2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its traditionally bland image by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. Designers added features like flared wheel arches and sleek headlights to give the car a wider appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, which cluttered the design. The interior mirrored this chaotic styling, with a mix of materials and trims that lacked a cohesive theme. Despite these efforts, the materials felt somewhat low-quality.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4 maintained a design similar to the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. The i4 boasted improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50. The interior struck a balance between minimalism and traditional BMW elements, with a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality was up to BMW's standards, although leather upholstery was not standard.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in FWD, slightly less in AWD. The XSE trim had a dual-exhaust system, increasing output slightly. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was available, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for 208 hp. The Camry's handling was balanced, providing a fun driving experience, especially with the TRD package, which included performance upgrades.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured an electric motor in the eDrive40, producing 335 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The M50 variant had a two-motor setup with 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The i4's battery placement lowered its centre of gravity, enhancing handling despite its weight. The M50 included adaptive suspension and sport brakes, making it agile and responsive. The i4's regenerative braking system was innovative, though its adaptive recuperation system was less intuitive.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided ample rear headroom and legroom, though front space was limited. Cargo capacity was 428 litres, average for its class. The interior featured analog controls for ease of use, though some were awkwardly placed. Dual-zone climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2022 BMW i4 had a low seating position, with limited headroom due to its fastback design. Rear legroom was better than some competitors, but front seats lacked bolstering. Cargo space was 283 litres, less than rivals, and there was no front trunk. The centre console was efficiently designed, but the wireless charging pad was small, and the steering column lacked power adjustment.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the iDrive8 system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and OTA updates. The user experience was intuitive, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition, making the touchscreen almost unnecessary.

The 2021 Toyota Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It included TSS 2.5+ with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features included a Rear Seat Reminder and enhanced forward-collision warning.

The 2022 BMW i4's safety ratings were unavailable, but it offered forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and various driver-assist packages. The Parking Assistant Package added a 360-degree camera and automatic parking features.