Compare the2024 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2024 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, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Cadillac only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the CT4.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 2 Series’ reliability 20 points higher than the CT4.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Cadillac is ranked 17th.

The 230i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 18 more horsepower (255 vs. 237) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 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.

As tested in Consumer Reports the 230i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Cadillac CT4 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

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

The 2 Series has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the CT4. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

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:

The 2 Series stops shorter than 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 Luxury.

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 2 Series’ 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.

The 2 Series has 1.5 inches more front headroom and .7 inches more front shoulder room than the CT4.

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’ 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.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Cadillac CT4 isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series second among small premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The CT4 isn’t in the top three in its category.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Cadillac CT4 by 25% during 2022.