2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

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 quality that softened the impact of its premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model, particularly in the SE and XSE trims. These versions featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and rear bumper, were seen as over-styled. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including a hybrid option, with pricing that was more accessible than the BMW. The XSE trim, in particular, was praised for its interior upgrades and overall impression of substance.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was lauded for its return to sporty handling, thanks to significant structural and suspension changes. The M340i trim, with its 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, delivered a thrilling driving experience. The car's engineering package, including the xDrive AWD drivetrain and M Sport brakes, made it a favourite among driving enthusiasts. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic was praised for its performance, especially in real-world driving conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport mode, provided a surprisingly engaging drive. Built on the TNGA platform, the Corolla offered predictable handling and a low centre of gravity, making it enjoyable to drive. While not a sport sedan, the Corolla XSE was competent and quick enough for everyday driving, with fuel efficiency averaging 7.6 L/100 km in varied conditions.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered simple yet supportive front seats, ideal for exploring the car's capabilities. The interior was equipped with high-quality leather and heated features, though ventilated seats were missed during warmer weather. Rear-seat comfort was commendable, despite awkward entry and exit. The trunk provided 479 litres of space, though its narrow design limited its practicality. The infotainment system was advanced, with a widescreen display and excellent voice recognition, though some controls were less intuitive.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE boasted SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts, heated front and rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The interior was comfortable, with good support and sightlines, though rear headroom and legroom were limited. The trunk offered 371 litres of space, which was competitive within its class. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen, physical knobs, and standard smartphone integration, though the radio knobs could have been more accessible.

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 excellent voice commands. Gesture control, while optional, added a unique touch, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla impressed with its standard infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The XSE trim added features like SiriusXM and navigation. The system was simple to use, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons, though the radio knobs could have been more ergonomic.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package, though some features lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist was notably abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. The system performed well, though adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance occasionally required driver intervention. The Corolla received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.