Compare the2023 BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeVS 2023 Kia Stinger

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 Stinger doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe 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 Stinger 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.

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 uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Stinger doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Stinger have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the Stinger’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series Gran Coupe for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Stinger.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe first among small premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Stinger 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 Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 3 places higher in reliability than Kia.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 1 more horsepower (301 vs. 300) and 20 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 311) than the Stinger GT-Line’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe is faster than the Stinger GT2 3.3 turbo V6:

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series Gran Coupe gets better mileage than the Stinger:

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

For better stopping power the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Stinger:

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 standard on the Stinger GT-Line are solid, not vented.

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

For better traction, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Stinger (235/35R19 vs. 225/40R19).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Stinger GT2’s 40 series front tires.

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 Stinger doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe handles at .91 G’s, while the Stinger pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the Stinger (25.8 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 26.8 seconds @ .67 average G’s).

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 550 pounds less than the Kia Stinger.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is 11.7 inches shorter than the Stinger, 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 Stinger GT2 (36 vs. 39 dB).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 32% lower rating, Kia is ranked 26th.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Stinger’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the 2 Series Gran Coupe the driver can close them all 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 Stinger can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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

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

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

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Kia Stinger by 32% during the 2021 model year.