2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

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 cabin exuded a high-end vibe with mixed material finishes, although some cost-cutting plastics were noticeable.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out in Southern California with its unique light gray metallic Rift color and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The CT5-V variant, positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance Blackwing, offered a sporty yet refined look. The interior combined high-quality materials with some less impressive details, such as hard plastic panels. Despite this, the CT5-V provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, with standard ambient lighting and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The overall design was functional, with logical control layouts and approachable technology.

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 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and 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 eight-speed Sport automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the M240i xDrive came with performance enhancements like an adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, with a resonant exhaust note that added to the driving experience. The 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electronic limited-slip differential, offered a range of driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track. The CT5-V's Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes contributed to its outstanding balance and grip. However, the steering lacked feel, and the car's overall refinement was less than expected.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while stylish, was compact, with limited rear seat space suitable mainly for children or short trips. The front seats offered relative comfort, but the slanted roofline and shorter trunk lid posed challenges for headroom and cargo loading. The trunk provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added flexibility. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 offered a more spacious and comfortable interior compared to its platform siblings, the CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro. The CT5-V's front seats were 18-way power-adjustable, with optional genuine leather and heated/ventilated features. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent knee clearance and foot room, though the door frame design made entry and exit less graceful. The trunk, at 11.9 cubic feet, was small and narrow, but hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well on the side provided additional space. The CT5-V also featured functional storage areas and smartphone-friendly locations in the front.

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 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 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 2023 Cadillac CT5 excelled in user-friendly technology, with a Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The CT5-V included wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. Cadillac's approach to stereo volume and radio tuning controls was intuitive, with options for an embedded navigation system, head-up display, and high-definition surround-view camera. The Performance Data Recorder added a performance data overlay to exportable footage.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured Active Driving Assistant, including active blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Standard safety features 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 could capture driving footage before and after a collision. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard Cadillac Smart System, offering forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic rear braking. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like lane-centering and lane-change systems. Super Cruise required driver attention and could be overridden manually. The system demonstrated impressive capabilities but had occasional issues with lane changes and carpool lane navigation.