2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 BMW 2 Series

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 high-end vibe, though some cost-cutting plastics were noticeable.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger retained its modern and menacing design from the 2015 facelift, with a cabin that felt dated compared to contemporary standards. The interior had a small-truck feel with thick bezels and chunky controls, prioritizing ease of use over cutting-edge aesthetics. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat variants. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, featuring a supercharged V8 engine and a widebody setup for improved handling.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe delivered impressive performance for its subcompact size. 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 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.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Charger SRT Hellcat, Redeye, and Jailbreak variants took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, producing up to 807 horsepower in the Jailbreak model. The Hellcat and Redeye accelerated from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph. The Hellcat Widebody setup improved handling with wider tires and a broader track, making it a versatile performance machine.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, technically seating four, but the rear seats were best suited for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but rear headroom was limited due to the slanted roofline. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, though some areas showed cost-cutting measures.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered ample legroom in both rows, though headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The high center console and performance bucket seats created an intimate front-seat experience. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite its size, the Charger offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it a versatile option.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring the iDrive 7 operating system 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. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and added a head-up 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 system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The optional 8.4-inch screen provided larger icons for easier use. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with conventional controls, offering a straightforward user experience.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included Active Driving Assistant, featuring blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Standard safety features also included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder allowed for recording driving footage. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors as standard. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The backup camera displayed a grainy image on the Uconnect screen.