2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with base prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The M3 and M3 Competition were the high-performance options. The M340i xDrive, in particular, was noted for its Barbera Red special-order paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, with a price tag nearing $80,000. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, contributing to its appealing styling. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale look, with quality materials and a focus on driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Acura TLX was characterized by its wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. It was notably wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a track width that enhanced stability and handling. The TLX's design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial presence. The Type S variant added unique elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray alloy wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The TLX's interior, though compact, offered impressive detailing, with a narrow centre console, angled air vents, and ambient lighting. The Type S models featured faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The TLX's design was daring, with options like bright blue paint paired with red leather, setting it apart from competitors.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It achieved a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating. The M340i's drivetrain included an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, with power flowing to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. The car's handling was enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i was praised for its driving dynamics, offering a thrilling experience with precise handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which improved stability and handling precision. The Type S variant boasted a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. The Type S's performance was enhanced by its broad torque, minimal turbo lag, and Sport+ driving mode. The TLX's steering and Brembo brakes provided a satisfying driving experience, though the exhaust note was considered subdued. The Type S maintained comfort while offering sporty performance, with fuel efficiency rated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.8 on the highway.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered a traditional four-door sedan design with power-adjustable front sport seats providing ample support. The driving position was praised for its comfort and grip, while rear seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom. The 3 Series featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The trunk provided 481 litres of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The M340i's interior was noted for its quality materials and technical design, though ventilated front seats were not available.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a compact interior with decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with the Type S offering thigh extensions and adjustable side bolsters. The TLX's infotainment system used a true touchpad interface, which required acclimation. The trunk space was limited to 382 litres, with the double-wishbone suspension taking up space. The TLX's interior featured a straightforward climate control system and a unique gear selector design. The overall impression was that the TLX offered a well-spent investment, though the trunk and cabin space could have been more generous.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including voice recognition. The 3 Series came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded to various queries. A head-up display was available, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The TLX had a head-up display available only on the Platinum Elite trim. Heated rear seats, 360-degree cameras, and a heated steering wheel were available on higher trims. The ELS Studio premium audio system with 17 speakers was included on the A-Spec, Platinum Elite, and Type S trims. The TLX offered voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and heated front seats. Higher trims linked climate control to navigation for automatic adjustments. The TLX came standard with "Jewel Eye" LED headlights and a full suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, a package with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant were available for semi-autonomous driving and emergency situations. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top ratings in crash tests, headlight visibility, and forward automatic emergency braking. The NHTSA gave the TLX a five-star overall score, with four stars in the frontal passenger-side test. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.