2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its larger 4 Series Gran Coupe sibling. It was positioned as an affordable entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to specific packages, and new driving-assistance safety features. The test car, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with various packages and options, bringing the MSRP to $48,595. Despite challenges in achieving ideal proportions due to its front-drive platform, BMW employed visual tricks to enhance its appearance, including large LED headlights and a tapering roofline. Inside, the Gran Coupe adhered to modern BMW design with upscale materials, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation, offering a premium feel even as an entry-level model.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrived with a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a similar formula of a powerful V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. The new model boasted a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500 plus destination charges, the IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a thrilling driving experience, balancing emotional excitement with daily driving comfort. It commanded a premium over the IS 350 F Sport and IS 300 models, reflecting its enhanced performance capabilities. The test car, equipped with Premium trim and Iridium paint, totaled $62,575. While the IS 500 shared design elements with lesser IS models, it featured exclusive wheels and subtle styling tweaks. Inside, it maintained a comfortable and quality interior, with a wide touchscreen display for infotainment. The IS 500 F Sport Performance delivered a satisfying blend of performance and luxury, appealing to those seeking a distinctive and powerful ride.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under the "ultimate driving machine" moniker. Despite skepticism from some reviewers, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, with its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered a comparable performance to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system provided an advantage in varying road conditions. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. The car featured performance-enhancing technologies like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The M Sport Package added to the driving enjoyment with sharp and direct steering, while the suspension provided a firm yet engaging ride. The Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance introduced a new era of F Sport Performance models, combining the F Sport formula with increased power. The rear-wheel-drive IS 500 featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. The car's weight distribution was slightly altered compared to the IS 350, with 56% over the front wheels. The IS 500 offered driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Lexus claimed a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The car's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable and stable ride. The IS 500 excelled on various road types, delivering a thrilling driving experience with its throaty engine note. However, it averaged 17.7 mpg during testing, falling short of the EPA's 20 mpg estimate.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber individuals. The sport-bolstered front seats were snug yet comfortable, with adequate storage for essentials. Entry and exit required some effort due to the car's low-slung design. The rear seats, accessed through extra doors, were less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. The Gran Coupe featured a traditional trunk with 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, but the car lacked the full sportback treatment of its larger sibling.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 offered comfort with its effective climate control system, keeping the cabin cool in hot conditions. The front seats provided excellent support and a comfortable driving position, while the rear seats were adequate for average-height adults. Storage was decent, though the center console's touchpad controller occupied valuable space. The trunk measured 10.8 cubic feet, smaller than some compact cars. The IS featured a well-organized control layout with buttons and knobs, enhancing usability alongside the touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a fully digital 10.25-inch display, resembling a video game interface. The 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system used BMW's iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car included a premium sound system with ten speakers, and Gesture Control was available for stereo adjustments. A full-color head-up display was also part of the package.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 featured a touchscreen infotainment display, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system included separate climate and stereo controls, enhancing usability. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The car also offered connected services and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, though the test car lacked this upgrade. It included advanced driving-assistance systems under the Active Driving Assistant umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot warning. The lane-keeping assistance system was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the car highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS 500 received high safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the low-speed automatic braking system could be overly sensitive in certain situations.