2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan segment with its bold and distinctive design, a result of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language. The car featured sharp creases and dramatic angles, creating an appealing and unique look. A notable design element was the Z-shaped dent in the doors, which broke conventional design rules to give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trim levels, offering a range of options from the Essential to the Ultimate, with hybrid powertrains available in the Preferred and Ultimate trims. Inside, the Elantra boasted a driver-focused dashboard and centre console, with the Ultimate trim offering a modern and upscale interior with light gray seats and contrasting black elements.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a more traditional yet sporty design, with a lineup that included the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition. The M340i, in particular, featured a special-order Barbera Red paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, adding to its upscale appeal. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, contributing to its undeniable appeal. Inside, the 3 Series boasted quality materials and a technical design, with the Cognac-coloured SensaTec upholstery providing a trendy contrast. The 3 Series focused on driving enjoyment, offering a balance of performance and comfort.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The Elantra N Line, with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, produced 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering a sporty driving experience. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, delivered 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, providing exhilarating performance and dynamic handling.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system, the M340i offered impressive acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The M340i's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, providing a thrilling and precise driving experience. The M340i's performance was complemented by its fuel efficiency, achieving 9.4 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car, offering a spacious interior with a height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The Elantra provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom, with ample space for adults. However, the lack of air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers was a drawback. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, offered power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, although the centre rear seat was less practical. The 3 Series featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The trunk provided 481 litres of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Ultimate trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a high-tech experience. The Elantra's infotainment system included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Bose premium audio system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the Digital Cockpit Professional feature, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. BMW's iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including gesture control. The 3 Series included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available. The Connected Package Pro technology provided advanced voice recognition and emergency assistance features.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with advanced structural engineering for collision energy management. Most Elantra models featured Hyundai's SmartSense ADAS, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety.