2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to a traditional familial look, reminiscent of the classic E30 3 Series. However, the G20 3 Series appeared stuffy, with a large, oddly-shaped grille that seemed out of place on the smaller sedan. The design lacked distinctive features beyond the grille and headlights, which referenced older models' "halo" lights. The M Sport trim package added some flair with M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, but the standard Sport Line trim package came with 18-inch wheels. The interior design was nice but marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and fake-looking Ash wood. Leather upholstery was optional, with synthetic Sensatec material as standard.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000. Each version had a different powertrain, with the M340i featuring a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The test vehicle had Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, and several optional packages, bringing the price to $67,390. The M340i had a standard M Performance exterior design treatment, exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline exterior trim, and blue brake calipers. The interior featured perforated SensaTec upholstery, a Cognac color scheme, and a technical design focused on driving enjoyment.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 330i, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque; a less-powerful version of that engine with electric assist in the 330e, for a combined output of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque; and a turbo inline-six in the M340i, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All three powertrains were available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M340i could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. The 330e matched the 330i's zero to 60 mph time despite its extra weight. However, the 330e's transition from electric to gasoline power was clunky, and the driving experience was less engaging than past 3 Series models.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, driving the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension, with an optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed the M340i could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's driving dynamics were impressive, with quick, precise steering response and a taut ride. The M340i felt hard-wired to the driver's inputs, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons and providing a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered better-than-average interior space for a small luxury sedan, with the best rear headroom in the segment and above-average front headroom. Legroom in both rows was about average, and the 3 Series lacked the generous shoulder room of some competitors. Gasoline models had 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e plug-in hybrid's battery pack reduced trunk space to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's long-and-narrow shape required an awkward reach to maximize space. The cockpit was well-designed, with a touchscreen positioned for easy reach and good outward visibility.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with plenty of support and a perfect driving position. The rear seat offered enough legroom for four relatively tall people, though the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The back seat was comfortable, with good thigh support, but the rigid plastic panels on the front seatbacks could be a nuisance. The M340i had a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available in the Premium package. Interior storage space was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space with a 40/20/40-split folding design.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with the standard BMW iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models had 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 user-friendly, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. BMW provided multiple ways to control the system, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls.

For 2022, BMW made Live Cockpit Professional with navigation standard for all 3 Series models, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The 3 Series had Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

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 than the base system in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2021 3 Series. Standard safety 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.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.