2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with 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, tested in Barbera Red paint and Cognac SensaTec upholstery, included packages like Advanced Driver Assistance and Premium Enhanced, bringing the price to nearly $80,000. The M340i's exterior design featured exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, contributing to its appealing styling. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided a trendy and upscale look, with quality materials and a focus on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs, supply chain constraints, and rising interest rates. The TLX Type S, tested in Tiger Eye Pearl paint with performance upgrades, had an MSRP of approximately $67,500 in Canada. Based on a concept vehicle, the TLX featured a long, low, and lean design with a rear-wheel-drive look, though this impacted rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design prioritizing style over practicality, with a control layout requiring adaptation. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and SH-AWD, was the most expensive TLX version, while the base TLX A-Spec with a turbocharged four-cylinder and SH-AWD cost $54,729. Option packages included A-Spec and Platinum Elite.

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 produced 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. It paired with 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 M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with an optional Adaptive M Suspension enhancing driving dynamics. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. The M340i excelled in handling, offering precise response and a thrilling driving experience, making it a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The engine's fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding Sport+. The Type S model had a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. Acura claimed a 0-60 mph time of five seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. The Type S averaged 11.8 L/100 km during testing. While the TLX Type S was fun to drive, its brake-by-wire system posed challenges, affecting the overall driving experience.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making it suitable for four tall individuals. The back seat featured a 40/20/40-split folding design with a centre armrest pass-through, enhancing utility. The M340i included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated steering wheel and front seats standard in Canada. The trunk provided 481 litres of cargo space. However, ventilated front seats were not available, and a sports wagon variant was not offered in North America.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings. The Type S included 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters. While front seat comfort was excellent, the rear seat was cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model, but a flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges maximized usability.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and navigation. 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 system available. Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TTI occupied valuable centre console space, complicating the use of the wireless charging pad.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. An available Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving, and an Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including rollover resistance.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. It also included traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer, and a surround-view camera. The TLX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for the front passenger's seating position in a frontal-impact collision.