2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that deviated 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 an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional comfort features. Despite its high-end vibe, some cost-cutting materials were noticeable.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year, embodying sleek elegance with a long, low profile. The S-Class's exterior was marked by a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament. Inside, the dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted to create a luxurious environment. The S-Class continued to be Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, offering a serene and comfortable experience for both drivers and passengers.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, despite its subcompact size, delivered impressive performance. The 230i Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M240i xDrive featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, offering 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 shifts and quick responses. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, providing stability and agility. However, the driving experience was noted to be somewhat disconnected, with a lack of engagement for the driver.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a refined and powerful performance. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. Despite their weight, both models provided flat and predictable handling, with powerful and immediate braking. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, suitable for both commuting and weekend pleasure driving.

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 the slanted roofline and design limited rear headroom. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with the option to expand 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 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a spacious and luxurious cabin. It featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk. The cabin included six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings. The Executive Line package added rear-seat enhancements, including entertainment systems and comfort features. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming. Mercedes-Benz provided a four-year/50,000-mile warranty for the S500.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display. The infotainment system featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus, offering 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 system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted advanced technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen provided superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel offered customizable visual themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The S-Class featured augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality head-up display. The audio experience was enhanced by a standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system, with an optional 4D Surround system. The S-Class also included EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came 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 BMW Drive Recorder allowed recording of driving footage. The 2 Series had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems, car-to-x communication, and available rear-passenger airbags. The safety systems prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions and provided advanced driver assistance.