe or convertible, still wasn't roomy inside. The low stance, center roof pillars, and door structures made entry and exit difficult, especially for the cramped back seat. The lack of power-adjustable front seats in the test vehicle was surprising, though the real leather upholstery was a nice touch. The Gran Coupe's hatchback design provided a 16.6 cubic foot trunk, expandable to 45.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. However, practical storage space was limited if the cupholders were used for drinks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette included a configurable 12-inch digital instrumentation display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2LT trim added a head-up display (HUD) that changed depending on the driving mode. The infotainment system, part of Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, offered a volume knob, a home button, and the ability to pair two smartphones simultaneously. An upgraded version included navigation and an enhanced voice recognition system. The Corvette also featured a Performance Data Recorder, which recorded 1080p video with a performance data overlay and could be used as a dash-cam recorder. Despite the high-tech features, the Corvette's systems were intuitive and easy to use.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe featured the iDrive 7 infotainment system, part of the standard Live Cockpit Professional setup. This included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The iDrive 7 system offered physical controls on the center console, steering wheel functions, and an Intelligent Personal Assistant. The system also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a cloud-based navigation system. BMW provided a range of connected services, including BMW TeleServices, BMW ConnectedDrive services, and Connected Package Professional. The test vehicle's standard 10-speaker sound system was decent, though not up to par for its price point. Upgrades like a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and a head-up display were available only on the M440i model.

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette included Teen Driver technology, which monitored young drivers and provided a report card detailing their driving behavior. Chevrolet Connected Services, requiring an active subscription, offered automatic collision notification and emergency calling. Visibility enhancements, such as a front-facing camera, blind-spot monitoring system, and rear cross-traffic alert system, were available on the 2LT and 3LT trim levels. However, the Corvette did not offer modern advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offered BMW Assist eCall, SOS Emergency Request, and an enhanced automatic collision notification system. The car also had a driver monitoring system, post-collision braking, and front and rear parking sensors. The standard Active Driving Assistant included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, an active blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic alert. The M440i model offered additional safety features through the Driving Assistance Professional Package, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and emergency stop assistance. The M440i also had optional Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with LaserLight and automated Parking Assistant Plus.