2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek, 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 straightforward and driver-focused, featuring standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The 2 Series offered an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an upgrade to a 10.25-inch display available. Despite its high-end vibe, some interior elements revealed cost-cutting measures.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, combined sporty performance with passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats and a driver-focused cockpit, offering a perfect driving position. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, although the center rear seat was less practical. The 3 Series boasted a 17 cubic-foot trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The interior design was technical, with quality materials and a focus on driving enjoyment. The M340i's exterior included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series delivered impressive performance for a subcompact coupe. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i 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 shifts and quick responses. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, providing stability and refined handling.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, achieving 24.9 mpg during testing. The M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, offering thrilling performance with its eight-speed automatic transmission and M Sport differential. The M340i's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension. The car's handling was precise and responsive, making it a perfect tool for spirited driving. The M340i provided a connected driving experience, reacting intuitively to driver inputs and maintaining composure in various driving conditions.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while stylish, was compact, offering limited rear seat space suitable mainly for children or short trips. The front seats were relatively spacious, but the slanted roofline and design elements restricted rear headroom. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seat for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i provided a more spacious and comfortable interior. The power-adjustable front sport seats offered excellent support, and the driving position was ideal. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, although the center rear seat was less practical. The 3 Series featured a 17 cubic-foot trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The interior design focused on driving enjoyment, with quality materials and a technical aesthetic. The M340i's cabin was equipped with a three-zone automatic climate control system, and the Premium package added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 operating system. The infotainment system offered over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Connectivity features 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 BMW 3 Series featured Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including gesture control. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice recognition. The M340i offered a head-up display and advanced driver assistance features, including a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was equipped with Active Driving Assistant, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view. The 2 Series had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package offered lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.