2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had a significant design overhaul, making it more appealing than its predecessors. The new model, especially in Electric Blue paint, looked stylish and modern. The mid-level SV trim, with its 16-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights, still managed to impress. The Sentra's design was inspired by the Altima, giving it a more substantial presence. It was lower and wider than the previous version, with detailed stampings and a V-shaped grille that added to its mature and recognizable look. The interior also saw improvements, with a leather steering wheel, leatherette dash, and climate knobs that felt premium. The SV Premium Package offered quilted tan leather seats, elevating the interior to near-luxury standards.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to a more traditional design, resembling its larger siblings, the 5 Series and 7 Series. However, the G20 3 Series didn't quite achieve the iconic status of the E30. The large grille looked out of place on the smaller sedan, and the overall design felt somewhat uninspired. The M Sport trim package added some flair with 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, but the standard Sport Line trim was less impressive. Inside, the design was nice but marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and fake-looking Ash wood. The optional M heated steering wheel also seemed out of place in the otherwise conservative interior.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra's acceleration tapered off after 30 mph, partly due to an overly sensitive throttle pedal. However, the CVT mimicked gear changes well, providing a smooth and responsive drive. The independent rear suspension improved handling, making cornering flat and the ride quality agreeable. The steering was quick with good on-center feel, and the car felt supportive and in control. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three powertrains: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 330i, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque; a less-powerful version of that engine with electric assist in the 330e plug-in hybrid, producing 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque; and a turbo inline-six in the M340i, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All powertrains were available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M340i could do zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. The 330e matched the 330i's acceleration but had a clunky transition from electric to gasoline power. The chassis provided a comfortable ride and excellent handling, but the driving experience lacked engagement.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's backseat was surprisingly spacious, accommodating a 5-foot-11 passenger comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, but the rear window's rake limited the rear view. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, which was large for a small car, and the seatbacks folded for additional cargo space. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series provided better-than-average interior space for a small luxury sedan. Rear headroom was the best in the segment, and front headroom was above average. However, legroom was about average, and shoulder room was less generous than in the Acura TLX. Gasoline models offered 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e plug-in hybrid's battery pack reduced it to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's long-and-narrow shape required an awkward reach to maximize space. The cockpit was well-designed, with a touchscreen positioned for easy use and good outward visibility.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra lacked some advanced features like ProPilot, navigation, and wireless charging. However, it came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. The SV Premium Package added bright LED headlights, but the Bose stereo, sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and 360-degree cameras were not available on the test car. Overall, the Sentra offered a basic but functional tech setup.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series featured the standard iDrive infotainment system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models included both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only had CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster and navigation, with a head-up display available. The infotainment system was premium, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. BMW provided multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls. Some features felt gimmicky, but the system offered flexibility and ease of use.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but CarGurus expected top ratings. It included rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor as standard features.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests. However, headlight scores were mixed, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2021 3 Series. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, and other advanced features.