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

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 offered a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 stood at the top. 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 M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, with 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.

Inside, the M340i's perforated SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color provided a sharp contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series boasted quality materials in complementary tones and textures, with a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury. The M340i's styling had undeniable appeal, avoiding the controversial grille of the M3, and the 19-inch wheels in Cerium Grey gave the car a perfect stance. Overall, the 3 Series offered a blend of performance and practicality, with a technical design that stayed true to its driving-focused heritage.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offering a variety unmatched by other models. Sedans came with an E350 model designation, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all variants were available as an E450, powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive also available. Driving enthusiasts could opt for an AMG-tuned E-Class, with the AMG E53 model offering a more powerful version of the E450's engine.

The AMG E53 Cabriolet test vehicle, priced at $85,400, featured ten grand worth of matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim, with an as-tested MSRP nearing $110,000. The car's design purity was evident, with AMG styling, larger wheels, a convertible top, and a matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, exuding luxury. The E53 Cabriolet's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet cruiser or a performance machine, with the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes transforming its character as needed.

The 2022 BMW M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, returning 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, just shy of the EPA rating of 26 mpg. The engine produced 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 power flowed to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension.

BMW claimed the M340i could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and the car's performance was impressive, with quick and precise responses. The transmission behaved flawlessly, and the car felt hard-wired to the driver's inputs, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons. The M340i's driving dynamics were unflappable, and it remained the standard against which other sports sedans were measured. The M340i provided thrilling performance, making it a highly recommended choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power and torque were available across a wide rev range, ensuring robust throttle response. Mercedes quoted an acceleration time of 4.4 seconds to 60 mph. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system delivered the engine's power to the pavement, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car's character.

The AMG E53 Cabriolet had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with the test car featuring optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet cruiser or a performance machine, with the AMG Dynamic Select transforming its character. The E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed, with the amplified exhaust note adding to the driving experience. The car's three-season, top-down driving suitability was highlighted during a chilly week in Southern California, with heated features ensuring comfort.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional four-door sedan design, offered driving satisfaction without sacrificing passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support, a perfect driving position, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. Rear seat passengers had enough legroom for four relatively tall people, though the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The back seat provided good thigh support, but the rigid plastic panels on the front seatbacks required caution.

The M340i came with a three-zone automatic climate control system, with the Premium package adding a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Heated rear seats were available, but ventilated front seats were not. Interior storage space was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding design for added utility. However, a BMW M340i sports wagon would have been a better option, though Americans' preference for SUVs meant it was not available.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seats and an Aircap system to reduce turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system was also standard. For hot weather, sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available, with the triple-layer acoustic soft top keeping the cabin cool and quiet.

The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, providing comfort on long drives. With the top raised, the trunk held 9.5 cubic feet of cargo, but this volume was halved with the top dropped, offering limited trunk space.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the traditional round analog gauges were missed, the infotainment technology package worked well. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, though the 16-speaker Harman Kardon system was no longer available.

Connected Package Pro technology was standard, with BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant providing conversational voice recognition. The system responded accurately to various queries and requests, and the BMW Assist eCall system's SOS button summoned help in emergencies. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was complex yet simple to use, with swipe and scroll functions for the steering wheel buttons requiring acclimation. MBUX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available.

MBUX allowed interaction through the touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, or touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. The system could be customized to personal preferences, adding to its ease of use. The most common challenges included remembering where features were within the menu structure and accidentally waking the digital assistant. In a convertible, wind noise could cause confusion, but this was expected.

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 a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package further added lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for semi-autonomous driving. The Emergency Stop Assistant detected unresponsive drivers and brought the car to a safe stop.

The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with models equipped with adaptive LED headlights qualifying for the accolade. The car also received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were also standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for an impact and protecting ears from damage during a collision.

Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were standard. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The package provided impressive driver aids, with adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist standing out.