2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded a sense of elegance and power reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille, gave it an aquatic appearance that was both striking and unique. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort and style, making it a luxurious choice for those who could afford it.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura TLX, following a design overhaul, presented a handsome yet somewhat anonymous exterior. The A-Spec option package added sporty visual enhancements, making it more appealing. The TLX was priced more affordably, with the SH-AWD powertrain and Technology Package offering a balance of comfort, convenience, and safety features. The A-Spec trim further enhanced its sporty appearance, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish yet budget-friendly midsize sedan.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was renowned for its sporty handling and dynamic performance. The M340i trim, in particular, featured a robust 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with BMW’s rear-biased xDrive AWD system and M Sport differential, delivered an exhilarating driving experience. The car's structural and suspension enhancements, including variable sport steering and M Adaptive underpinnings, contributed to its agile nature. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters provided a thrilling ride, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered two powertrain options: a 206-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for front-wheel-drive models, and a 290-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic for SH-AWD models. The V6 engine delivered a smooth power build-up, with peak torque arriving at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system enhanced the TLX's driving dynamics, allowing up to 70% of engine output to be directed to a single rear wheel. The TLX provided a comfortable and quiet ride, with sophisticated dampers and a well-behaved transmission, making it suitable for both spirited driving and daily commutes.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered a well-crafted interior with supportive front seats that were both comfortable and accommodating for long drives. The M340i xDrive test car featured high-quality leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, though ventilated seats were not available. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once inside, passengers enjoyed excellent comfort and support. The trunk provided 479 litres of space, though its narrow design limited its practicality for larger items.

The 2020 Acura TLX excelled in providing a comfortable and high-quality cabin experience. The front seats were well-positioned, with supple leather, heating, and ventilation options. Rear passengers benefited from ample legroom and available heated seats. While storage space was plentiful, the trunk offered only 405 litres, which was more in line with compact cars. Despite this, the TLX's interior was a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and optional gesture control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu pathways and multiple interaction methods. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was particularly impressive, offering natural command responses. The head-up display was also a highlight, remaining visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Acura TLX's infotainment system was less impressive, with a dual-screen setup that was confusing and frustrating to use. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom one was, leading to a disjointed user experience. The voice-recognition system was subpar, and the navigation graphics were outdated. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, were positives in an otherwise flawed system.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered a range of advanced driving assistance systems through the optional Advanced Driver Assistance package. While the safety features were accurate, they lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist system was notably abrupt, serving as a reminder to stay engaged while driving. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 Acura TLX, despite its aging architecture, provided a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, its IIHS crash-test ratings were not as favourable, with an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. The TLX did receive 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, showcasing its overall safety performance.