Nissan Maxima vs BMW 2 Series

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold precedent for Nissan's design language. Its distinctive styling, featuring a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, was a trendsetter for subsequent models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima's aggressive front end and massive grille gave it a locomotive-like presence on the road, especially with the blacked-out trim of the test car, which exuded a sinister aura. The 40th Anniversary Edition added a touch of elegance with its two-tone exterior, Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, and black roof, complemented by model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and red semi-aniline leather upholstery. The interior was tastefully adorned with white gauge faces and heated rear seats, enhancing both style and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series introduced a refreshed exterior design that avoided the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. The 2 Series was available in several configurations, including the RWD 230i Coupe and AWD M240i xDrive Coupe, with the latter boasting a more performance-oriented appearance. The coupe's design featured a wider kidney grille, flared fenders, and reshaped headlights and taillights, contributing to its agile and aerodynamic look. The M240i xDrive Coupe came standard with the M Shadowline package, adding dark finishes to various exterior elements. Inside, the 2 Series offered a driver-focused interior with new perforated SensaTec synthetic upholstery and optional Vernasca leather. The updated interior featured an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional upgrade to a 10.25-inch display, and a range of comfort options like keyless entry and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While it didn't quite live up to the "four-door sports car" moniker, the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its quick acceleration and impressive V6 engine sound. The CVT was notably responsive, enhancing the driving dynamics. However, the Maxima's handling revealed some limitations, with a lack of steering precision and susceptibility to torque steer. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima maintained a sporty edge compared to competitors like the Toyota Avalon and Volkswagen Arteon, with only the Kia Stinger offering a more engaging rear-wheel-drive experience.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, despite its subcompact size, packed a punch in terms of performance. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive Coupe boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe accelerated to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved the same in just 4.1 seconds. Both models were equipped with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth and quick shifts. The M240i xDrive came standard with performance enhancements like an adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes, providing balanced and refined handling. However, the driving experience was somewhat disconnected, with numb steering feel and a lack of engagement, a common issue among modern performance cars.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima offered generous front-seat space, with the highest front headroom and legroom in its class, but at the expense of rear-seat comfort. Rear headroom and legroom were limited, making it less accommodating for passengers. The interior design prioritized the driver, with a low window line and large exterior mirrors providing excellent visibility. The Maxima featured Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed for optimal support, with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. However, the Maxima's cargo space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, the smallest in its competitive set.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while technically seating four, was best suited for front-seat occupants, as the rear seats were cramped and more suitable for children. The coupe's slanted roofline and design elements like the Hofmeister kink contributed to its attractive profile but limited rear headroom. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with the flexibility of 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats for additional capacity. The interior featured soft touchpoints and improved ergonomics, with updated multifunction buttons on the leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and a layout similar to other new BMW models.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology offerings showed signs of aging. It came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, along with a newly standard WiFi hotspot. However, the infotainment system's graphics appeared dated, and small icons made navigation challenging. The Maxima did include analog controls for climate and audio, but the notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series excelled in technology and connectivity. It featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display, with the option to upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system, equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, offered over-the-air updates, cloud-based navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Additional features included a WiFi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display. The BMW Digital Key and My BMW App provided remote access and control of vehicle functions.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system were available, although the Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system found in other Nissan models.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series came equipped with Active Driving Assistant, featuring standard safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. Optional safety features included adaptive front LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder allowed for recording driving footage using onboard cameras. However, the 2 Series had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.