2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology for an estimated 32 kilometres of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, enhancing performance and handling. The M3 and M3 Competition represented the high-performance end of the lineup. The M340i xDrive test vehicle, adorned in Barbera Red special-order paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, included options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to just under $80,000. The M Performance exterior design, featuring exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, contributed to the car's appealing styling. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale look, with the Cognac colour offering a trendy contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series emphasized quality materials and a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offering a variety unmatched by other models. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all variants could be equipped as E450 models with a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six and EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, 4Matic AWD was standard. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, excluding the All-Terrain wagon, included the AMG E53 with a more powerful version of the E450 engine. The AMG E53 Cabriolet test vehicle, priced at $103,000 before options, featured matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, with the as-tested MSRP nearing $120,000. The AMG styling, larger wheels, convertible top, and matte-blue paint created a stunning appearance. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and luxurious leather, exuding a sense of opulence.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the power was directed to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential, with xDrive AWD standard in Canada. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the car's performance was impressive, with precise handling and a responsive transmission. The M340i excelled in driving dynamics, offering a thrilling experience and setting a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system delivered power to the road, with AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car's character. The E53 Cabriolet included an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car's dual personality allowed for comfortable cruising or spirited driving, with the AMG Dynamic Select transforming the E53 into a capable performer. Despite some cowl shake, the E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed, with an engaging exhaust note. The car's three-season suitability was highlighted during a chilly week, with heated features enhancing comfort. The E53 Cabriolet's AWD system and heated wiper blades made it viable for winter driving, provided winter tires were used.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional four-door sedan design, offered a sporty driving experience without sacrificing passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats providing ample support, with a perfect driving position and a well-shaped steering wheel. Rear seat passengers had sufficient legroom, accommodating four relatively tall individuals, though the centre rear seat was less practical. The back seat offered good thigh support, but the rigid plastic panels on the front seatbacks required caution. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with heated rear seats available. Interior storage was decent, and the 481-litre trunk provided ample cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, a sports wagon variant was not available in North America.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfort for adults in both front and rear seats. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rapid-heating front seats enhanced comfort. The Airscarf neck-warming system was standard, and sun-reflective leather kept the interior cooler in direct sunlight. Ventilated front seats were available, and the triple-layer acoustic soft top maintained a cool and quiet cabin. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, providing comfort on long drives. With the top raised, the trunk held 360 litres of cargo, but this was reduced by half with the top down, offering limited space similar to a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the traditional analog gauges were missed, the infotainment technology package was effective. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available. Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. The system responded accurately to various queries, enhancing convenience. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability, with a Back-Up Assistant for tight spaces.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation, offering high-resolution displays that remained clear in sunlight. MBUX was user-friendly, with touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, and steering wheel touchpad options. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. MBUX's challenges included navigating its menu structure and accidental activation of the digital assistant. In a convertible, wind noise could affect the assistant's performance, but this was expected.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series had a basic standard safety tech package, including Active Guard with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. An Emergency Stop Assistant detected unresponsive drivers and initiated an SOS call. The M340i test car included these features, with lane-keeping assist being notably aggressive. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with optional adaptive LED headlights and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for collisions and protecting hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, with rain-sensing wipers and Magic Vision Control enhancing visibility. The Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist. The test car included this package, with impressive adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist.