2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded an aquatic elegance reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille, contributed to its unique appearance. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a blend of luxury and personalization, with options for various colours and materials. The quality of the cabin was notably improved, making the high sticker price more palatable.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger maintained a consistent design over the years, appealing to those who appreciated its muscular aesthetic. The model offered a wide range of variants, each with subtle differences, catering to a "brotherhood of muscle" enthusiasts. The Charger’s interior, while updated, lacked some modern comforts and conveniences, with a utilitarian feel akin to other Stellantis/FCA products. Despite this, it provided ample space and functionality, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was lauded for its return to sporty handling, thanks to significant structural and suspension enhancements. The M340i trim featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Its rear-biased xDrive AWD drivetrain and M Sport differential contributed to its dynamic driving experience. Although the standard 8-speed automatic transmission replaced the manual option, it offered smooth and precise shifts, enhancing the car's performance.

The 2021 Dodge Charger shone in its performance offerings, with multiple engine options catering to different preferences. The base models featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower. The R/T variant boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack models offered a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with 485 hp. The pinnacle of performance was the SRT Hellcat Redeye, with a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 producing 797 hp. Despite its power, the Charger’s automatic transmission provided a smooth driving experience, though it lacked a manual option.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered supportive front seats that were both comfortable and accommodating for long drives. The interior featured high-quality materials, though some controls were cryptic. The infotainment system was well-integrated, with generous storage space and a trunk capacity of 479 litres. However, rear-seat access was somewhat awkward, and the trunk, while deep, was narrow.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, with a spacious back seat and ample cargo space. The interior technology was dated but functional, with a steering wheel that provided easy access to controls. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, making it practical for larger items. Despite its size, the Charger offered average cargo space compared to other large cars.

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 a smartphone-like display and an excellent voice recognition system. The optional head-up display was a notable feature, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Optional upgrades included a larger touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the lack of a head-up display and the dated Uconnect system made the Charger feel less technologically advanced.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package, though some features lacked smoothness. The car received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, ensuring robust safety credentials.

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for that year, but the 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist and electronic stability control, with additional options available in packages.