2022 BMW i4 vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 BMW i4's design closely resembled the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. Despite being labeled a "Gran Coupe," it was essentially a four-door sedan with a rear hatch. 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 tweaks, including a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima showcased updated front styling, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colors. The Altima SL trim, with its 19-inch wheels, offered a more upscale appearance. The interior, while featuring some hard plastics, was comfortable and user-friendly. The Altima's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, and the SL trim included amenities like dual-zone climate control and a power sunroof. However, the interior had some design flaws, such as difficult-to-remove floor mats and limited passenger seat adjustments.

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reached 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4 offered impressive handling, thanks to a low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride and precise steering. The i4's regenerative braking system, while innovative, had mixed reviews regarding its adaptive recuperation feature.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, excluding the SR VC-Turbo, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque in FWD models. The SR VC-Turbo offered a more powerful turbocharged engine with up to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The Altima's CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, and the SR trim included paddle shifters for added engagement. While the Altima provided adequate performance, its ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at higher speeds. The Altima's handling was competent, but the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered a low seating position despite the battery pack, with limited headroom due to the fastback roof. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the seats were flat and hard, and the cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet. The i4 lacked a front trunk, unlike some competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was straightforward and comfortable, with controls that were easy to use. The Zero Gravity seats were a highlight, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustments. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, but the design of the floor mats and lack of a trunk handle were drawbacks. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SV and SR trims. A new 12.3-inch system was available, providing navigation, wireless CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Bose audio system was available on higher trims, though its performance varied. The new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a better interface and voice recognition.

The 2022 BMW i4 came with standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. An optional package added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Parking assistance features were also available.

The 2023 Nissan Altima included Safety Shield 360 with features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.