2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that diverged from the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek and aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, in particular, showcased a performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package. The interior was driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The 2 Series Coupe offered a straightforward yet premium cabin with an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, which could be upgraded to a 10.25-inch display. Despite its high-end vibe, some areas revealed cost-cutting measures, such as the use of plastics in certain components.

The 2022 Acura TLX boasted a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, creating a bold and substantial appearance. The Type S variant added exclusive elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet impressively detailed cabin, with a narrow center console and contrasting shapes and colors. The Type S models featured faux-suede inserts and red stitching, while the A-Spec models offered daring color combinations. The TLX's interior exuded a sense of well-spent money, with soft surfaces and a Scandinavian-inspired ambiance in upper trims.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance for a subcompact coupe. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models had a top speed of either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth and quick shifts. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, providing stability and refined handling. However, the steering feel was criticized for being numb, leading to a disconnected driving experience.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a smooth and powerful performance, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the TLX delivered quick and precise shifts. The Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available for an additional cost, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque at the rear wheels. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, providing a thrilling track experience. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to balanced and predictable handling. While the exhaust note was considered subdued, the TLX's overall performance was praised for its fun and engaging driving dynamics.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, despite its larger dimensions, remained a compact vehicle with limited rear seat space. The rear seats were best suited for children or short trips, as legroom was tight. The slanted roofline and shorter trunk lid further constrained rear headroom and cargo capacity. However, the 2 Series offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with the option to expand it using the 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2022 Acura TLX, while appearing large on the outside, had a snug interior for four passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it differed from traditional touchscreens. Trunk space was moderate at 13.5 cubic feet, and the double-wishbone suspension contributed to the limited cargo capacity. Despite these constraints, the TLX's interior was well-designed, with straightforward climate control and a unique gear selector.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Connectivity options included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and a 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The head-up display, available with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions from the steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation, and standard features included LED headlights, a garage door opener, and a full suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was equipped with Active Driving Assistant, which included features like active blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety options included adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder could capture driving footage before and after a collision. However, the 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were available with the Technology Package and higher trims.