2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold precedent for Nissan's design language. Its distinctive "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille were styling cues that influenced other models in the lineup. The Maxima stood out with its daring design, featuring a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim on the SR grade, enhancing its bold aesthetic.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, in its second generation, introduced a refreshed exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. In Canada, it was available as the AWD M240i xDrive Coupe, with the RWD version not offered. The 2 Series Coupe was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, with a wheelbase extended by 5 centimetres. Its aerodynamic appearance was accentuated by a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe featured performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents and 19-inch M light alloys. The interior was driver-focused, with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a high-end vibe despite some cost-cutting plastics.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with a responsive CVT that outperformed some conventional automatics. However, its steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Coupe boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of up to 250 km/h. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, enhanced by paddle shifters and Sport Plus mode. The M240i xDrive came with performance features like an adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes, providing balanced handling. However, the driving experience felt disconnected, with numb steering and a lack of engagement, despite its impressive performance figures.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering generous headroom and legroom, but at the expense of rear-seat passengers. The rear headroom and legroom were among the lowest in its class, and the inboard seat positioning contributed to a cramped feeling. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed for optimal support, provided comfort with power adjustments and extra bolstering. However, the 405-litre cargo space was limited compared to hatchback competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe, while larger than its predecessor, remained compact. It technically seated four, but the rear seats were best suited for children or short trips. The slanted roofline and design elements limited rear headroom and trunk space, though the 40/20/40-split rear seats allowed for some cargo flexibility. The 283-litre trunk was average for the segment. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with a layout similar to other new BMW models.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A WiFi hotspot and USB ports were standard, along with an 11-speaker Bose audio system. However, the infotainment system's dated graphics and small icons made navigation challenging, and the notification sounds were jarring. While analog controls were provided, the overall experience felt outdated.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series excelled in technology, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, over-the-air updates, and cloud-based navigation. Connectivity options included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12.3-inch digital display. The BMW Digital Key and My BMW App offered remote access and control. The standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned top safety ratings, with an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A 360-degree camera system was available on higher trims. However, it lacked the ProPilot Assist system found in other Nissan models.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came with standard safety features like active blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive LED headlights and BMW Drive Recorder, which captured driving footage. The 2 Series had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.