2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Chrysler 300

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design, reminiscent of an era gone by, with its three-box silhouette that was both simple and iconic. Despite its old-school appearance, the 300 exuded a sense of pride and elegance, making it a head-turner at any valet stand. The car's exterior featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims like the Touring L and 300S offered adaptive HID lamps. The grille options varied between black and chrome, maintaining a tough, no-nonsense look. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S, providing a range of aesthetic choices.

Inside, the Chrysler 300 offered a luxurious experience with interior quality that rivaled more expensive vehicles. The base 300 Touring featured cloth upholstery, while the 300 Touring L and 300S boasted Nappa leather upholstery, with the latter including perforated inserts and accent stitching. Heated front seats were standard on the top trims, with heated rear seats available as an option, enhancing the comfort and luxury feel of the vehicle.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i model, showcased a blend of sporty design and luxury. The M340i featured a special-order Barbera Red paint and Cognac-color SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, creating a striking visual appeal. The exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, with optional 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. The M340i's styling was both appealing and functional, avoiding the controversial grille design of the M3.

Inside, the M340i offered a driver-focused experience with power-adjustable front sport seats and a perfectly shaped steering wheel for comfort and grip. The rear seats provided adequate legroom for four adults, though the center seat was less practical. The interior featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with options for heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The trunk offered 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for speed enthusiasts, but it offered respectable performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine delivered 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, while the 300S trim offered 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option for an additional cost, except on the 300S.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This engine produced 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and paddle shifters. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. The car featured M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with an optional Adaptive M Suspension for enhanced handling. The M340i's driving dynamics were exceptional, providing a thrilling and responsive experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Lexus ES350. The car provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, classifying it as a midsize sedan, and a trunk capacity of 16.3 cubic feet, accommodating four large suitcases.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i provided a comfortable and practical interior, with power-adjustable front sport seats and a driver-focused layout. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, though the center seat was less practical. The car featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with options for heated seats. The trunk offered 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 featured the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering intuitive controls and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Popular Equipment Group added premium audio, navigation, and a sunroof for an additional cost.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car included Connected Package Pro technology, with BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice recognition.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating. Safety features included active head restraints, airbags, and optional advanced safety packages.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a standard Active Guard package with forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added more advanced features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.