2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language, marking a significant departure from previous models. Its front-end styling featured an oversized beveled grille and split lighting elements, which initially seemed jarring but grew on observers over time. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, with a long hood and extended wheelbase, while the rear end offered a more conventional design with distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimal interior, highlighted by a broad horizontal layout and a futuristic curved glass pane housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were of premium quality, with options like light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding a cozy feel. The rear seats exuded luxury, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, which included a reclining seat and a theater screen.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series maintained its sporty appeal with subtle exterior design modifications. The narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights gave it a sleek look, while the lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to its sporty demeanor. The interior featured the new BMW iDrive 8 system with a curved display, offering a driver-centric cockpit experience. The minimalist dashboard design, combined with the M Sport package, provided a sporty yet comfortable environment. The 3 Series offered ample space for average-sized adults, with supportive front sport seats and a leather steering wheel for enhanced grip. The trunk space was generous, with 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity and foldable rear seats for added versatility.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two initial powertrains. The base 740i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The 760i xDrive, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The V8-powered 760i xDrive impressed with its quick and fluid acceleration, offering a sporty yet comfortable ride. The handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a slightly stiffer ride quality. Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness, appealing to performance-oriented drivers.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years. The 330i and 330e featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the 330e offering electric assist. The M340i boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e offered a combined output of 288 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 5.6-second 0-60 mph time and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i delivered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 330i provided a quiet and comfortable ride, with precise steering and a fun driving experience, especially with the M Sport package.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with power-operated doors that could be cumbersome. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with standard heating and ventilation. The rear seats provided ample space for tall passengers, with the lounge seating option adding a reclining seat and massage functions. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen was impressive but could cause neck strain due to its central placement. The trunk offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with adequate interior storage for personal items.

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. Rear occupants had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered support and comfort. The trunk had a 17-cubic-foot capacity, with foldable rear seats for added versatility. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel and remote start.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured the iDrive 8 infotainment system, operable via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation was complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, but could interrupt audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theater screen had inconsistent touchscreen inputs, making the handheld remote control preferable.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series also featured the iDrive 8 system, with a curved display combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and easy navigation. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allowed for natural voice commands, simplifying control access. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Optional upgrades included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a 5G hotspot.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways, enhancing driver convenience and reducing fatigue.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The 2022 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, missing the "Plus" distinction due to headlight performance. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. The Driving Assistance Package added blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and more, while the Driving Assistance Professional Package offered semi-autonomous driving features.