2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, continued to impress with its seventh-generation model, which debuted in 2019 and received a mid-cycle refresh for 2023. The lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. Subtle yet sporty exterior design modifications were evident, with a narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights featuring slimmed-down silhouettes and inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to the sporty impression, complemented by standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys and optional 19-inch wheels. Shadowline trim became standard, with Skyscraper Grey as a new paint choice and Brooklyn Grey metallic available for certain trims. The M340i received exclusive design elements like 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, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard approach. The M Sport package added an M leather steering wheel and an Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite interior finish, enhancing the sporty feel.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a striking design with rakish headlights framing a large, menacing grille, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. While the sedan had conventional proportions, the hatchback boasted a daring, futuristic design with rear angles curving up around the rear window and doors. This clean, forward-thinking design extended into the cabin, where simplicity and an organically rising infotainment system created a stylish environment. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls added to the cabin’s appeal, despite a somewhat cluttered steering wheel.

Trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, each adding progressively more features. The base 2.5 S included 16-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, moonroof, heated front seats, and a head-up display. The top 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus trim included reverse automatic emergency braking and a surround-view parking monitoring system.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous years, featuring 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. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available. 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 pairing, offered a combined 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and providing 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, hitting 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, equipped with the M Sport package, Dynamic Handling package, and Driving Assistance package, provided a comfortable and precise driving experience, though it lacked the sport-tuned feel of higher-performance models like the M340i and M3.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3’s base engine was a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with power routed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was also available. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard with AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel.

The turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience with a fantastic sound, well-weighted steering, and a responsive transmission. In Sport mode, the transmission held gears longer, allowing the turbocharger to shine, and the steering feedback became more forceful. The brake feel was akin to that of a hardcore sports car, requiring precise control. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering a perfect blend of precision and refinement, with excellent balance through corners and a smooth ride over bumps.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom up front, and 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom in the rear. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support and comfort, though the seat bottom cushion was somewhat stiff. The leather steering wheel offered a good grip, and ergonomics were generally excellent, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly 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, and keyless entry.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. However, rear seat legroom was limited, especially when the front seats were set up for taller adults, and the sloping roofline reduced headroom. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid’s design was frustrating. Ergonomics were generally good, with sizable cupholders and helpful controls.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, with a curved display combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was fast and user-friendly, with customizable widgets and easy navigation via touch or voice commands. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allowed for natural speech commands, minimizing frustration. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, 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 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console, which was not a touchscreen. This system was clumsy and unintuitive, with a steep learning curve. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Higher trims added navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which offered great sound quality.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though it fell short of the “Plus” distinction due to poor headlight ratings. 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, such as the Driving Assistance Package and the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which added semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system’s layout posed a safety issue due to its distracting nature.