2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i model, was a testament to BMW's commitment to driving enjoyment. With a range of models from the 330i to the high-performance M3, the 3 Series offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a turbocharged six-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology. The M340i, priced at $67,390 with options, featured a special-order Barbera Red paint and Cognac SensaTec upholstery, enhancing its sporty and upscale appeal. The exterior design, with its exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, provided a perfect stance and undeniable appeal. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap added a touch of luxury, while the technical design focused on driving enjoyment.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language for BMW's luxury line, including the all-electric i7. The front-end styling, with its oversized grille and split lighting elements, was a departure from traditional BMW aesthetics, initially polarizing but potentially growing on observers over time. The 7 Series offered two style themes, M Sport and M Sport Professional, which altered the car's character with chrome or blacked-out accents. The interior was modern and minimal, featuring a broad horizontal layout with a crystal-like accent strip and a curved glass housing for the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were premium, with options like light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding a cozy feel. The rear seats, especially with the Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, provided a luxurious experience akin to business class on an airline.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered impressive performance, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The M340i's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the optional Adaptive M Suspension further refining its handling. Despite falling slightly short of the EPA's 26 mpg combined rating, the M340i's 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route was commendable given its spirited performance. The car's precise steering and responsive handling made it a joy to drive, especially on winding roads.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains: a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder in the 740i, producing 375 horsepower, and a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the 760i xDrive, delivering 536 horsepower. The V8-powered 760i xDrive accelerated to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, showcasing its powerful performance. The 7 Series' handling was sportier than its rivals, with a slightly stiffer ride that remained comfortable. The air suspension and responsive steering in Sport mode enhanced its cornering capabilities. The 7 Series' semi-automated driving system, available with the Driving Assistance Professional package, provided smooth and confident driving assistance, reducing driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent support, while the rear seats accommodated taller passengers with adequate legroom. The interior featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with options for heated front and rear seats. The 17 cubic-foot trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats added practicality, though the absence of a sports wagon variant was lamented.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated doors, though their functionality was sometimes cumbersome. Inside, the front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with standard heating and ventilation. The rear seats were spacious, with the lounge seating option offering a reclining passenger-side seat with massage functions. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with adequate interior storage for personal items.

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. While the system was intuitive, the lack of a Harman Kardon audio option was noted. The car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology offered BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to voice commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured iDrive 8, BMW's latest infotainment system, operable via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation was complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, though they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theater screen had usability challenges, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs. Overall, iDrive 8 was less intuitive than previous versions, with a complicated menu structure.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, 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 offered lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving features. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant were praised for their smooth operation, reducing driver fatigue on long trips.