2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a mid-cycle refresh for its seventh generation. This model retained its lineup of the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, along with the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design changes were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the 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 offered, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. Shadowline trim became standard, with new paint options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic available for certain trims. The M340i featured exclusive design elements, including a mesh-design kidney grille and trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the 3 Series showcased the BMW iDrive 8 with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, offering a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, a familiar name since 1993, remained largely unchanged since its sixth generation debut in 2019. The 2023 model introduced a new grille design, but the overall styling remained conservative. Available in four trim levels—S, SV, SR, and SL—the Altima offered FWD as standard, with AWD available for SV, SR, and SL trims. The SR trim could be equipped with the more powerful VC-Turbo engine. The Altima SL with AWD, tested in Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and 19-inch alloy wheels, featured chrome accents and gunmetal gray badging. LED projector headlights and dual exhaust pipes added a touch of flair. Inside, the Altima's design felt outdated, but the seats were notably comfortable. The cabin included practical features like a wireless phone charger and well-placed cupholders. However, the front-passenger seat had limited adjustability, and the leather upholstery in the SL trim was underwhelming.

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 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, with its electric motor, 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, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly across trims, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg 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 2024 Nissan Altima featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The SR VC-Turbo trim offered a more powerful 2.0-liter VC-turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. However, the VC-Turbo was not available with AWD. The Altima's "intelligent" AWD system provided power to the rear wheels as needed, contributing to its fuel efficiency. The Altima achieved an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined with the standard engine, while the VC-Turbo with FWD returned 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined. The Altima's driving dynamics included light steering and minimal body roll, with a CVT managing power output. However, the CVT produced a droning noise under acceleration, detracting from the overall 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 upholstery was SensaTec faux leather, with supportive power-adjustable front sport seats. The interior featured ergonomic design, with the iDrive controller knob providing intuitive control. Cargo capacity was 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 a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start.

The 2024 Nissan Altima boasted impressive interior space, with front seats offering more room than some competitors, though less than others. Rear-seat legroom was 35.2 inches, matching some rivals but falling short of others. Trunk space was 15.4 cubic feet, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 60/40-split folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and well-placed cupholders and cubbies.

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 via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and over-the-air updates. Optional features included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2024 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch display available on SL and SR VC-Turbo trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and easy navigation, with static icons for quick access. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless versions available on the larger screen. The available nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, and NissanConnect telematics features were standard on higher trims, offering remote access and vehicle health reports.

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, but the 2023 model's rating was pending. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, including active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2024 Nissan Altima earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored four stars in some frontal crash tests. The 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, but the 2024 model did not due to poor side-impact test performance. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims offered a 360-degree monitor and ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving tech.