2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Acura TLX

When the 2020 BMW 3 Series appeared, it drew comparisons to majestic marine life, evoking awe and wonder much like the humpbacks off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts. The vehicle's aesthetically aquatic design elements—lidded headlights, a curved and bulging hood, wide lower air intakes, and an oversize grille—provided an imposing presence. Although the car's price started at a steep $40,750 for a base model and could soar to $69,570 with all options, including the M340i xDrive with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, it was deemed worth every penny for its driving pleasure. The array of interior colors and materials allowed for personalization, and the off-white Ivory leather contrasted beautifully with the otherwise black cabin and Tanzanite Blue exterior of the test car. The cabin's quality feel and authentic materials reinforced BMW's commitment to premium craftsmanship.

In comparison, the 2021 Acura TLX was a sleek and assertive sedan in a crowded sporty class. The TLX stood out with its steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. Its front grille seemed to burst from the central Acura logo, flanked by squinting "jewel eye" LED headlights. Two trapezoidal tailpipes emphasized its sporty intent. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash, authentic materials, and a good hand feel. The 10.2-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and tight, evenly matched components accentuated the quality craftsmanship. The attention to detail extended to the fonts and visual elements, making the interiors look cohesive and modern.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series had undergone significant changes to regain its top driving dynamics status. A robust 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a rear-biased xDrive system, ensured a thrilling ride. The M340i’s engineering excellence, including speed-sensing power assist steering and variable sport steering, contributed to its tossable nature. The car raced from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, courtesy of a well-calibrated 8-speed automatic transmission and a launch control feature. Despite some lamentation over the absence of manual transmission, the overall driving experience was exhilarating. Improved structural rigidity, reduced unsprung mass, new lift-related dampers, and M Adaptive underpinnings made the 3 Series a top contender in performance and handling.

Acura matched the TLX’s sporty exterior with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured advanced technologies such as Grade Logic Control for hill driving, Shift Hold Control for aggressive driving, and Cornering G Shift Control to maintain stability during turns. The car's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to select from Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Individual modes to suit their driving preferences. Advanced adaptive dampers in the A-Spec and Advanced packages further refined ride behavior, and the car's increased torsional stiffness improved handling and balance. The TLX felt nimble and responsive, offering a solid and substantial feel over various road conditions.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured seats that were simple yet supportive, holding occupants in place during aggressive driving while offering comfort over long distances. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in the M340i xDrive, ready for colder climates. However, a ventilated seat option was notably absent. Rear-seat entry proved less convenient, but once seated, passengers found ample support and comfort. Some controls, particularly climate and volume controls, were less intuitive, but the widescreen infotainment system was well-integrated, with the best version of iDrive and excellent voice recognition. The trunk, though deep, was narrow at 17 cubic feet—barely capable of holding a full-sized suitcase.

The TLX benefitted from its design freedom enabled by shift-by-wire technology. The gear selector was a low-profile control panel inspired by the NSX, surrounded by paddle shifters on the steering wheel, making the center console available for infotainment controls and spacious storage. The rear seats were comfortable for two adults with adequate head- and legroom, while the driver and front passenger enjoyed 12-way adjustable sport bucket seats with standard heating and optional ventilation. The rear seats split 60/40 to extend the trunk's 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which, though smaller than the BMW’s, offered a 47.6-inch-wide opening and 42.4-inch depth for better utility.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series boasted the latest version of iDrive, featuring a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, gesture control, and a console-mounted knob. The menu pathways were instinctive, and the touchscreen's smartphone-like operations were user-friendly. Gesture control allowed twirling fingers to adjust volume and thumbs to change radio stations. The “Hey, BMW” voice recognition system responded to natural commands, proving highly effective in interacting with navigation, climate, and more. This vehicle also featured a state-of-the-art head-up display visible even with polarized sunglasses, further enhancing driving safety and convenience.

The 2021 Acura TLX showcased a mix of performance and occupant-focused technology. The drive-by-wire systems enhanced the car's responsiveness, while the Grade Logic, Shift Hold, and Cornering G Shift Controls optimized transmission actions for varied driving scenarios. The stunning 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system provided one of the best factory sound experiences. The infotainment suite included voice-recognition navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The head-up display in the Advance Package was also visible with polarized sunglasses. Additionally, ambient lighting options allowed for a personalized cabin atmosphere, complementing the TLX's sporty yet luxurious feel.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance packages to access all the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). While these systems were accurate, they sometimes lacked smoothness, and driving purists might prefer handling the car themselves. The abrupt lane-keeping assist reminded drivers of BMW's expectation for active driver involvement. The car achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, highlighting its commitment to safety.

All 2021 Acura TLX models came equipped with the AcuraWatch suite, which included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included advanced airbag systems, pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Available features like rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system enhanced its safety profile. While the 2021 TLX had not been tested by IIHS or NHTSA, previous models scored well, and Acura aimed for top ratings with its latest design.