2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Toyota Camry

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 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a generic sedan by incorporating bold styling elements. While some features like the flared wheel arches and thin headlights enhanced its visual appeal, others, such as the fake vents on certain trims, added unnecessary clutter. The interior mirrored this chaotic styling, with a mix of materials and design elements that lacked a cohesive theme. Despite this, the Camry offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, with ample rear headroom and legroom, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was a testament to the brand's commitment to driving dynamics. With significant structural and suspension changes, 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 to drive. The 8-speed automatic transmission, while a departure from manual gearboxes, offered smooth and precise shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Camry, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with up to 206 horsepower and a 3.5-litre V6 with 301 horsepower. The Camry's chassis tuning provided a balance between handling and ride quality, making it surprisingly fun to drive. The availability of AWD and a hybrid option added to its versatility. While not as sharp as some competitors, the Camry's driving experience was a significant improvement over previous generations, appealing to those who enjoy driving.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered a well-crafted interior with supportive front seats and high-quality materials. While rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, the seats provided excellent comfort and support. The trunk space, measuring 479 litres, was deep but narrow, limiting its practicality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a widescreen display and natural voice recognition, although some controls were less intuitive.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The cargo space of 428 litres was average for its class, and in-cabin storage was limited. The Camry's controls were straightforward, with analog knobs for essential functions, though their placement could be improved. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with easy-to-navigate menus and standard smartphone integration.

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 the optional gesture control added a unique touch. The head-up display was a notable feature, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen and a JBL audio system. The infotainment system was functional, with easy-to-use menus, though the graphics were plain. The availability of a head-up display on higher trims added to its technological appeal.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package, though its safety features were sometimes abrupt. The car received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, ensuring a high level of safety.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. The TSS 2.5+ package included a comprehensive suite of safety features, with enhancements for 2021. The addition of a Rear Seat Reminder and available blind-spot monitoring further bolstered its safety credentials.