2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 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 distinct powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology offering 23 miles of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology and dynamic tuning for enhanced handling, while the high-performance M3 topped the range.

The M340i test vehicle featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, bringing the total price to $67,390. The M Performance exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. The Cooling and High-Performance Tire package added 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, resulting in a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale look, with the Cognac color adding a trendy contrast to the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior boasted quality materials and a technical design focused on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and rising interest rates, making it a rarity on the road. The TLX Type S test vehicle, priced at $59,100, featured Tiger Eye Pearl paint, a performance wheel and tire package, and premium floor mats. The latest TLX design, based on a concept vehicle, showcased a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive look, though the dramatic styling impacted rear-seat room and cargo space.

Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard design emphasized width but sacrificed practicality with a control layout that required relearning. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive started at $41,045. Option packages included the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, with SH-AWD available on the Advance and Type S models. The TLX A-Spec offered a choice between front-wheel drive and SH-AWD.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 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 achieved 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg. The car accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, offering impressive speed and handling.

The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension for enhanced driving dynamics. The car's performance was thrilling, with precise response and a perfect balance of power and control. The M340i's driving experience was hard-wired to the driver's inputs, making it a top choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim and drivetrain, the engine achieved between 24 mpg and 25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode.

The TLX Type S, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and reached a top speed of 155 mph. The Type S included performance enhancements such as a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, Brembo front calipers, and 20-inch wheels. The car averaged 20 mpg during the evaluation drive, with the performance modifications providing an enjoyable driving experience. However, the brake-by-wire system proved less satisfying, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. The rear seat provided adequate legroom for four tall passengers, though the center rear seating position was less practical. The car featured 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 seat added utility, though a sports wagon version would have been preferable.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges with low-contrast red markings were less user-friendly. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats offered excellent comfort, but the rear seat was cramped with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more in line with a compact car than a midsize model.

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 navigation. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant for conversational voice recognition. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it was challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons on the center console. The system's one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and display proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. The TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was less conversational than rivals. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system in higher trims provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring 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 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The TLX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.