2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Lexus ES

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, with the Black Line Special Edition debuting in limited numbers. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition boasted features like triple-beam LED headlights, adaptive suspension, and a striking black and white interior. The design, characterized by a dramatic grille and sleek lines, was particularly appealing in the F Sport trim.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4 shared styling cues with the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. The i4 was more aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50. BMW incorporated design tweaks like a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The i4's interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality was up to BMW's standards, though leather upholstery was not standard.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered driving modes including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport+ and Custom available with adaptive suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. The F Sport trim provided a dynamic driving experience, though it was not a full sports sedan.

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model boasted 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The i4's battery placement lowered its center of gravity, enhancing handling despite its weight. The Dynamic Handling Package improved ride quality and steering precision, making the i4 a fun and engaging drive. The integrated braking system provided natural pedal feel, though the adaptive recuperation system was less intuitive.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring yet functional interior, with sport-bolstered front seats and ample rear-seat comfort. The ES provided good visibility and storage, though the trunk space was limited to 13.9 cubic feet. The hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature.

The 2022 BMW i4 had a low seating position, with limited headroom due to its fastback design. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the seats were flat and hard, and the cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet. The i4 lacked a front trunk, unlike some competitors.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a challenging touchpad interface but offered excellent voice command technology. The optional 12.3-inch display was visually appealing, and the car included a range of connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium Mark Levinson sound system was available.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OTA updates. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, including features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered standard driver-assist features and optional packages for enhanced safety. It included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time.