2020 BMW 2 Series vs 2020 Honda Accord

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from traditional coupe styling, as it featured four doors and a sloping roofline, a trend seen among several German automakers. This model joined the established 2 Series lineup, which had been known for its two-door coupe and convertible options since 2014. The Gran Coupe was built on a new platform shared with the BMW X1, X2, and Mini models, featuring a front-wheel-drive bias, unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup of the traditional 2 Series Coupe and Convertible. The front end of the Gran Coupe echoed the styling of the larger 8 Series, with swooping headlights and an angular twin-kidney grille, but the rear design struggled to maintain the aesthetic of the two-door coupe. Inside, the Gran Coupe offered a modern cockpit with solid fit-and-finish, though not as elegant as some competitors. The model was available in different trims, with the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe offering features like power-folding heated side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and an 8.8-inch iDrive touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord was recognized as one of the most stylish Accords in history, despite some mixed opinions on its front styling and rounded roofline. The Accord was available in several trim levels, including the LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with a hybrid version also offered. The Accord Touring test car, priced at $37,355, featured Radiant Red paint and an Ivory interior, creating a luxurious look with soft touchpoints and quality materials. The Accord's design emphasized comfort and practicality, with a focus on providing a spacious and comfortable interior for both front and rear passengers. The Accord's styling and design choices made it a standout in the family sedan segment, offering a balance of style and functionality.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or xDrive all-wheel drive. The engine was refined, though it exhibited noticeable turbo lag, affecting acceleration from a standstill. The Gran Coupe offered a Drive Mode selector with Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro modes, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. For those seeking more power, the M235i variant offered 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The Gran Coupe's steering was sharp and responsive, but its front-wheel-drive layout lacked the natural feel of the rear-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models. While body roll was minimal, the ride quality over road imperfections was less forgiving, making it less suitable for areas with poor road conditions.

The 2020 Honda Accord offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. The Accord also featured a 212-horsepower hybrid powertrain, delivering impressive fuel economy. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generated 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Accord's driving modes, including Economy and Sport, allowed for personalized powertrain calibration. The Accord 2.0T was quick and fun to drive, though it struggled with traction due to its front-wheel-drive layout. The Accord Touring featured adaptive dampers, providing excellent control over body movements and a compliant ride. The steering was accurate and well-weighted, though the braking system could benefit from refinement. Overall, the Accord offered a balance of performance and comfort, making it an enjoyable daily driver.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered supportive and comfortable front seats, though rear-seat legroom was limited when the front seats were adjusted for taller occupants. The cockpit layout was straightforward, with easy-to-locate climate controls, though the cupholders and center console were on the smaller side. The Gran Coupe provided 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive within its class, surpassing the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Coupe and Convertible variants offered slightly less cargo space, with the Convertible's capacity further reduced when the top was lowered.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord was effectively a full-size car, offering significantly more rear-seat legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry. The Accord Touring featured a 12-way power driver's seat with ample thigh support and heating and ventilation, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear seat was exceptionally comfortable, with wide doors for easy access, a natural seating angle, and plentiful thigh support. The Touring trim included heated outboard rear seats and rear air conditioning vents. The Accord's trunk offered an impressive 16.7 cubic feet of space, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The interior provided ample storage space, clear instrumentation, and ergonomic controls, making it a comfortable and practical choice for long journeys.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display featuring touch functionality and Android Auto, while wireless Apple CarPlay was also included. The test model featured a fully-digital instrument panel with customizable navigation display, as well as an available head-up display. BMW's infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch functionality and helpful center console buttons for easy navigation.

The 2020 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly design, volume and tuning knobs, and clear graphics. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, along with text-messaging support. The EX-L trim and above offered a ten-speaker premium sound system, while the Touring trim added HondaLink subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless device charging. The Accord's infotainment system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring specific prompts for accurate responses. The Touring trim also included a head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses, and a reversing camera with multiple viewing angles.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and a backup camera. Additional safety options included adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver-assist systems were seamless and customizable, enhancing safety without being intrusive.

The 2020 Honda Accord was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Honda Sensing, standard on all trims, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on higher trims. While Honda Sensing was comprehensive, some systems required refinement, such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, which occasionally gave false alerts.