Compare the2024 BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeVS 2023 Toyota Corolla

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Corolla doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers optional Active Park Distance Control that use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The Corolla doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Corolla doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Corolla’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard Cross Traffic Warning, helping the driver avoid collisions. Toyota charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on the Corolla.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Corolla have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Corolla’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Corolla’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series Gran Coupe for 1 year and 11000 miles longer than Toyota pays for maintenance for the Corolla (3/36,000 vs. 2/25000).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe third among small premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The Corolla isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. With 2 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Toyota.

The 228i Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 59 more horsepower (228 vs. 169) and 107 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 151) than the Corolla’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 133 more horsepower (302 vs. 169) and 181 lbs.-ft. more torque (332 vs. 151) than the Corolla’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe is faster than the Toyota Corolla:

	2 Series Gran Coupe	Corolla
Zero to 60 MPH	4.2 sec	8.2 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	11.1 sec	22.8 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6 sec	8.8 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3 sec	4.3 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.5 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter Mile	12.9 sec	16.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	107 MPH	87 MPH
Top Speed	129 MPH	118 MPH

Regenerative brakes improve the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Corolla doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Corolla doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Corolla doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Corolla:

	2 Series Gran Coupe	M235i xDrive Gran Coupe	Corolla
Front Rotors	13 inches	14.2 inches	10.8 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	13 inches	10.2 inches

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Corolla are solid, not vented.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe stops much shorter than the Corolla:

	2 Series Gran Coupe	Corolla
70 to 0 MPH	156 feet	179 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	108 feet	128 feet	Motor Trend

For better traction, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has larger standard tires than the Corolla (225/45R17 vs. 205/55R16). The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Corolla (235/35R19 vs. 225/40R18).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Corolla’s standard 55 series tires. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Corolla SE/XSE’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Corolla. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Corolla SE/XSE.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 2 Series Gran Coupe can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Corolla doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Corolla’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Corolla doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 2 Series Gran Coupe is 1.2 inches wider in the front and .5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Corolla.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe handles at .91 G’s, while the Corolla XSE pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.3 seconds quicker than the Corolla XSE (25.8 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is 4 inches shorter than the Corolla, making the 2 Series Gran Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe is quieter than the Corolla (36 vs. 42 dB).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 2.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Corolla (91 vs. 88.6).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.5 inches more front shoulder room and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Corolla.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Corolla (15.1 vs. 13.2 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the 2 Series Gran Coupe easier. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s trunk lift-over height is 24.5 inches, while the Corolla’s liftover is 27.1 inches.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Corolla’s useful trunk space.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series Gran offers cargo security. The Corolla’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The Corolla doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s available trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Corolla doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Corolla uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 18% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 20th.

When two different drivers share the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Corolla doesn’t offer a memory system.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Corolla doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Corolla’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Corolla’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Corolla’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Toyota charges extra for heated mirrors on the Corolla.

When the 2 Series Gran Coupe is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Corolla’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Corolla doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

On extremely cold winter days, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Corolla doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Corolla doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Corolla offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Corolla doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Toyota Corolla, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe second among small premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Corolla isn’t in the top three in its category.