2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution from its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvier form reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener, aimed to blend elegance with a touch of edginess. The E-Class featured squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, giving it a slightly more aggressive front, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite these updates, the E-Class maintained its reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms. Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxury, with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber adorning the cabin. The interior was a blend of decadent materials and modern technology, highlighted by two 12-inch screens and a digital instrument panel, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i model, offered a different aesthetic appeal. With its Barbera Red special-order paint and Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, the M340i exuded a sporty yet sophisticated vibe. The exterior design featured exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, contributing to its dynamic appearance. Inside, the 3 Series focused on a driver-centric experience, with power-adjustable front sport seats and a thick-rimmed steering wheel for optimal comfort and grip. The cabin was designed with quality materials and a technical aesthetic, emphasizing driving enjoyment over plush elegance. The 3 Series provided ample legroom for rear passengers, although the center rear seat was less practical. Overall, the 3 Series balanced sporty design with passenger comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, with the E450 model transitioning to a hybrid system featuring a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This engine, paired with a 48-volt electrical system, delivered 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with additional power from the battery's overboost. The AMG E53 model enhanced this setup with a second turbo, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-liter V8 engine, offered a staggering 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a performance powerhouse. Despite these impressive figures, the E-Class prioritized comfort and refinement over outright sportiness, with fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg combined for the E53 sedan and 18 mpg combined for the E63 sedan.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, provided exhilarating performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M340i's driving dynamics were further enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension, delivering precise handling and a connected driving experience. Despite its performance focus, the M340i achieved a respectable 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, close to the EPA's 26 mpg combined rating. The M340i's performance capabilities made it a thrilling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and luxurious cabin, accommodating four adults comfortably. The interior featured supportive cushions, ample headroom, and legroom, with knee cutouts and a scalloped roof for taller passengers. The E-Class sedan provided 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the wagon offered up to 64 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe and convertible models had less rear seat space, with the convertible's elegant folding soft top limiting usability. The E-Class's interior was user-friendly, with separate climate controls, drive mode switches, and seat controls on the doors, although mastering the dual screens required some learning.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i prioritized driver comfort and practicality, with power-adjustable front sport seats and a driver-focused cabin layout. The rear seats offered adequate legroom for four relatively tall passengers, although the center rear seat was less practical. The 3 Series featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. The trunk provided 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The M340i's interior balanced sporty design with passenger comfort, making it a versatile choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with improved organization and functionality. The system included natural voice processing, online searches, and a live feed from the front camera with overlay arrows for navigation. Optional features like massaging seats and seat kinetics added to the luxury experience. However, the system lacked over-the-air updates, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless. The E-Class offered a range of driving assists, including lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, 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 gesture control system. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, although the Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system was no longer available. The Connected Package Pro technology offered BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, providing conversational voice recognition for various commands. The M340i also featured a head-up display and a range of driver assistance features, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a leader in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, including Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during side collisions, and crosswind stabilization. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a standard Active Guard package with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and city-speed automatic emergency braking. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.