Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

Both the Passat and the 4 Series Gran Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Passat the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 4 Series Gran Coupe has not been tested, yet.

There are over 82 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Passat’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Passat’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Passat gets better mileage than the 4 Series Gran Coupe:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Passat uses regular unleaded gasoline. The 4 Series Gran Coupe requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Passat has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Gran Coupe (18.5 vs. 15.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Passat higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (5 to 7). This means the Passat produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 4 Series Gran Coupe every 15,000 miles.

For better traction, the Passat has larger tires than the 4 Series Gran Coupe (235/45R18 vs. 225/40R19).

The Passat has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 4 Series Gran Coupe; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the 4 Series Gran Coupe don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For better maneuverability, the Passat’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s (36.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The Volkswagen Passat may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 800 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The design of the Volkswagen Passat amounts to more than styling. The Passat has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .28 Cd. That is lower than the 4 Series Gran Coupe (.28 to .3) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Passat get better fuel mileage.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Passat a Mid-size car, while the 4 Series Gran Coupe is rated a Compact.

The Passat has 10 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 4 Series Gran Coupe (101 vs. 91).

The Passat has .5 inches more front legroom, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 4.2 inches more rear legroom and 2.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Passat to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 4 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Passat, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the BMW 4 Series by 15% during the 2021 model year.