2021 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

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 sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It served as an entry-level option for those aspiring to own a BMW, featuring 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. For 2021, BMW added standard equipment, restricted the sport automatic transmission to specific packages, and introduced new suspension and safety features. The test model, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, came equipped with various packages and options, bringing the MSRP to $48,595.

Visually, the 2 Series Gran Coupe faced challenges due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed design tricks like large LED headlights and grilles to improve its proportions. The cabin was pulled back to enhance the dashboard-to-axle ratio, and the tapering roofline extended the car's appearance, culminating in a busy rear end. Inside, the Gran Coupe adhered to BMW's modern design language, featuring geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather upholstery was appealing. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when well-equipped, did not look or feel like a basic BMW.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year's facelift, which was the first major change in nearly a decade. The Passat shared a familial resemblance with the smaller Jetta sedan, resulting in a more understated look compared to rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. Its rounded corners gave it a jellybean-like appearance, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, with a drag coefficient of 0.28 for improved aerodynamic efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes varying by trim level. The R-Line trim added sportier styling elements, but the color palette remained conservative.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with analog controls and a short dashboard for enhanced visibility. The interior felt plain, with limited brightwork and materials primarily consisting of plastic and cloth or leatherette upholstery. However, fit and finish were excellent, and the layout of controls was user-friendly. The Passat's interior space was notable, with 39.1 inches of rear legroom, although front legroom was below average. The driving position was uncomfortable for some, with limited thigh support in the front seats. Cargo space measured 15.9 cubic feet, and while cabin storage was limited, the layout of controls was a highlight.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about whether a front-drive platform could uphold BMW's reputation as the "ultimate driving machine." While some critics were skeptical, the 228i Gran Coupe shared similarities with the revered Volkswagen GTI, featuring a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and optional all-wheel drive. The 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a sophisticated driving experience, with a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, and performance-enhancing technology. The M Sport Package added to the driving enjoyment with sharp steering and a firm suspension. The Gran Coupe averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, in contrast, offered a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque output was impressive, power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness of competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two people, with sport-bolstered front seats and adequate storage. However, rear-seat access and comfort were limited, with tight space and hard plastic seatbacks. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Despite its fast roofline, the Gran Coupe lacked the cargo versatility of a sportback design.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, though front legroom was below average. The driving position was uncomfortable for some, with limited thigh support in the front seats. Cargo space measured 15.9 cubic feet, and while cabin storage was limited, the layout of controls was a highlight.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display, while the Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with multiple control options and responsive software. The test car had a premium sound system and a head-up display, though Gesture Control was hit-and-miss.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The Passat's tech features were basic, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The lack of flashy features might disappoint tech enthusiasts, but the straightforward approach suited ordinary drivers.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and parking assistance. The test car included advanced driving-assistance systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The IIHS rated the Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests were less than perfect.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests, but its headlights earned a "marginal" rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.