2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2023 BMW 7 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 more subdued appearance, avoiding the bold, beaver-like grille. The 2 Series was available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the 230i Coupe and M240i xDrive Coupe as the primary two-door trims. The four-door Gran Coupe continued with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, but the convertible variant was discontinued. The 2 Series Coupe variants featured an extended wheelbase, making them longer, wider, and lower than their predecessors. The design included a wider kidney grille, triangular air curtains, and flared fenders, contributing to a lean, aerodynamic look. The M240i xDrive Coupe had a more performance-oriented style with shadowy M-type accents and the M Shadowline package.

Inside, the 2 Series Coupe offered a straightforward, driver-focused interior with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen was standard, with an upgrade to a 10.25-inch display available. The interior featured sport seats, optional lumbar support, and a larger moonroof. The M240i xDrive Coupe included standard keyless entry, mood lighting, and a moonroof. The interior exuded a high-end vibe with mixed material finishes, though some areas showed cost-cutting with plastic elements. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2 Series remained an entry-level luxury vehicle with a focus on performance and style.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a new design language for BMW's luxury lineup, featuring a distinctive front-end styling with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The design included thin LED accent lights and recessed headlights, contributing to improved aerodynamics. The 7 Series offered two style themes: the standard M Sport with chrome accents and the M Sport Professional with a more aggressive blacked-out look. The profile retained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured horizontal taillights and a cohesive design. The interior was modern and minimal, with a horizontal layout and a crystal-like accent strip that illuminated with ambient lighting. The materials were of high quality, with open-pore wood trim options to reduce glare.

The 7 Series interior featured leather seat upholstery with a faceted design motif, and the available light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery added a cozy feel. The rear seats offered a premium luxury experience, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, which included a reclining passenger-side seat and a theater screen. The 7 Series combined luxury and technology, providing a comfortable and sophisticated driving experience.

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, while the M240i xDrive featured 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 shifts and quick responses with paddle shifters. The M240i xDrive included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, while the 230i Coupe could be equipped with an M Sport Package for similar enhancements.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains: the base 740i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the 760i xDrive with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The 740i accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the 760i xDrive achieved it in 4.1 seconds. The 7 Series provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with the V8-powered 760i xDrive offering quick and fluid acceleration. The handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a slightly stiffer ride quality. The air suspension in Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for drivers who valued both performance and comfort.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, technically seating four, but the rear seats were best suited for children or those of smaller stature. The front seats offered relative spaciousness, but the slanted roofline and rear window design limited rear headroom. 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, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The lower console area had a layout similar to other new BMW models, enhancing usability.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered power-operated doors, though they could be cumbersome to use. The front seats were generously padded with numerous power adjustments, standard heating, and ventilation. The rear seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers comfortably, with the lounge seating option adding a reclining passenger-side seat with massage functions. The rear entertainment screen, while impressive, required head-turning for viewing, potentially causing neck strain. The trunk provided 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, larger than some competitors, with a wide and deep design for easy loading. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and small door pockets for personal items.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, with the iDrive 7 operating system offering over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Connectivity 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 for enhanced audio.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came with iDrive 8, featuring a touchscreen, central dial, and voice command operation. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation could be complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, allowing for commands like "Hey BMW, turn on the driver seat massage." The standard audio system was an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System. The optional theater screen had touchscreen inputs, though not consistently across apps. The iDrive system, while feature-rich, was less intuitive than previous versions, with a complex array of settings and menus.

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

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the highway driving assistant automated braking, acceleration, and steering up to 85 mph. BMW planned to introduce a level 3 automated driving system in some markets, though it required additional sensors and equipment.