2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

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 price point, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience, making any minor faults forgivable. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials that enhanced the overall luxurious feel, making it a worthwhile investment for those who could afford it.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra maintained its bold geometric styling from the previous year, setting the stage for future design evolutions. Available in five trims, the Elantra offered a range of features at competitive prices, with the Ultimate trim reaching $27,549. The Elantra's angular design elements, such as its headlights and chrome detailing, provided a stylish yet mainstream appeal. Inside, the Elantra aimed for an upscale look with silver trim accents, though it retained some hard plastics, reminding occupants of its compact car status.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was a testament to the brand's commitment to driving dynamics. With significant structural and suspension enhancements, the M340i trim stood out with its 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The car's variable sport steering and M Sport brakes contributed to its sporty handling, making it a joy for driving enthusiasts. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the eight-speed automatic, paired with paddle shifters, offered a seamless driving experience, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, offered a more modest performance with its base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. The introduction of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) aimed to improve efficiency, though real-world tests showed an average of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of expectations. The Elantra Sport trim provided a more engaging drive with a 1.6-litre turbo engine delivering 201 horsepower and an independent rear suspension. However, the standard Elantra's torsion beam axle design resulted in a less refined ride, making it more of a practical commuter vehicle than a performance-oriented one.

Inside the 2020 BMW 3 Series, the front seats were both supportive and comfortable, ideal for long drives. The M340i xDrive test car featured high-quality leather, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, though ventilated seats were notably absent. Rear-seat access was somewhat awkward, but once seated, passengers enjoyed excellent support. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a well-integrated widescreen display and advanced voice recognition. The trunk offered 479 litres of space, though its narrow design limited its practicality for larger items.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra boasted a spacious interior for a compact car, comfortably accommodating four adults. The test car featured power-adjustable leather seats and a sliding centre console armrest for added comfort. Upper trims included dual-zone climate control and heated front seats, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The Elantra's trunk provided 407 litres of space, nearly rivaling some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle for easy closure.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with smartphone-like menu pathways and an optional head-up display visible even with polarized sunglasses. Gesture control, while somewhat gimmicky, added a modern touch, and the voice recognition system was highly effective, responding to natural commands.

In the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, the infotainment system varied by trim, with the base model offering a 5-inch screen and higher trims featuring larger displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium Infinity sound system. The system's layout was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy access, and the voice recognition was satisfactory for basic commands.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package with various safety features, though the lane-keeping assist was notably abrupt. The car earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, ensuring robust protection in the event of a collision.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra's Preferred trim offered a comprehensive safety package, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate trim added features like adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. The Elantra received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though concerns were noted about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.