2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat presented a familiar exterior, echoing the design language of its predecessors and the VW Jetta. Its exterior styling was straightforward, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Inside, the Passat's dashboard retained a traditional layout, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen that lacked the latest VW technology. The interior materials leaned towards glossy plastic, which, while not luxurious, were easy to maintain. The Passat was designed to be user-friendly, offering a comfortable and accessible driving experience. It was available in four trims, with the R-Line providing a sporty appearance and additional features.

In contrast, the 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded a more dynamic and sophisticated presence. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights and prominent grille, gave it an aquatic and powerful look. The M340i trim, in particular, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. Despite its higher price point, the 3 Series offered a range of interior customization options, including high-quality leather and a variety of colors. The cabin was designed with a focus on quality and comfort, making it a compelling choice for those who valued both performance and luxury.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 6-speed automatic transmission that powered the front wheels, offering a straightforward and uncomplicated driving experience. The Passat's powertrain was appreciated for its simplicity, and it delivered a fuel economy of 26 mpg during testing, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The car's steering was light yet precise, and its brakes were effective, though the suspension tuning was criticized for being too stiff over bumps and too soft over undulations.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i trim, boasted a robust turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M340i's performance was enhanced by structural and suspension improvements, making it a joy to drive. The car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. While some enthusiasts missed the manual transmission, the automatic was praised for its precision and responsiveness.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide seats and ample room for five passengers. It featured practical storage solutions, including sizable cupholders and a generous trunk space of 15.9 cubic feet. The Passat's interior materials varied by trim, with options for cloth, V-Tex leatherette, and genuine leather upholstery. The car's design prioritized comfort and utility, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series provided supportive front seats that were both comfortable and accommodating for long drives. The M340i xDrive test car included high-quality leather, front-seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. While rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, the seats offered excellent support. The 3 Series featured a well-integrated infotainment system and generous storage space, with a trunk capacity of 17 cubic feet. However, the trunk's narrow design limited its practicality for larger items.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system was basic, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen with App Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. While it lacked advanced technology, it covered essential functions and included a CD player and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SEL trim offered navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's simplicity was seen as a refreshing departure from more complex systems.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured the latest version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system, offering a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive and easy to use, with multiple ways to interact. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was particularly impressive, responding to natural commands. The car also included a head-up display that was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The car also featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top rating of Good from the IIHS.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered advanced driving assistance systems through optional packages. While the systems were accurate, they sometimes lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist was notably abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.