2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Honda Accord

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included diverse variants: the 330i, 330e, M340i, and the high-performance M3. Price tags ranged from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version showcased distinctive powertrains with the 330i and 330e featuring turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology, and the M340i offering a turbocharged six-cylinder with mild-hybrid tech. For this comparison, the spotlight was on the M340i. Our test vehicle sported Barbera Red paint, a $4,500 upgrade paired with Cognac-color SensaTec simulated leather upholstery and an optional SensaTec dashboard wrap. It included a bevy of packages: Driving Assistance and Driving Assistance Pro, Premium, Cooling and High-Performance Tire, and an Adaptive M Suspension. This totaled the cost to $67,390 with the destination charge. The M340i provided a standard M Performance exterior design with unique grille and bumper designs, Shadowline exterior trim, blue brake calipers, and optional high-performance 19-inch wheels. The styling carried an undeniable allure, avoiding the controversial grille found on the M3. The Cerium Grey double-spoke wheels lent the car a notable stance. Inside, the M340i’s perforated SensaTec upholstery convincingly mimicked genuine leather, creating an upscale ambiance. The Cognac color contrasted sharply with the cabin's darker tones, adding a trendy visual appeal. With quality materials and a technical design, the 3 Series reflected its heritage focused on driving pleasure rather than opulence. Conversely, the 2023 Honda Accord, particularly the standard EX trim, marked a shift towards a more modern yet conservative look. With a base price of $29,060 and an additional $1,095 destination charge, the test car's MSRP reached $30,705. The update shed the glossy chrome of its predecessor for a slicker, subdued appearance. Our test model's Canyon River Blue paint garnered several compliments, while the EX’s pewter wheel finish negotiated a balance between the sparkly silver wheels of the LX and the black wheels' characterless look. Inside, the Accord EX featured durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim that integrated the air conditioning vents seamlessly. Digital instruments paired with a touchscreen infotainment system, reflecting a well-considered design. Overall, the stylistic elements ensured the Accord EX was nicely outfitted for its price and class.

BMW equipped the M340i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This setup returned 24.9 mpg on test routes, just shy of the EPA's 26 mpg combined estimate. The turbo six churned out 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, neatly mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission boasting Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The test car, a rear-wheel-drive model, also offered an M Sport differential. The M340i’s drive dynamics were bolstered by M Sport ventilated disc brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension. Optional Adaptive M Suspension made the car’s handling pristinely precise. BMW’s claim of 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds didn't seem far-fetched during testing, as the M340i felt exceedingly fast, easily maintaining control and confidence even on curving mountain roads. BMW’s shift from analog to digital instrumentation did invite nostalgia for traditionalists, but overall, the M340i's advanced performance and handling capabilities established it as a leading sport sedan. The 2023 Honda Accord EX, by comparison, utilized a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered the front wheels. While this powertrain was described as adequate for the 3,280-pound sedan, it lacked the thrill some might seek, especially given the discontinuation of the more powerful 2.0T variant. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 32 mpg combined, but the test car managed 28.7 mpg under demanding conditions. The Accord’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system, coupled with dual-pinion variable-ratio steering, offered good handling characteristics. Despite its nose-heavy weight distribution, the Accord managed to feel nimble and responsive. However, the absence of AWD and softer Michelin Energy tires did introduce some handling limitations, particularly during aggressive driving on winding roads.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series sedan retained its traditional form, balancing sporty drive dynamics with passenger comfort and practical utility. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats offering ample support, making it comfortable for both daily commutes and spirited drives. The driving position felt intimate and driver-focused, with a thick-rimmed steering wheel enhancing comfort and grip. Rear seat passengers found the legroom adequate for longer journeys, albeit the rear's outboard bolstering positioned occupants a bit more inward. The 3 Series boasted a three-zone automatic climate control system, though the omission of ventilated front seats seemed peculiar. Cargo capacity in the 3 Series was a generous 17 cubic feet, with a split-folding rear seat adding versatility. However, the longing for a sports wagon variant lingered, given America's preference for SUVs over wagons. On the 2023 Honda Accord EX, upgrading from LX to EX trim added practicalities like dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Yet, some comfort features were oddly missing, including a height-adjustable front passenger's seat and rear air conditioning vents. Despite these omissions, the Accord’s back seat was spacious and comfortable, ideal for rear passengers. Additionally, the trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, hospitably accommodating full-size suitcases and easing the loading process with a self-opening lid.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came equipped with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the loss of traditional analog gauges was lamented, the iDrive 7.0 system significantly improved in usability. It integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly, with additional features like satellite radio and BMW Remote Services, though it missed the previously available Harman Kardon audio upgrade. The inclusion of Intelligent Personal Assistant provided a responsive voice recognition system, enhancing the infotainment experience. However, the head-up display's readability with polarized sunglasses and the mixed success of the gesture control system were noted drawbacks. On the 2023 Honda Accord EX, technology included a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features encompassed Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink services. While SiriusXM was missing, streaming options like Pandora via Apple CarPlay performed well, barring areas with poor cell service. Physical controls for the stereo and main functions were user-friendly but somewhat misleading due to their design. Overall, the Accord EX's technological offerings were basic yet functional, meeting the essential needs without impressing.

In terms of safety, the 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning was also included but required an upgrade for systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Driving Assistance Professional package added more advanced features, including lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and Emergency Stop Assistant. The car earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star NHTSA ratings, reflecting its robust safety credentials. The 2023 Honda Accord, equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, offered a comprehensive range of safety features as standard. These included adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping/lane-centering assist. Optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert rounded out an impressive safety package for the EX trim. Performance-wise, Honda Sensing was noted for its accuracy and refinement, though some minor quirks remained. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to occupant safety.