2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a masterclass in understated design. Its conservative styling, marked by a 2-box design, honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets, belied the powerful performance it housed. The Rabbit Edition trim, with its gloss black finish and unique colors like Urano Gray and Cornflower Blue, added a touch of flair, though some found the gloss-black exterior trim and bunny badge a bit over the top. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design, clear instrumentation, and quality materials, including the whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery, created a cabin that was both functional and fun.

In contrast, the 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded a more aggressive and luxurious aura. Its design elements, such as lidded headlights, a bulging curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and an oversized grille, gave it an aquatic appearance reminiscent of majestic marine life. The M340i trim, in particular, stood out with its off-white Ivory leather interior contrasting sharply with the black cabin and Tanzanite Blue exterior paint. The interior was a blend of high-quality materials and purposeful design, though some controls were cryptic, and the digital instrumentation had a video game-like appearance. Nevertheless, the widescreen infotainment system and the latest iDrive version were highlights, making the 3 Series a tech-savvy choice.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which saw a power bump to 228 horsepower at 4,700 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all trims, enhanced traction and handling, making the GTI a hero on twisty roads. The 6-speed manual gearbox, with its light clutch action and short throws, added to the engaging driving experience. The GTI's lowered sport suspension provided a stiff ride, but the optional adaptive damping suspension on higher trims offered some relief. The progressive, variable-ratio steering was precise, and the brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, were sensitive and effective. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 25.1 mpg.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i trim, was a powerhouse with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The M340i's engineering package, including the rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, rear M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes, made it a joy to drive. The 8-speed automatic transmission, while a departure from traditional manual gearboxes, offered launch control and paddle shifters for an engaging experience. The M340i xDrive could rocket to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The car's structural and suspension changes, including variable sport steering and M Adaptive underpinnings, ensured it handled like a dream, making it a top choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a practical choice for families and driving enthusiasts alike. The front seats, with their robust bolsters and height adjustability, provided comfort and support. The dashboard design was clear and functional, with ample storage options, including a cavernous glove box and deep door-panel bins. The backseat offered acceptable comfort, though leg space was tight, and the narrow doors made entry and exit challenging. The trunk, with a claimed 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, seemed optimistic, but the maximum cargo space of 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded was impressive.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered a more luxurious interior with high-quality leather seats, front-seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, though rear-seat entry and exit were awkward. The rear seats provided excellent support, but exiting gracefully was a challenge. The infotainment system, with its touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and gesture control, was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to find. Storage space was generous, with a covered bin for a wireless smartphone charger and a deep but narrow trunk offering 17 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system varied by trim. The S and Rabbit Edition featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. The SE trim offered an upgraded system with an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The Autobahn trim added a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. The adaptive LED front lighting system was standard on all trims except the S.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series boasted a sophisticated iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with menu pathways that were easy to navigate. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was excellent, responding to natural commands for navigation, climate control, and more. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses. The controls on the center console were minimalistic but harder to use by touch.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot-monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added the Car-Net Safety & Security plan with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had an Acceptable rating for front passenger protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series could be equipped with advanced driving assistance systems through two Driving Assistance option packages. While the systems were accurate, they sometimes lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist system was abrupt, reminding drivers to stay attentive. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.