2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel economy at a premium. The ES lineup included various trims, such as Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury, with the ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition standing out with its unique styling and limited production. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek, artful details, with the F Sport trim adding sporty elements like 19-inch wheels and distinctive interior features. The interior of the ES was noted for its quality materials and striking black and white contrast, providing a luxurious feel.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series received a new exterior design, maintaining a balance between sportiness and elegance without adopting the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. The lineup included the RWD 230i Coupe and AWD M240i xDrive Coupe, with the four-door Gran Coupe variants also available. The 2 Series Coupe was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, featuring a wider kidney grille and aerodynamic enhancements. The M240i xDrive Coupe boasted performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents and standard M Shadowline package. The interior was driver-focused, with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The 2 Series offered a straightforward yet high-end vibe, though some cost-cutting materials were noted.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with the F Sport trim adding Sport+ and Custom modes. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. The F Sport trim provided a firmer ride and enhanced cornering capabilities, though it was not a full-fledged sports sedan. The ES 350 was praised for its unexpected competence and driving enjoyment, despite some noise and steering response issues.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe offered impressive performance with the 230i Coupe's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M240i xDrive Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe reached 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive did so in 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of up to 155 mph. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, with Sport Plus mode enhancing driving dynamics. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes, offering balanced handling and stability. However, the driving experience was noted to be somewhat disconnected, lacking emotional engagement.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring yet functional interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats providing excellent comfort and support. The rear seats were spacious, offering good legroom and comfort, with features like rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The ES had excellent outward visibility and ample storage, though the trunk space was limited to 13.9 cubic feet. The hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with limited rear seat space suitable for children or short trips. The front seats were relatively spacious, but the coupe's design limited rear headroom and trunk access. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with split-folding rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft-touch materials and improved ergonomics, with a layout similar to other BMW models.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, but it offered separate climate and stereo controls for convenience. The ES included a dynamic voice command system, an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, and a range of connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring the iDrive 7 operating system and cloud-based navigation. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and an optional head-up display. The Live Cockpit Professional package upgraded the displays and added remote features like the BMW Digital Key. The standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Lexus ES included the Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured the Active Driving Assistant suite, with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive LED headlights and a 360-degree surround view. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by safety organizations.