2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-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 offering 23 miles of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 topped the range. 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 M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and blue brake calipers added to its appeal, while the interior's perforated SensaTec upholstery and Cognac color provided a trendy, upscale look.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, included the S 500, S 580, Maybach S 580, and Maybach S 680 trims. The S 580e, a plug-in hybrid with 4Matic AWD, was the focus of this review. The S 580e featured high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and side skirts, adding a touch of sportiness to its sophisticated design. Inside, the S-Class offered eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester featuring Sienna Brown and Black leather for an extra $3,110. The panoramic sunroof, superb fit and finish, and soft headrests enhanced the luxurious experience, making it a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 lb-ft 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. The car's M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, and optional Adaptive M Suspension contributed to its impressive handling and driving dynamics. Despite aggressive driving, the M340i returned 24.9 mpg, just shy of the EPA's 26 mpg combined rating. The M340i's driving experience was described as thrilling, with precise response and a perfect balance of power and control, making it a standout in the sports sedan segment.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. The battery could be charged at 11 kW, taking about two hours and 20 minutes to reach full capacity. The S 580e also supported 60 kW DC fast charging. The car achieved an impressive 53.9 MPGe during testing, with 223 of the nearly 400 miles driven on electric power alone. The combined powertrain produced 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing the S 580e to accelerate to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, while the air suspension and rear-wheel steering ensured a smooth and comfortable ride. The S 580e excelled in comfort mode, offering a luxurious driving experience with minimal road imperfections.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support, a perfect driving position, and a thick-rimmed steering wheel for comfort and grip. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, though the center rear seat was less practical. The three-zone automatic climate control system, heated front seats, and optional heated rear seats added to the comfort. The 17 cubic-foot trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats provided ample cargo space, though a sports wagon variant would have been more practical.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades, soft-closing doors, and 64-color ambient lighting added to the luxury. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. Interior storage was plentiful, though the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet in the S 580e, compared to 12.9 cubic feet in the standard S-Class. For more cargo space, the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid was a better option.

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. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system were standard, though the Harman Kardon surround-sound system was no longer available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system's home screen displayed a large map, with tiles for additional functions. The natural-language AI assistant responded well to commands, including adjusting the air conditioning and telling jokes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a native navigation system with augmented reality. The optional head-up display also featured augmented reality. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were available, and the standard Burmester sound system provided excellent audio 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 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to maintain a safe distance and change lanes automatically. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist were also included. The S-Class had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.