The point behind these “Is Luxury Worth It?” tests, where we pit loaded mainstream-branded cars against fairly base-model luxury rides, reaches a strange plateau with this particular matchup. Odd couple? You betcha. Representing value (in a way) is the 2020 Subaru WRX STI Series. White. In the luxury corner is the 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe. And before we get to the differences, we ought to talk about what’s similar enough to throw these cars into the ring together.
Both machines are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Both cars drive all four wheels, possess four doors, and seat five. The C-pillars, especially from a rear three-quarters view, look spookily similar. The BMW lacks its famed Hofmeister Kink—that small forward thrust down where the rear door or window frame meets the beltline. It’s meant to emphasize the rear-wheel drive that BMWs have had for more than 50 years—because with the Bimmer being front-drive-based, what’s the point?
Both cars started life as less expensive vehicles—an Impreza in the case of the Subaru and a Mini Cooper (it’s true!) if you’re talking BMW. The base price of the Subaru is $37,895, whereas the base price of the BMW is $38,495. That’s pretty dang close.
Here’s where the two differ. The STI has a flat boxer engine. Aside from sounding different, flat engines lower a car’s center of gravity. The BMW’s engine is smaller—2.0 liters compared to the Subie’s 2.5 liters—and produces much less power: 228 horsepower compared to 310 for the STI, and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to Subaru’s 290.
Here’s where I’m going to point out that yes, there is a 301-hp/332-lb-ft BMW M235i xDrive GC, but it begins life at $46,495, before any options. That’s the tricky part with these comparisons. Something’s got to give.
This story is from the August 2020 edition of Motor Trend.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2020 edition of Motor Trend.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MOTORTREND SUV OF THE YEAR 2024 - CERTIFIED FRESH
THERE’S NO REST FOR SUV MAKERS IN THE INTENSE QUEST TO BE THE BEST
THE CHEVROLET BLAZER EV IS THE 2024 SUV OF THE YEAR
Once again, the bow-tie brand shows leadership in the electric vehicle space
AGENTS OF ZERO
WE DID IT AGAIN: RUNNING OUR VW ID4 EV OUT OF ELECTRICITY, JUST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS
THEY LISTENED
THE NEW TESLA MODEL 3 HIGHLAND FIXES NEARLY EVERYTHING WE HATED ABOUT THE OLD CAR
2023 Lexus RZ
Lexus says it will make only battery-powered vehicles by 2035, and the new RZ 450e is the brand’s first dedicated EV. This midsize crossover indicates Lexus’ future lineup will have luxurious appeal, but we find this first effort lacking in crucial areas.
2024 Land Rover Defender
The Defender 130 is a tricky one to judge. On one hand, it potentially improves upon a design and package we previously lauded enough to crown as our 2021 SUV of the Year in the form of the standard Defender 110. The 130 is more than a foot longer than the 110 and has more room for people and stuff, stretching the existing design into a new body style. (The 130’s wheelbase remains unchanged.)
2024 Kia Seltos
If you’ve been a fan of Kia’s recent styling direction but don’t want to pay top dollar for it, the 2024 Kia Seltos is a great way to get a rolling piece of that design aesthetic at a reasonable price.
2023 Jeep Compass
When asked to identify an off-road vehicle, the average person will point to just about any Jeep.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The Kona enters its second generation for 2024 with a new design language. It’s larger than the outgoing Kona, too, and its uncommonly ornate (for this class) and unmistakable design is something we’re already seeing in other upcoming Hyundai products. Having really liked the previous Kona, would our judges warm to this one?
2023 Ford Escape
The Escape is one of those SUVs that hasn’t ranked at the top of its class for a long time, but every time we drive one, we’re pleasantly surprised. Although it perpetually feels a little outdated, there’s some inherent goodness baked into the Escape.