2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Audi A4

The Audi A4 lineup boasted a variety of models including the elegant A4 sedan, the versatile A4 Allroad, and the performance-driven S4. We focused on the A4 sedan for this review, specifically the 45 TFSI model in the Prestige trim, which came with a striking Tango Red paint job, a Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, and ventilated front seats. The MSRP was $55,890, positioning it near the top end of the A4 spectrum.

Externally, the A4 embodied minimalist, clean lines that provided an excellent canvas for the bold Tango Red paint and the detailing from the Black Optic package. The beautifully designed five-arm rotor wheels were a standout feature, completing a remarkably attractive exterior.

Inside, the aesthetic continued with an emphasis on a simplistic, yet sophisticated design. The interior was primarily black, but aluminum trim, gloss-black décor, and metallic accents prevented it from appearing too dark. The integration of the air vents into the dashboard was smooth, and the control labels were intuitive with white markings against a matte-black background. High-quality materials such as the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit stood out, though the tablet-style touchscreen felt a bit misplaced.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup was diverse, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, and the halo model M3. Prices started at $41,450 and escalated up to $73,000. Each model came with distinctive powertrains, with our focus being on the mid-range M340i.

The test vehicle sported special-order Barbera Red paint, a steep $4,500 upgrade, paired with Cognac-colored SensaTec upholstery and an optionally wrapped SensaTec dashboard. Options included various packages for driving assistance, premium features, and the Adaptive M Suspension, culminating in a price tag of $67,390.

Inside, the perforated SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather convincingly, and the interior layout, though technical rather than luxurious, was in harmony with the car's driving-focused nature. The Cognac color provided a trendy contrast to the dark cabin, emphasizing the car's modern yet functional appeal.

The Audi A4 offered two powertrains: the 40 TFSI with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, and the 45 TFSI which ramped up to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The test model, a 45 TFSI, claimed a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and averaged 24.8 mpg in real-world testing, slightly below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The A4 used Audi's Quattro Ultra AWD system, primarily powering the front wheels but seamlessly transferring power to the rear when necessary. The car handled tightly, especially in Dynamic mode, though the feel was not as visceral as traditional Quattro systems. The vehicle delivered a refined experience throughout, with excellent tire grip and responsive S-tronic DCT. The rock-solid structure and suspension gave a satisfying ride quality without any unnecessary harshness, making high-speed bumps almost imperceptible.

The M340i came armed with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produced an impressive 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sport mode and paddle shifters, and boasted a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Remarkably, it nearly hit the EPA combined rating of 26 mpg during rigorous testing.

The M340i's driving dynamics were bolstered by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and the Adaptive M Suspension, offering unshakable driving precision and a fluid connection to the road. It excelled in driving routes through the Santa Monica Mountains, where its well-tuned chassis and exact steering responses made it a joy to drive. The M340i felt like an extension of the driver, offering a thrilling yet controlled experience.

The Audi A4's low ride height and smaller door openings made entry and exit a bit challenging. However, the front heated and ventilated seats offered excellent comfort with multiple power adjustments, including a thigh-support cushion and a sliding center armrest. Rear seat accommodation was less generous, with limited legroom and a constrained middle position. The climate control system was straightforward and efficient, separated from the infotainment system for ease of use.

Cargo capacity stood at 13 cubic feet, which was nicely finished with storage nets and enclosed hinges to avoid crushing luggage. The trunk provided sufficient floor space and grab handles for ease of closure, though interior storage was limited, with the charging pad taking up most of the center console bin.

The 3 Series excelled at balancing sportiness with practicality. The M340i’s power-adjustable front sport seats offered robust support and an ideal driving position. The rear seat provided adequate legroom for taller passengers, thanks to outboard bolstering similar to the A4. Rear accommodations included a 40/20/40-split folding seat and a pass-through for added utility.

The 3 Series offered a larger trunk at 17 cubic feet, emphasizing its practicality. The interior featured decent storage space, compensating for the lack of ventilated front seats. Although the M340i lacked rear heated seats as standard, it did come with a comprehensive climate control system.

The A4 focused on a user-friendly technology suite with the MIB3 version of Audi’s MMI, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen that, while not integrated into the design, was highly functional. It supported familiar smartphone gestures and provided acoustic feedback for ease of use. Essential features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-month trial of Audi Connect services, and a Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker audio system.

The system was straightforward with intuitive menu navigation, a quick-access Home button, and a responsive voice recognition system. The lack of physical controls was surprisingly manageable, owing to the easy-to-use touchscreen and dedicated climate controls. However, the head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 3 Series came equipped with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. While it lacked some of the aesthetic appeal of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus, it did offer a comprehensive suite of features including navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system. Gesture control was available, though it had mixed results in practice.

The system included BMW’s impressive Intelligent Personal Assistant, providing a conversational interface capable of handling various commands effectively. The optional head-up display faced the same issue as Audi’s with polarized sunglasses. Despite missing out on the Harman Kardon audio system in 2022, BMW’s tech setup remained robust and easy to navigate.

The A4 offered a tiered approach to safety, with the highest level found in the Prestige trim. Standard features included Audi Pre Sense, offering collision preparation and automatic emergency braking. High-end models came with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping systems, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and more. LED headlights with automatic high beams added to nighttime safety. The A4 earned top marks with a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

BMW’s standard safety tech for the 3 Series was limited compared to the Audi. Active Guard included basic forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Upgrading to the Driving Assistance packages added blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced features. An Emergency Stop Assistant offered additional protection by stopping the car safely if the driver became unresponsive. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, contingent on optioning adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, and also received five-star ratings from NHTSA.