2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series marked a somewhat controversial return to familial styling—a trait deeply ingrained in BMW's design language. Fans might recall the iconic E30 3 Series, praised for its sleek aesthetics. However, the G20 iteration, although intended to mimic a smaller version of the 5 Series and 7 Series, seemed to fall short. The oversized and oddly shaped grille appeared disproportionate on the smaller sedan, detracting from its overall appeal. Beyond the grille and halo-esque headlights, distinguishing features were minimal. Even with M Sport trim extras like 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, the 3 Series struggled to appear as dynamic as its predecessors. The interior design, albeit visually pleasing, suffered from subpar materials. Plastic trim abounded, and the Ash wood looked unnervingly unauthentic. While leather upholstery was available, it was an optional extra—a luxury not standard for all.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 exuded a clean and conservative elegance, serving as a pristine canvas for enhancements like the Tango Red paint and the Black Optic Plus package. Our top-of-the-line Prestige 45 TFSI specification test car, adorned with 19-inch wheels and heightened with S-line Interior features, presented a profile that was a paragon of automotive design. The interior maintained a restrained but refined aesthetic. Black accents were tastefully complemented by aluminum trim and gloss black dashes to stave off monotony. Audi’s integration of air vents into the dashboard and the well-labeled controls added to the organized charm. High-quality materials and advanced digital instrumentation made the cabin both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, the tablet-style touchscreen seemed an afterthought rather than an integrated feature, somewhat marring the otherwise seamless design.

Under the hood, the 2021 BMW 3 Series offered multiple powertrain options. The base 330i used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, supplying 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid paired a less powerful version of that engine with electric assist for a combined 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, featuring an XtraBoost overboost function. The M340i topped the range with a turbo inline-six, churning out 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration figures were competitive: the M340i sprinted to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i did it in 5.6 seconds. However, despite the 330e's commendable acceleration (5.6 to 5.7 seconds), the transition from electric to gasoline power felt clumsy, and the overall driving experience lacked the engaging charm of past 3 Series models. The chassis retained its famed solidity, ensuring both comfortable rides and stable handling, yet the driving experience felt detached and less exhilarating.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a choice between the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI model series. The 40 TFSI harnessed a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in 6.3 seconds. The 45 TFSI ramped up the power to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, bringing the 0-60 mph time down to a brisk 5.2 seconds. Both engines funneled power through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission connected to a Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system. This setup ensured smooth and responsive shifting and impressive handling. During spirited drives, the A4's rear-end traction was noticeable but less visceral compared to traditional Quattro systems. The car's dynamics were joyful—refinement was evident both in town and on twisty mountain roads, with formidable tire grip and sturdy, unfazed brakes. The steering was adequately competent, if not commendable, and the vehicle remained impressively quiet inside.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series managed interior space rather well for a small luxury sedan. Rear headroom led the segment, while front headroom was decent but fell short of the Infiniti Q50. Legroom was average, posing potential discomfort for rear passengers, particularly with tall individuals occupying the front seats. The vehicle's shoulder room lagged behind competitors like the Acura TLX. Cargo capacity was a strong suit, with gasoline models offering 17 cubic feet of space. However, the 330e hybrid variant suffered from a reduced 13.2 cubic feet due to the battery pack, with the long, narrow trunk shape complicating max utilization. The driving position and ergonomics were exemplary, with everything oriented towards driver convenience, including a well-placed touchscreen and excellent visibility.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Audi A4’s low stance made entry and exit a tad challenging, and the small door openings didn't help. That said, once inside, front-seat comfort was superb, featuring power adjustments, thigh support, heating, and ventilation for an optimal driving position. The three-zone automatic climate system was intuitive, housed separately from the main infotainment screen. Rear seat space was snug, effectively limiting capacity to two adults due to the inward seating and harsh plastic and netted front seatbacks. While getting in and out wasn’t easy, shorter trips in the supportive, heated rear seats were tolerable. The A4's interior storage space was limited, with the center console and other compartments offering minimal utility. Trunk space was 13 cubic feet, efficiently designed with enclosed hinges and grab handles for easy closure, though smaller than the BMW's offering.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series featured the iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gas-powered models supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only supported CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system enhanced the experience with a digital instrument cluster and navigation, plus an available head-up display (HUD). Our test car’s infotainment system felt premium, boasting high-quality graphics, responsiveness, and intuitive controls. Multiple control methods included the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant activated by “Hey BMW,” and gesture controls. Although some features felt gimmicky, like gesture control for volume, the system offered versatile options for user preference.

The 2022 Audi A4 debuted a next-gen MMI system back in 2020, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen resembling an iPad clipped above the center air vents. Despite the inelegant execution, the tech was exceptional, supporting smartphone-like interactions such as swipe, scroll, pinch, and spread, with acoustic feedback for each selection. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Audi Connect services, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was straightforward to configure, though out of place visually. Its voice recognition technology was accurate but sluggish, necessitating patience from users. Physical controls were mostly absent, yet this wasn't a significant issue due to the intuitive touchscreen and separate climate control system. The Bang & Olufsen stereo offered impressive sound quality, although it deteriorated at higher volumes.

Safety-wise, the 2021 BMW 3 Series earned a “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS with top “Good” scores in all crash tests. The headlights received mixed reviews, and the Active Driving Assistant Professional driver-assist system scored lower than the base system in vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention. NHTSA had not released ratings for this model. Standard driver assists included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Other features, like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering, required the Driving Assistant Professional Package, which also included extended Traffic Jam Assistant.

Audi’s approach to safety features in the 2022 A4 varied by trim level. Our top-tier Prestige model boasted comprehensive safety tech under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella, including collision preparation, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist were also present. The A4's systems proved effective and generally non-intrusive, although there was a slight lag in the adaptive cruise control under certain conditions. Additional safety features included speed warnings and a safe following distance indicator. The A4 earned high safety ratings, securing a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.