2022 Acura TLX vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

In the past, BMW decided to revert to their traditional approach of giving their sedans a familial look, often referred to as “same sausage, different lengths” by brand enthusiasts. The 2021 BMW 3 Series, also known as the G20 3 Series, was designed to mirror the larger 5 Series and 7 Series sedans. However, while the classic E30 3 Series became a celebrated design icon, the G20's aesthetics leaned towards stuffiness. The prominent, oddly-shaped grille looked fitting on the larger 5 Series but seemed disproportionate on this smaller sedan. Besides the grille and headlights, which referenced the “halo” lights on older models, there wasn’t much about the G20 that stood out. Despite this, many customers seemed primarily interested in the badge on the hood.

The test car, at least, featured M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, which added some flair, but these were optional extras included in the M Sport trim package. Standard Sport Line trim packages for the 330e and 330i came with 18-inch wheels of a different design.

Inside, the design was pleasant but hampered by unimpressive materials. The cabin felt somewhat basic, with plastic trim looking almost indistinguishable from Ash wood trim. Genuine leather upholstery was an optional extra, with synthetic Sensatec material being the standard. The interior also housed an M heated steering wheel, which appeared slightly out of place in the otherwise conservatively styled space.

The 2022 Acura TLX projected the wide and long stance of a larger luxury sedan. It brought to mind the 1990s Pontiac slogan "Wider is Better." At over three inches wider than the BMW 3 Series, the TLX appeared big and substantial. The track width was nearly three inches wider at the back and almost two inches at the front. Visual elements like thin headlights pressed against a five-sided grille, a front bumper with V-shaped curves, and large tailpipes at both sides contributed to its commanding presence. It was nine inches longer than the 3 Series, with most of the additional length focused on the low-slung hood.

Acura kept the design relatively fuss-free, with only the L-shaped running lights and starburst effect on the grille nodding to current trends. The Type S edition introduced exclusive features like a distinct Tiger Eye Pearl gold paint color and a Performance Red Pearl that complemented the car’s polished black rear diffuser, chin spoiler extensions, grille, and trunk spoiler. The 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, inspired by the Acura NSX, were particularly striking and showcased the fiery red brake calipers which pierced through the open design.

Inside, the TLX felt snug despite its large exterior dimensions. Intricate detailing could be seen across various trims, and upper trims like the Advance package embedded thin LED strips in light matte wood, evoking a Scandinavian airport lounge vibe.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three different powertrains. The base 330i hosted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid utilized a less powerful version of that engine with electric assist, delivering a combined output of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The BMW M340i boasted a turbo inline-six engine cranking out 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All powertrains were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and were available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD).

BMW quoted a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds for the M340i, while the base 330i managed the sprint in 5.6 seconds. The RWD 330e matched the gasoline 330i’s acceleration, managing 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds despite the additional weight from the battery pack and hybrid components.

Driving the 330e was a bit less enjoyable, as the transition from electric to gasoline power felt clunky and the car infrequently hesitated during purely electric starts. The car’s chassis exhibited the typical solid feel of a BMW, offering a comfortable ride and excellent handling. However, the engaging driving dynamics that the brand was known for seemed diminished. Cornering didn’t generate much excitement, and overall, the experience felt underwhelming for those seeking an engaging performance sedan.

The 2022 Acura TLX packed impressive power across its lineup. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifted rapidly and efficiently across all driving conditions.

Though starting with front-wheel drive, the TLX shone with the optional Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which cost an additional $2000. This system, which allows torque to be distributed to individual rear wheels as needed, improved stability and handling precision. In comparison, the 3 Series still used RWD or xDrive AWD.

The real star of the TLX range was the Type S variant, boasting a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine that pumped out 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. A few laps at Palmer Motorsports Park revealed just how track-ready the TLX Type S was, thanks to the double-wishbone front suspension, Pirelli P Zero summer tires, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front brakes.

The engine delivered broad torque with minimal turbo lag, and the Sport+ driving mode enhanced the overall handling dynamics. The steering provided decent road feel, while the Brembo brakes bit hard and consistently. However, the subdued exhaust note was a minor letdown for those expecting a more audible performance statement. Despite its sporty nature, the Type S maintained comfort on regular roads albeit with noisier P Zero tires.

In terms of fuel economy, the TLX Type S averaged 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined on summer tires, slightly better on all-seasons. The regular TLX SH-AWD came in at 21/29/24 mpg, and the FWD version managed 21/31/25 mpg.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series stood out among small luxury sedans for its relatively generous interior space. It boasted impressive rear headroom, only second to the Infiniti Q50, and above-average front headroom. Legroom in both rows was average, implying that taller passengers might find the rear somewhat cramped, especially with long-legged front occupants. Meanwhile, the BMW couldn’t match the Acura TLX’s generous shoulder room, making the latter feel more spacious.

In terms of cargo capacity, gasoline 3 Series models offered 17 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing its competition. However, the 330e plug-in hybrid’s lithium-ion battery pack reduced that space to 13.2 cubic feet, and the trunk’s long, narrow shape could be cumbersome to utilize fully. A 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat did add some practicality.

BMW’s focus on the driver was evident in the cockpit’s design. Everything was positioned to facilitate ease of use while driving, from the intuitive touchscreen to the low hood line and ample side glass that enhanced outward visibility.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior dimensions, felt confined for four occupants inside. The rear seats benefited from decent headroom, partly due to the absence of a panoramic moonroof, but legroom was limited. The wheelbase was only slightly longer than that of the BMW 3 Series. Front-seat comfort was commendable, with the Type S’s seats featuring a thigh extension and adjustable side bolsters for better support.

Acura’s touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimatization. Unlike usual cursor trackpads, this touchpad responded to specific touch locations, requiring users to touch and hold for menu selections. The unconventional pushbutton, pull-tab gear selector also demanded a new muscle memory but functioned adequately once mastered.

The TLX’s climate control was straightforward, but its trunk space was underwhelming at 13.5 cubic feet, less than a Honda Civic’s. The ample body dimensions could have allowed for more cabin or trunk space, but the double-wishbone suspension might have claimed some of that potential room.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came standard with BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. While gasoline models included both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 330e only offered CarPlay. An optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster and navigation, with a head-up display also available.

With the Live Cockpit Professional setup, the infotainment system in the 330e test car felt particularly premium. High-quality graphics and responsive screens highlighted this, and the intuitive controls surpassed those found in competitor systems.

BMW offered multiple control methods, from the traditional iDrive controller to steering wheel controls and a voice assistant activated by saying “Hey BMW.” Gesture controls, such as twirling a finger to adjust volume, added futuristic flair but seemed superfluous given the availability of a functional volume knob.

While the TLX’s infotainment interface was straightforward, some of the typefaces were too small, making certain settings and menus hard to read. The instrument panel’s central display also suffered from small typeface issues. The TLX’s head-up display allowed interaction with various functions straight from the steering wheel, a feature limited to the Advance Package.

The Technology Package connected the climate control to navigation, adjusting air based on the sun's position and intensity. Standard features included “Jewel Eye” LED headlights, a full suite of driver assistance features under AcuraWatch, and other convenience items often charged extra by competitors like a garage door opener and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The ELS Studio audio system, boasting 17 speakers including four adjustable roof ones, came standard in the higher trims and provided excellent sound quality. The TLX also supported quick and accurate voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series earned a “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), scoring top “Good” ratings in all crash tests. However, headlight scores varied, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention compared to the base system.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published safety ratings for the 2021 BMW 3 Series. BMW followed the typical luxury automaker trend of charging extra for many safety features standard on less expensive cars. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, and other features. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning were standard, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking-assist packages with a 360-degree camera system were optional.

The 2022 Acura TLX, starting with the 2021 model year, was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, achieving top scores in all six crash tests, for headlight visibility and anti-glare, and for the response of its standard forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The NHTSA awarded the TLX a five-star overall score.

Standard safety equipment included knee airbags for driver and passenger, a unique Honda-engineered passenger airbag, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were included in the Technology Package and higher trims.