2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its claim of having all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might have been hard to distinguish from its predecessor for those not deeply familiar with the brand. The new model was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while promising the nimbleness characteristic of earlier models. The GTI's styling adhered to its traditional form, featuring a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line extended between the LED headlights, with an optional light bar adding drama to the front end. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, while red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on trim added to its sporty appeal. The GTI offered a range of colors, including some vibrant options like Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather options available, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the brand since 1975, received a mid-cycle refresh that subtly enhanced its sporty appearance. It maintained a narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights with a slimmed-down silhouette. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches contributed to a striking first impression, complemented by standard 18-inch alloys with an optional 19-inch upgrade. The Shadowline trim was standard, with additional options like Skyscraper Grey paint and the M Sport package adding unique exterior elements. Inside, the 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch Curved Display, offering a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard. The M Sport package added further interior enhancements, including an M leather steering wheel and Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite finish.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, reached peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and delivered torque at a low 1,750 rpm, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, both sending power to the front wheels. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly improving with the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension and various drive modes, allowing for smooth cornering and limited traction loss. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, providing further handling improvements.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, including a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor, delivered 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly across trims, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined. The 330e offered 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe in electric mode, while the M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg. The 330i, tested with various performance packages, provided a comfortable ride with precise steering, though it lacked the sport-tuned feel of the M340i and M3.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for a family of four.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front, and 37.6 and 35.2 inches, respectively, in the rear. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered support, though the seat bottom cushion was somewhat stiff. The iDrive controller knob was intuitive, and the 3 Series offered standard cargo capacity of 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with options for heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, customizable with various gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SE and Autobahn trims offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access and other features, though some required additional fees.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series boasted the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, featuring a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Optional upgrades included wireless charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced driver assistance systems through Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, though it fell short of the "Plus" distinction due to headlight performance. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and various collision warning systems. Additional safety features were available in packages, including semi-autonomous driving systems and a head-up display.