Compare the2023 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2022 Cadillac CT4

The 2 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CT4 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The 2 Series’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The CT4 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the 2 Series and the CT4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the CT4’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Cadillac only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the CT4.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series first among small premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The CT4 isn’t in the top three in its category.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 9 places higher in reliability than Cadillac.

The 230i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (255 vs. 235) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (294 vs. 258) than the CT4’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The M240i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 72 more horsepower (382 vs. 310) and 19 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 350) than the CT4’s optional 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series gets better mileage than the CT4:

The 2 Series’ 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 CT4 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 2 Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the CT4:

For better traction, the M240i Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CT4 (F:245/35R19 & R:255/35R19 vs. 235/40R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 230i has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CT4.

The 2 Series 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 CT4’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 2 Series is 2 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the CT4.

For better maneuverability, the 230i’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the CT4’s (36.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet).

The 230i is 8.2 inches shorter than the CT4, making the 2 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 2 Series offers cargo security. The CT4’s non-lockable folding seat defeats cargo security.

The 2 Series uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CT4 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.

If the front windows are left open on the 2 Series w/Comfort Access the driver can close them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CT4 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 2 Series has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The CT4 doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The 2 Series’ 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 CT4’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The CT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The 2 Series’ optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The 2 Series’ optional Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CT4 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the 2 Series owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 2 Series will cost $390 less than the CT4 over a five-year period.

The 2 Series will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 2 Series will retain 48.56% to 48.87% of its original price after five years, while the CT4 only retains 39.41% to 41.44%.

The M235i/M240i was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 8 years. The CT4 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 2 Series was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2015. The CT4 has never been an “All Star.”

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Cadillac CT4 by over two to one during the 2021 model year.