2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

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 price point, 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 that enhanced the overall luxury feel, making the cost more palatable.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold and distinctive design that was unmistakably its own. The N Line variant further enhanced the Sonata's appeal with functional and stylistic upgrades, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents. The interior of the Sonata N Line was equally impressive, featuring sport seats with premium materials and a panoramic sunroof that added to the car's spacious feel. The Sonata's design was a blend of sportiness and practicality, appealing to those who appreciated a unique aesthetic without compromising on comfort.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was renowned for its dynamic driving capabilities, thanks to significant structural and suspension enhancements. The M340i trim, in particular, boasted a 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This power, combined with BMW’s xDrive AWD system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the M340i to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The car's variable sport steering and M Sport brakes further enhanced its sporty nature, making it a joy for driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, along with various driving modes, provided a responsive and engaging driving experience. The Sonata N Line's sport-tuned suspension and enhanced steering made it a pleasure to drive on winding roads, while its robust brakes ensured reliable stopping power. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata N Line managed to minimize understeer, offering a balanced and enjoyable ride.

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

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with a balance of comfort and support. Rear-seat accommodations were adequate, with additional amenities like air vents and a USB port. The Sonata's interior storage was practical, and its 453-litre trunk, along with a hands-free release feature, added convenience. The panoramic sunroof and quality materials enhanced the overall cabin experience, though some design elements, like the transmission control pod, were less elegant.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was equipped with the latest iDrive infotainment system, offering multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive menu pathways and a responsive touchscreen. The voice recognition system was particularly impressive, allowing for natural commands. The head-up display was a notable feature, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included features like navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose sound system. While the lack of a tuning knob was a drawback, the system offered a range of connectivity options. The voice recognition technology was mostly reliable, and the Sounds of Nature feature provided a calming experience during stressful drives.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered a range of advanced driving assistance systems, though the optional Advanced Driver Assistance package was necessary for the full suite. The lane-keeping assist system was notably abrupt, encouraging active driver participation. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning added to its safety credentials. While the N Line had not been independently tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, the standard Sonata received high safety ratings, suggesting a strong safety performance.