2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

BMW returned to its traditional styling approach with the 2021 3 Series, aiming for a familial look reminiscent of the classic E30 3 Series. However, the G20 3 Series didn't quite achieve iconic status, appearing somewhat stuffy with its large, oddly-shaped grille. While the M Sport trim package added some flair with 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, the standard Sport Line trim was less impressive. The interior design was nice but marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and fake-looking Ash wood. Leather upholstery was optional, and the M heated steering wheel seemed out of place in the otherwise conservative interior.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its 2020 facelift, giving it a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This resulted in a more understated look compared to rivals like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry. The Passat's aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, aimed to improve fuel economy. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with SE and R-Line models getting larger wheels and sportier styling elements. The interior followed a clean, functional design with analog controls and good visibility, though some might find it plain. Materials were mostly plastic, with cloth upholstery on S models and V-Tex leatherette on SE and R-Line trims.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 330i with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a 330e plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft, and the M340i with a turbo inline-six producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD). The M340i could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the 330i took 5.6 seconds. The 330e matched the 330i's acceleration despite its extra weight, but the transition from electric to gasoline power was clunky. The 3 Series offered a solid chassis and comfortable ride but lacked the engaging driving experience of past models.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with a single powertrain: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). The engine's torque was impressive, but power delivery felt uneven, especially during highway overtakes. Switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved response. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness of competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were good but not exceptional.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered better-than-average interior space for a small luxury sedan, with excellent rear headroom and above-average front headroom. Legroom was average, and shoulder room was less generous than in the Acura TLX. Gasoline models had 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e's battery pack reduced this to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's long-and-narrow shape required an awkward reach, though a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The cockpit was well-designed, with a perfectly positioned touchscreen and good outward visibility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. Front legroom was below average, and front headroom was also lacking. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats that lacked thigh support. The Passat had 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, and door bottle holders were poorly shaped. The layout of controls was excellent, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with the standard iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Gasoline models included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only had CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a head-up display (HUD). The infotainment system was high-quality and responsive, with multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls. Some features felt gimmicky, but the system provided flexibility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. The touchscreen was small but included pinch-to-zoom capability, and basic functions were easily controlled with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked flashy features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system, but it offered a simple, user-friendly experience.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. However, headlight scores were mixed, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. The NHTSA hadn't published safety ratings for the 2021 3 Series. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering, while a lower-level package included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights received a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA hadn't published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. Adaptive cruise control was standard on all trims, along with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System, which enhanced safety after a collision.