2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 topped the range. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Pro and Adaptive M Suspension. The M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and high-performance tires contributed to its appealing styling and dynamic handling.

Inside, the M340i's perforated SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color contrasted sharply with the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials in complementary tones and textures, with a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury. The M340i's technical design and performance-oriented features made it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, making it appear larger than its class. It was over three inches wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a nearly three-inch wider track at the rear and almost two inches at the front. The TLX's design included thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial presence. The Type S variant added exclusive features like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The Type S also had four fat exhaust pipes and fully open front air intakes for additional cooling.

Inside, the TLX's compact sedan dimensions were evident, with snug rear seating but decent headroom. The front seats were comfortable, with the Type S offering faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with real metal shift paddles. The interior design featured contrasting colors and shapes, with upper trims adding LED strips and light matte wood for a Scandinavian vibe. The TLX's interior materials and fit were impressive, but the touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, and optional Adaptive M Suspension contributed to its precise handling and driving dynamics. The M340i returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg combined.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for improved stability and handling. The Type S variant had a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque at 1,400 rpm. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and SH-AWD system provided balanced and predictable handling. The Type S's fuel economy was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved 21/29/24 mpg.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support and a perfect driving position. The rear seats offered enough legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center rear seat was less practical. The M340i had a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. The 17 cubic-foot trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats provided decent cargo space, though a sports wagon variant would have been more practical.

The 2022 Acura TLX's interior was tight for four passengers, with decent headroom but limited legroom in the rear. The front seats were comfortable, with the Type S offering adjustable side bolsters and a thigh extension. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the pushbutton gear selector took time to get used to. The TLX's trunk space was 13.5 cubic feet, less than a Honda Civic, and the double-wishbone suspension took up more space than a conventional setup.

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 center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system were standard, though the Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system was no longer available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, but the small typefaces were difficult to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions from the steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. The Technology Package linked the climate control to the navigation system and included features like Jewel Eye LED headlights and a full suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. 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, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were included in the Technology Package and higher trims.