2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to captivate with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a daring yet refined appearance. The sedan version, which was tested, provided a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, came with all-wheel drive and offered a Premium Plus trim, enhancing its allure. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus version, featured high-quality materials like Nappa leather, and the design focused on the driver, with a clear emphasis on premium aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4 shared its styling cues with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. Despite its sedan-like appearance, the i4 was more aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base model. The i4's design included lighter alloy wheels and a mix of steel and aluminum for the body shell, contributing to its structural rigidity. Inside, the i4 balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. However, the interior materials, while up to BMW's standards, did not include standard leather upholstery.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 hp with 87-octane. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an advanced i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The Turbo model's performance was transformative, offering smooth and predictable power delivery. The car's dynamic tuning, including stiffer suspension components, provided a sporty driving experience, while the brakes and tires were well-calibrated for maximum driving pleasure. Despite its performance, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered two powertrain options: the base eDrive40 with 335 horsepower and the M50 with 536 hp. The M50's dual-motor setup enabled a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The i4's handling was enhanced by a low center of gravity and adaptive suspension, providing a smooth ride even in Sport mode. The Dynamic Handling Package further improved the i4's agility, making it a fun and playful drive despite its weight. The i4's braking system used an electric actuator for natural pedal feel, while the adaptive recuperation system adjusted regenerative braking levels, though it lacked consistency for one-pedal driving.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features like power-adjustable passenger seats and rear-seat amenities. Storage was adequate, but the wireless charging pad's location reduced console space. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided more utility with up to 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 BMW i4's seating position was low, but visibility remained good. The fastback roof limited headroom, and the seats felt flat and hard. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the wireless charging pad was small, and the lack of a power-adjustable steering column was noted. The i4 offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors, but its hatchback design allowed for easier loading. Unlike some rivals, the i4 did not include a front trunk.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice recognition were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, which offered good audio quality, especially with FLAC files. The Active Driving Display provided useful information, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OTA updates. The user experience was familiar to BMW drivers, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition. The i4 also offered a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, and 5G connectivity, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-centering assistance. The Premium Plus trim added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW i4's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Parking Assistant Package offered a 360-degree camera and parking sensors. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.