2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a subtle yet sporty refresh for its seventh-generation model. The lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design retained its narrow kidney grille and introduced redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to its sporty appeal, complemented by standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. Shadowline trim became standard, with new paint options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic available. The M340i featured exclusive design elements, including a mesh-design kidney grille and trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the 3 Series boasted the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims, offered a clean and technical look with machined-finish 19-inch wheels on the Sport and Touring trims. The Canyon River Blue metallic paint option paired with a black leather interior, although gray leather would have been a more appealing choice. The interior featured a gray headliner, gray contrast stitching, metallic finishes, and an artful mesh trim strip hiding the dashboard air vents. Despite some shiny plastic elements, the Accord Touring's interior impressed with its 'Acura Lite' feel. The Accord Hybrid's design focused on comfort and practicality, with a spacious cabin and thoughtful details like air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for rear passengers.

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 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor, offered a combined output of 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, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the 330e offered 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe in electric mode. The M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg. The 330i, equipped with the M Sport package, provided a comfortable and precise driving experience, excelling in city and highway conditions.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors. This setup provided 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, with the latter available from zero to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid's front-wheel-drive system offered zippy acceleration, especially in city driving, and performed well on freeways and mountain grades. The Accord EX-L achieved 48 mpg in combined driving, while the Sport, Sport-L, and Touring trims, with larger wheels, earned 44 mpg. During testing, the Touring returned 43.1 mpg. The Accord Hybrid impressed with its blend of ride and handling characteristics, offering a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the 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, though the seat bottom cushion was on the stiff side. The leather steering wheel offered excellent grip, and the iDrive controller knob was intuitive to use. The 3 Series featured standard storage options and a 17-cubic-foot cargo capacity, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid prioritized comfort, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats in leather-upholstered trims. The Touring trim added ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The front seats offered ample leg support, while rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, supportive cushions, and a perfect backrest angle. The Touring's air conditioning vents and USB ports enhanced rear passenger comfort. Interior storage was excellent, though the driver's seatback lacked a storage pocket. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing rivals in its class.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system offered intuitive touch functionality, customizable widgets, and voice control through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and over-the-air updates. Available options included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and HondaLink services. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a wireless charger, and a 6-inch head-up display. Google Built-in was exclusive to the Touring, offering Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store with a three-year subscription. However, voice recognition issues were noted, leading to a preference for Apple CarPlay and Siri. The Accord's digital instrumentation prioritized practicality over visual flair.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, missing the "Plus" distinction due to poor headlight ratings. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, including the Driving Assistance Package and Driving Assistance Professional Package, offering features like blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Honda Sensing features like automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The EX-L trim added parking sensors, while the Touring gained low-speed automatic braking. During testing, Honda Sensing's lane assist features were challenged by bright sunlight, and the traffic-jam assist feature was inconsistent. The adaptive cruise control left gaps for other drivers to cut in, and the lane-centering system required steering corrections. Despite these issues, the Accord was more rewarding to drive with reduced use of these features.