2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Audi A4

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a clean and conservative design, serving as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The 19-inch five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a restrained aesthetic with high-quality materials, including a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel and ambient lighting. The interior was predominantly black, accented with aluminum and gloss black décor, avoiding a cave-like feel. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed like an afterthought in the otherwise cohesive design.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, specifically the M340i xDrive, showcased a sporty exterior with M Performance design elements, including exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. The Barbera Red special-order paint, though costly, added to its allure. Inside, the M340i featured Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, providing a trendy contrast to the dark cabin. The interior design leaned towards a technical aesthetic, emphasizing driving enjoyment over luxury. The perforated SensaTec upholstery on the dashboard enhanced the upscale feel, while the overall design maintained a focus on quality materials and complementary tones.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, achieving a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The 45 TFSI model, tested here, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds. It featured a lowered sport suspension and averaged 9.5 L/100 km during testing. The A4's Quattro Ultra AWD system provided a refined driving experience, with paddle shifters enhancing engagement. Despite its performance, the A4 remained remarkably quiet and comfortable, making it a rewarding sports sedan.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It achieved a fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km during testing, slightly above the official rating. The M340i accelerated to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, delivering exhilarating performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission, paired with an M Sport differential, provided seamless power delivery. The M340i's driving dynamics were exceptional, with precise steering and a taut suspension. The optional Adaptive M Suspension further enhanced its handling, making it a thrilling car to drive.

The 2022 Audi A4's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, it offered exceptional front-seat comfort. The driver's seat featured power adjustments, thigh support, and a sliding centre armrest for optimal comfort. The A4's three-zone climate control system was user-friendly, and the interior layout was intuitive. Rear-seat space was limited, with restricted legroom and hard plastic panels on the front seatbacks. The 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with storage nets and enclosed hinges for added convenience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i provided a perfect driving position with power-adjustable front sport seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, making it suitable for four tall individuals. The three-zone climate control system was standard, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, ventilated front seats were unavailable. The 481-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added versatility. Despite its sedan design, the 3 Series maintained passenger comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system supported smartphone-like functions and offered acoustic feedback. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The Bang & Olufsen premium audio system provided satisfying sound quality, though it could degrade at high volumes. The MMI was intuitive, with separate climate controls and useful voice recognition technology.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display. BMW iDrive 7.0 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 an available Harman Kardon audio system. The Connected Package Pro technology featured BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. The optional head-up display and advanced driver assistance features enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with availability increasing with higher trims. The A4 Technik included Audi Pre Sense, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system were also available. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and city-speed automatic emergency braking. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant were available for enhanced safety. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The lane-keeping assist technology was effective, though occasionally aggressive.