2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a loyal customer base, primarily among an older demographic. This presented a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to appeal to younger buyers without alienating its existing clientele. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled but asymmetrical dashboard, with the F Sport model boasting sporty two-tone leather seating.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series received a fresh exterior design, avoiding the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. The 2 Series was available as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and an all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, with the four-door Gran Coupe also in the lineup. The 2 Series Coupe variants sat on an extended wheelbase, offering a longer, wider, and lower stance than their predecessors. The design featured a wider kidney grille and aerodynamic elements, exuding agility. The M240i xDrive Coupe had performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents. Inside, the 2 Series Coupe offered a straightforward, driver-focused interior with new perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The updated interior included an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional creature comforts.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, with the V6 and hybrid variants offering more engaging performance.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe packed impressive performance in its subcompact size. The 230i Coupe's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, with the M240i xDrive achieving the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models featured an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, with paddle shifters for quicker shifts. The M240i xDrive came standard with performance enhancements like an aerodynamic kit and adaptive M suspension. Despite its speed and agility, the 2 Series lacked steering feel and driver engagement, a common issue among modern performance cars.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered practical advantages over SUVs, with a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space and a pass-through for longer items. The ES 250 and ES 350 featured fold-flat rear seats, enhancing cargo capacity. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling and fuel economy compared to the Lexus RX SUV. Inside, the ES provided ample storage, with large bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout, while not visually appealing, was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while small, offered a sporty coupe experience. The rear seats were best suited for children or short trips, with limited headroom due to the slanted roofline. 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 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES included a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. Lexus Enform connected services provided emergency alerts, maintenance notifications, and remote access features.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, offering 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 added a 12.3-inch digital display. The BMW Digital Key allowed remote access via the My BMW App, while the standard audio system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon 14-speaker setup.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Standard features also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, featuring blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a 360-degree surround view, and BMW Drive Recorder. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.