2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 BMW i4 was a blend of traditional and modern design elements, closely resembling the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe. Its oversized grille was a point of contention, and the term "Gran Coupe" was somewhat misleading, as it described a four-door sedan with a rear hatch. Despite these quirks, the i4 boasted improved aerodynamics over its gasoline counterpart, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base model and 0.25 for the M50. BMW achieved this through various design tweaks, including a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The i4's interior balanced minimalism with classic BMW styling, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger was built on a platform dating back to 2005, yet it managed to impress with its modern and menacing design. The Charger received significant updates in 2011 and 2015, with the latter facelift giving it a more contemporary look. However, its interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls. Despite this, the Charger offered ease of use and a range of trims, from the V6-powered SXT to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, featuring a supercharged V8 engine and a host of performance enhancements.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance figures, with the base i4 eDrive40 producing 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor powertrain, delivered 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4's handling was commendable, thanks to its low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The Dynamic Handling Package further enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride and precise steering. The i4 also featured an integrated braking system and adaptive recuperation, though the latter's effectiveness was debatable.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 300 hp in the SXT AWD and GT trims. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat models took performance to another level, with the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 delivering 717 hp in the standard Hellcat and up to 807 hp in the Jailbreak. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The Widebody setup improved handling, allowing the Charger to corner with precision, while the SRT Performance Pages offered customizable drive modes.

The 2022 BMW i4's interior was designed for efficiency, with a low seating position and a well-organized center console. However, the fastback roof limited headroom, and both front and rear seats felt flat and hard. The i4 offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than its competitors, and lacked a front trunk. Despite these limitations, the i4's interior felt open and airy, with a sleek design that maximized available space.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, felt intimate due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger's storage options were less accommodating than modern sedans, with a smaller center console bin and limited door storage. However, it offered 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, making it versatile for a performance sedan.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system and BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, with options for a head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2022 BMW i4 came equipped with a range of standard driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. However, crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger's safety offerings were limited compared to modern standards.