2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Chrysler 300

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 SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color contrasted sharply with the dark cabin, maintaining the 3 Series' focus on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Chrysler 300, introduced in 2005 and reworked in 2011, maintained its Bentley-adjacent styling with round headlights, a bold grille, and stately proportions. Available in Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C trims, the 300 offered V6 and V8 engines, with the 300C limited to 2,000 examples featuring a powerful V8. Prices ranged from $35,515 to $44,025, with the 300C priced at $56,595. The 300C's interior included carbon-fiber trim, premium Laguna leather upholstery, and cowhides covering the dashboard. However, the interior quality did not match the exterior's luxury promise, showing its age with limited storage space and outdated design elements. The 300C's final production run celebrated 70 years of the Chrysler 300 name, offering a blend of power and performance with a nostalgic touch.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 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 and returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i's driving dynamics were precise and responsive, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons and providing a thrilling driving experience. The 3 Series remained the standard against which other sports sedans were measured, offering a balance of performance and driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the 300 SRT's spirit with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The 300C accelerated to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reached a top speed of 160 mph. The 300C featured an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires on lightweight forged aluminum wheels. Driving modes adjusted the drivetrain response, steering effort, suspension firmness, and exhaust sound. The 300C's driving character was fun and engaging, with a Germanic sensation in ride and handling reminiscent of a mid-1990s Mercedes-Benz. However, the 300C's cabin noise and fuel economy, averaging 17.5 mpg, were drawbacks. The 300C offered a nostalgic driving experience with modern performance enhancements.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i provided a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. The power-adjustable front sport seats offered support for various driving conditions, with a perfect driving position and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, though the center rear seating position was less practical. The M340i 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 offered roomy cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding design for added utility. The M340i's interior combined quality materials with a technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C's front seats offered premium Laguna leather, heating, and ventilation, with adequate power adjustments. However, the back seat was less hospitable, with tight legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. The 300C's storage space was limited, lacking modern smartphone slots or wireless charging. The trunk offered a 16.3 cubic-foot cargo area with enclosed lid hinges. The 300C's interior showed its age, with limited storage options and outdated design elements. Despite these drawbacks, the 300C provided a comfortable and nostalgic driving experience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series featured Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant. The M340i's optional Premium package included a head-up display, and the Driving Assistance Professional package added a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability. The 3 Series' technology package worked well, offering a blend of convenience and safety features.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C featured the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Guardian connected services. The 300C's infotainment system was easy to use, with stereo volume and radio tuning knobs below the screen and steering wheel controls. The 300C also included an SRT Dashboard for setting driving modes and tracking vehicle performance. However, the system's graphics were dated, and the touchscreen was small. The 300C's tech features included a speed warning system, but it lacked a surround-view camera system and a high-resolution reversing camera. The 300C's technology package showed its age but delivered on the basics.

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 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 3 Series' safety features worked as advertised, providing a balance of convenience and safety.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered optional safety features through the Safety Tec Plus Group, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The 300C included these features as standard. The lane-keeping assist system was useful, but the adaptive cruise control system was less sophisticated. The 300's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and Poor headlight performance. The 300's safety features were limited and showed the car's age.