2023 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2022 BMW 4 Series

The 2022 BMW 4 Series offered a blend of elegance and sportiness, available in multiple styles and trim levels. The base 430i could be opted with Sport or M Sport styling, while the M440i included the more aggressive M Performance design enhanced with a blacked-out Shadowline trim. BMW launched this car with RWD for the 430i and AWD for the M440i xDrive, with plans for extending these options later.

Our Sunset Orange 430i test vehicle positively shouted luxury and sport, boasting extras like leather seats, a Premium Package, and an M Sport Package, pushing its total price to $57,295. Despite being more aerodynamic and larger than its predecessor, the new 4 Series grabbed attention largely due to its controversial grille design. The enormous, flared-nostril grille received mixed opinions, especially when paired with a rectangular North American license plate, which exaggerated the visual impact negatively.

The flush-fitting door handles, another design choice, proved impractical. They hindered easy access, reflecting BMW's modern but occasionally flawed approach to practicality. Inside, despite achieving a pleasing asymmetry and high-quality feel, the car had missteps like hard-to-read climate control buttons and omitted luxury amenities like power-adjustable front seats or adaptive cruise control in the base 430i. The interior quality was hampered by these decisions, with some luxurious options reserved only for the M440i.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette caused a sensation with its latest generation introduced in 2020. This model, available as both Coupe and Convertible, leaned heavily into a sportier aesthetic. For example, the Coupe boasted a Targa-top removable roof, maintaining visibility of its V8 engine through a glass panel—an iconic feature lost in the Convertible model.

Large side vents gave the Corvette an aggressive, exotic appearance, while driver-focused design enhanced the interior. The center console deeply favored the driver, and a single line of controls along this console created a layout potentially confusing at first glance but functionally efficient in use.

Standard features varied significantly across the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT trims. The base 1LT included sizeable 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced tech like an 8-inch touchscreen, fully digital instrument panel, and a Bose stereo system. Higher trims like our tested 3LT added even more luxury with GT2 bucket seats, additional leather details, and a special 70th Anniversary Package, exemplifying luxury while balancing performance.

Performance was a significant element for both models, albeit with differing approaches and figures.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series, specifically the 430i RWD model we tested, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine generating 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. The engine offered a reasonably spirited performance with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds and maintained power across a broad range of RPMs, crucial for both daily driving and spirited runs. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission complemented this setup, featuring paddle shifters and various drive modes, including Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Manual.

Driving dynamics felt agile and precisely balanced; our tests, particularly on challenging roads like Deer Creek Canyon Road, verified these attributes. The vehicle's 3,792-pound weight was almost perfectly split, enhancing its overall stability. Nonetheless, the real thrill was reserved for the models equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package, which improved braking, suspension, and overall power delivery.

Conversely, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette exemplified raw power with its naturally aspirated mid-mounted V8 engine. The 6.2-liter engine in our test model delivered a robust 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, rising to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft when equipped with the optional Performance Exhaust. The engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, crucial for maintaining the mid-engine layout and delivering improved acceleration. The Corvette achieved a breathtaking 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, especially when equipped with the Z51 Performance Pack, which added enhancements like an electronic limited-slip differential and performance tires.

The Corvette's driving experience was enhanced by various drive modes such as Track, Sport, Tour, Weather, MyMode, and Z-Mode, each adjusting the car's characteristics for different driving conditions. This dual-nature—firm and focused in performance modes, yet comfortable for long drives in Tour mode—highlighted the Corvette's versatility.

In terms of interior space, the 2022 BMW 4 Series lagged due to its design. The Gran Coupe variant, though more practical than its two-door siblings, struggled with cramped rear seats and smaller door openings. This design made passenger ingress and egress challenging, especially for non-athletic individuals. Power-adjustable front seats were surprisingly absent in the test model, marking a significant comfort omission for a car priced at $57,295.

Storage, however, was a strong point. The 4 Series Gran Coupe featured a hatchback design offering 16.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which could be expanded to 45.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, rivaling some compact SUVs and adding a layer of practical utility despite its cramped interior.

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette had its compromises. The headroom under the convertible top was tight for taller drivers, and finding a comfortable driving position between headroom and legroom was a struggle. However, the Corvette pulled ahead in cargo versatility, despite its sports emphasis. Offering a combined 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space through its rear trunk and "frunk," it accommodated more luggage than typical sports cars. Room for a golf bag in the back and a weekend bag in the front trunk extended its practicality for extended road trips. Additionally, a power soft-close function for the rear trunk lid added a touch of convenience and luxury to the Corvette's robust performance package.

When evaluating technology, the BMW 4 Series featured an advanced Live Cockpit Professional setup combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 7 system proved user-friendly, operable via the touchscreen, physical controls, and voice commands activated by phrases like "Hey BMW." The technology suite also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside other connected services. Unfortunately, for premium sound and additional tech like a head-up display, upgrading to the M440i was necessary.

Conversely, the 2023 Corvette offered an 8-inch touchscreen tilted towards the driver, featuring Chevy’s Infotainment 3 system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a logical interface. However, the steering wheel controls for radio volume and channel changes felt like an afterthought, placed inconveniently out of typical reach. Despite this, the Corvette’s fully digital instrument panel adjusted dynamically based on the selected drive mode, aligning with its performance-focused philosophy.

Safety features varied significantly between these models. The BMW 4 Series standardly included BMW Assist eCall, SOS Emergency Request, and an enhanced collision notification system. On top of that, it provided forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims like the M440i added advanced options such as adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assistance with the Driving Assistance Professional Package.

However, the 2023 Corvette lagged behind in safety technology. The standard safety suite included a backup camera, front and side airbags, and rear parking sensors. Yet, it omitted numerous modern features, like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control, even as options. The 2LT trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, but this felt insufficient. The Corvette's safety package seemed antiquated compared to what was expected for a 2020 model-year introduction and what its price might suggest.