2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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 capture the iconic design status of its predecessor. The large, oddly-shaped grille seemed more fitting for the larger 5 Series, and the rest of the design lacked distinctive features. While the M Sport trim package added some flair with M 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 synthetic Sensatec material was standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although featuring all-new body panels, maintained a familiar look that might have been hard to distinguish from the previous generation for non-enthusiasts. The new GTI was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette and a short wheelbase that promised nimbleness. The front end featured a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake and a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. The GTI also boasted aerodynamic improvements, including redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. Standard red brake calipers and various wheel sizes depending on the trim added to its sporty appeal. The GTI offered a range of colors, including some fun options like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three powertrains. The base 330i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a less powerful version of that engine with electric assist for a total of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, featuring an XtraBoost overboost function. The M340i came with a turbo inline-six engine, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All 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 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. The 330e matched the 330i's acceleration time 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 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque available at a low 1,750 rpm. The engine was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters. The GTI was front-wheel drive only. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly higher with the automatic. The GTI's retuned suspension, lighter front assembly, and stiffer rear springs improved handling. Various drive modes and an electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced the driving experience. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, providing a comfortable yet sporty ride.

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

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in both performance and practicality. It offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's center stack was angled toward the driver, featuring a "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI comfortable for rear-seat passengers. The GTI was well-suited for daily driving and family transport.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with the standard iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and 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 and navigation, with a head-up display (HUD) also available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. Multiple control options included the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The display spanned 10.25 inches and was standard on all trims. The infotainment system featured an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in the SE and Autobahn trims. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity were included. The SE and Autobahn trims had a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, including remote access, emergency assistance, WiFi capability, map updates, natural language controls, and online radio.

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 had not published safety ratings for the 2021 3 Series. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with parking sensors in the front and rear bumpers. The Autobahn trim added Park Assist technology for automatic parking. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the 2022 GTI.