2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 BMW 2 Series presented a fresh exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. It maintained a sleek, aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. The M240i xDrive Coupe, available in Canada, showcased performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents and 19-inch M light alloys. Inside, the 2 Series offered a straightforward, driver-focused interior with standard perforated SensaTec upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The cabin featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and ambient lighting, though some materials felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The front-end styling was initially polarizing but became more acceptable over time. The profile retained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the interior boasted a modern, minimalistic design with a curved glass display housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were luxurious, with options like light grey cashmere wool-blend upholstery. The rear seats offered exceptional comfort, especially with the Executive Lounge package, which included a reclining seat and theatre screen.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Coupe delivered impressive performance with its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, enhanced by paddle shifters and Sport Plus mode. The M240i xDrive came with performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, ensuring balanced handling. However, the driving experience felt somewhat disconnected, lacking emotional engagement.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series 760i xDrive featured a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, generating 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission offered seamless gear changes, and the handling was sportier than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The ride was slightly stiffer, but Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness. The 7 Series excelled in providing a blend of performance and comfort, with an optional highway driving assistant for semi-automated driving.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series was compact, with limited rear seat space suitable mainly for children. The front seats were relatively spacious, but the slanted roofline restricted rear headroom. The trunk offered 283 litres of cargo space, with 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for added versatility. The interior featured improved ergonomics and soft touchpoints, though the layout was similar to other BMW models.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered generous interior space, with power-operated automatic doors that were somewhat cumbersome. The front seats provided ample comfort with heating and ventilation, while the rear seats were spacious, especially with the lounge seating option. The trunk held 388 litres of cargo, larger than some competitors. Interior storage was adequate, with features like a wireless charging pad and cupholders. The rear entertainment screen added a wow factor but required head-turning for viewing.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, featuring BMW Live Cockpit Plus with over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Harman Kardon sound system enhanced audio quality. The BMW Digital Key allowed remote access via the My BMW App.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured iDrive 8 with a curved display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was operable via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands, though it was complex to navigate. Voice controls helped mitigate menu frustrations. The standard Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided excellent audio quality. The optional theatre screen had usability challenges, with inconsistent touchscreen responses.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series included 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. It had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Advanced Driver Assistance package added lane departure warning and a hands-free driving system. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the highway driving assistant reduced driver fatigue. It had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA.