2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to its roots with a design reminiscent of its larger siblings, the 5 Series and 7 Series. However, the G20 3 Series didn't quite capture the iconic status of its predecessor, the E30. The oversized grille, which suited the larger models, seemed out of place on this smaller sedan. While the M Sport trim added some flair with 19-inch wheels and blue brake calipers, the standard Sport Line trim was less impressive. Inside, the design was appealing, but the materials fell short of luxury expectations, with an abundance of plastic and faux wood trim. Leather upholstery was an optional upgrade, and the M heated steering wheel seemed mismatched with the otherwise conservative interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler 300 maintained its classic "three-box design" since its 2014 facelift, offering a timeless and straightforward profile. The design evoked a sense of nostalgia without veering into retrofuturism. The 300's appearance was consistent across trims, from the base model to the high-end 300S, with a tough, no-nonsense grille and adaptive HID lamps available on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S. Inside, the Chrysler 300 boasted interior quality that rivaled more expensive cars, with Nappa leather upholstery standard on higher trims and heated seats available. The 300's design allowed it to stand proudly at any valet stand.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base 330i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a less powerful version of this engine with electric assist, achieving 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with an XtraBoost function for added power. The M340i featured a turbo inline-six engine, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the choice of rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. The M340i could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the 330i took 5.6 seconds. Despite its hybrid components, the 330e matched the 330i's acceleration time, but the transition from electric to gasoline power was clunky. The 3 Series excelled in chassis solidity, offering a comfortable ride and excellent handling, but lacked the engaging driving experience of previous models.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, while not designed for speed, provided solid performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also offered a 5.7-liter V8 with 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, the only V8 in its class. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The 300 delivered a quiet and comfortable ride, with the V8 providing a fun driving experience. The 300's driving experience was more traditional luxury, without attempting to mimic European cars.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered better interior space than most small luxury sedans, with segment-leading rear headroom and above-average front headroom. Legroom was average, potentially causing discomfort for rear passengers with tall front-seat occupants. The 3 Series lacked the shoulder room of competitors like the Acura TLX. Gasoline models provided 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e's battery pack reduced it to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's shape required an awkward reach, though a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The cockpit was well-designed, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access and good outward visibility.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 excelled in interior space, offering generous legroom with 41.8 inches in the front and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Lexus ES350. The 300 provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, beating the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. Trunk volume was strong at 16.3 cubic feet, accommodating about four large suitcases. The 300's spacious interior made it a comfortable choice for passengers.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series featured the standard iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only offered CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was premium, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. BMW provided multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls, allowing users to choose their preferred method.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its intuitive Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system was praised for its functionality, with prominent knobs and excellent steering wheel controls. The Popular Equipment Group added advanced features like a 506-watt amp, nine Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof. The 300's infotainment system was user-friendly and offered a range of desirable options.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests, though headlight scores were mixed. The optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention than the base system. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 3 Series. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional packages offered features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, except for "Marginal" scores in small overlap tests and a "Poor" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 300 a four-star overall crash test rating, with a five-star rating for side barrier and side pole crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available in higher trims and packages, with options like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.