2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Nissan Altima

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, contributed to 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 Nissan Altima presented a more practical and contemporary design. The Altima Platinum trim, with its 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, showcased a clean and modern aesthetic. While some design details were questionable, the interior was praised for its ergonomic simplicity and user-friendly controls. The materials used were on par with the midsize sedan segment, offering a comfortable and functional environment. However, the limited colour options and lack of certain features like ventilated seats were noted as drawbacks.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was renowned for its exceptional driving dynamics, particularly in the M340i trim. With a 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, it delivered a thrilling performance. The car's structural and suspension enhancements, including variable sport steering and M Adaptive underpinnings, contributed to its sporty handling. The 8-speed automatic transmission, while not manual, was praised for its precision and responsiveness, making it a joy to drive even in challenging conditions.

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine generating up to 188 horsepower, offered a different driving experience. Its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) powered all four wheels through standard all-wheel drive, enhancing its appeal against SUV competitors. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to features like Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. However, the CVT's unique power delivery was noted as a characteristic that might not suit everyone's preferences.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series provided a comfortable and supportive interior, with high-quality leather seats and a heated steering wheel. While rear-seat access was somewhat awkward, the seating arrangement offered excellent support. The infotainment system was well-integrated, though some controls were less intuitive. Storage space was generous, with a trunk capacity of 479 litres, though its narrow design limited its practicality for larger items.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured NASA-inspired seats for superior comfort, though it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated seats. Heated front seats and mirrors were standard, with optional rear air conditioning vents. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage, but no wireless smartphone charging pad. Its trunk space measured 436 litres, with practical features like grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series boasted an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu pathways and multiple interaction options. Gesture control, while optional, added a unique touch to the experience. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was highly effective, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a nearly perfect infotainment system with an 8-inch display, physical and virtual buttons, and standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a Bose premium audio system and NissanConnect Services, which provided connected services technology. However, the voice recognition system required specific commands, limiting its natural interaction capabilities.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, when equipped with the Advanced Driver Assistance package, offered a range of safety features. However, the lane-keeping assist system was noted for its abruptness, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist. However, the ProPilot Assist system was criticized for its intrusive alerts and lack of trustworthiness. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with automatic high-beam LED headlights.