2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, received a mid-cycle refresh for its seventh-generation model. It continued to offer the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design changes were subtle yet sporty, maintaining a narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower air intakes were reshaped, and the character lines led to flared rear-wheel arches, creating a striking first impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys were available, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. The Shadowline trim became standard, and new paint options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic were introduced. The M340i featured exclusive design elements, including a mesh-design kidney grille and trapezoidal tailpipes.

Inside, the 3 Series showcased the new BMW iDrive 8, powered by the automaker’s most advanced operating system. The BMW Curved Display, totaling 27.2 inches of continuous high-definition screens, dominated the cabin. The minimalist dashboard design, with fewer buttons and a driver-centric cockpit, enhanced the interior's appeal. The M Sport package added an M leather steering wheel and an Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite interior finish, further elevating the cabin's sporty feel.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and rising interest rates. Despite these hurdles, the TLX remained a rarity on the road. The latest redesign, based on a concept vehicle, introduced a new design language with a long, low, and lean profile, giving it a rear-wheel-drive look. However, the dramatic styling impacted rear-seat room and cargo space. The TLX Type S, tested in Southern California, featured eye-catching Tiger Eye Pearl paint, a performance wheel and tire package, and premium floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $59,100.

Inside, the TLX employed a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but practicality took a back seat to style. The control layout required relearning how to shift, use the infotainment system, and adjust driving modes, causing unnecessary distraction. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version. Option packages included the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package, with varying drivetrain options. The TLX A-Spec offered a choice between FWD and SH-AWD, while the Advance and Type S models came only with SH-AWD.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous model years. The 330i and 330e featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the latter including electric assist. The M340i boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and xDrive AWD available. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e offered a combined output of 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, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

Fuel economy for the 330i was 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, with slight variations for xDrive models. The 330e had a gas-only rating of 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe combined in electric mode. The M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg, with xDrive models gaining an mpg on the highway. The 330i, tested with the M Sport package, Dynamic Handling package, and Driving Assistance package, offered a quiet and comfortable ride in Comfort mode. In Eco Pro mode, engine spooling was longer, but it was suitable for city driving. On curvy roads, the 330i was proficient but not superb, with a distant engine note even in Sport mode. The M Sport brake system provided sharp cornering and hard braking, making the 330i a fun canyon carver.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim and drivetrain, fuel economy ranged between 24 mpg and 25 mpg combined. The TLX offered multiple Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available with the A-Spec Package and standard on the TLX Advance and Type S models, provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control.

The TLX Type S, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in five seconds and reaching a top speed of 155 mph. The Type S featured performance enhancements, including a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts, adaptive dampers, thicker stabilizer bars, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S averaged 20 mpg during the evaluation drive. The Electro Servo braking system, based on technology from the discontinued NSX sports car, proved less satisfying on twisty roads, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and brake response. Despite this, the TLX Type S was fast, sounded terrific, and handled well, with the adaptive damping performance suspension providing excellent grip and control.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior. Front headroom measured 38.7 inches, and legroom was 42 inches. Rear occupants had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom, providing ample space for average-size adults. Standard upholstery was SensaTec faux leather, with power-adjustable front sport seats offering good bolstering and adjustable thigh support. The leather steering wheel provided plenty of grip, and ergonomics were excellent, with intuitive controls and the iDrive controller knob. Cargo capacity was 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding down in a 40/20/40 split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power lumbar support, keyless entry, and remote start.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching and piping. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel fronted analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them challenging to read. The Type S included 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats with automatic heating and ventilation. Rear seat comfort was limited due to narrow rear doors and a small back seat, mainly lacking legroom. The TLX’s trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more in line with a compact car. The flat trunk floor and enclosed trunk hinges helped maximize space.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the BMW iDrive 8, featuring a curved-display system with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was fast and user-friendly, with touch functionality similar to a smartphone or tablet. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allowed for natural speech commands, minimizing frustration. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, a one-year SiriusXM subscription, and over-the-air updates. Available options included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2023 Acura TLX’s True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition system. The TTI’s one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and display screen proved distracting. Standard infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. Upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a navigation system, and premium audio systems. The TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded terrific.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) for RWD and xDrive models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2022 model a Top Safety Pick, with the 330i earning a Poor rating for headlights. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. Additional safety features were available in packages, including the Driving Assistance Package and the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which added semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.