2020 Chevrolet Camaro vs 2021 BMW 4 Series

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 was a car that didn't scream for attention despite its powerful 455-horsepower V8 engine. Its hood vents, dual exhaust system, Brembo front brake calipers, and LT1 badges were subtle indicators of its muscle. The Satin Steel Gray paint, plain gray cloth seats, and sparkly silver 20-inch wheels gave it a low-key appearance, making it perfect for those who enjoyed speed without the flash. However, the interior was a letdown, with cheap materials and a center console trim that popped off during testing.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 4 Series coupe's styling was dominated by its massive twin-kidney grille, which was polarizing in its appeal. The rest of the car maintained BMW's standard design language, with aerodynamic enhancements that improved its drag coefficient to 0.25. The interior was clean and uncluttered, featuring front sport seats with 10-way power adjustment and driver’s memory. However, the steering wheel's thickness and diameter were criticized for being too large, detracting from the sporty feel.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 was equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It featured a limited-slip rear differential, 4-piston Brembo front brakes, a performance-tuned suspension, and 20-inch wheels. This setup allowed the Camaro to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in approximately 12.5 seconds. The car's Alpha platform, shared with Cadillac ATS and CTS, provided excellent handling on twisty roads. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the car averaged 20 mpg on a mixed driving loop.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series offered two powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 430i, producing 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the M440i, generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 430i xDrive could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the M440i xDrive did it in 4.3 seconds. Despite these impressive numbers, the driving experience was hampered by a hesitant transmission and vague steering. The Adaptive M Suspension and other performance upgrades didn't significantly enhance the ride quality or handling.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro's compact dimensions improved its agility but compromised practicality. The front seats offered 8-way power adjustment for the driver and 6-way for the passenger, but getting in and out was challenging. The backseat was cramped, suitable only for small children. The trunk had a capacity of 9.1 cubic feet, enough for two full-size suitcases. Interior storage was minimal, and the materials used were of low quality.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series, while not a paragon of practicality, offered more front headroom and trunk space than its competitors. The front-seat space was adequate, making it a comfortable choice for drivers who didn't need a sedan's extra room. The cockpit was logically laid out, with an infotainment touchscreen that was easy to see and use. The car also featured convenient storage solutions, such as a cubbyhole for phones and well-placed cupholders. Outward visibility was excellent, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 came with the standard Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar connected services, and a 6-speaker Bose sound system. Optional upgrades included an 8-inch display, additional stereo speakers, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims offered advanced features like a head-up display and a rear camera mirror, but the LT1 lacked these enhancements.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series featured the standard BMW iDrive 7 infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch display screen in the instrument cluster. The optional Live Cockpit Professional added a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A head-up display and wireless phone charging were available as options. The iDrive rotary controller was praised for its ease of use.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 lacked advanced safety features. It came with standard stability control, a reversing camera, and OnStar connected services. However, it did not offer blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, or other modern driver-assistance systems. The Camaro coupe received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had 4-star ratings for frontal impacts. The IIHS gave it top marks in frontal- and side-impact tests but rated its roof strength as Acceptable.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and speed-limit information. Adaptive cruise control was available through the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional Package, which also included advanced features like steering assist.