2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Honda Accord

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i xDrive, was a blend of performance and style. It featured a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a dynamic driving experience. The exterior boasted an M Performance design with exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the M340i was adorned with Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery and a SensaTec dashboard, providing a technical yet upscale feel. The cabin was designed for driving enjoyment, with quality materials and a focus on performance rather than luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord EX presented a more conservative appearance with a modern touch. The redesign included a dark grille, LED headlights, and a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments. The interior featured durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a metal mesh dashboard trim. The Accord EX was equipped with digital instrumentation and a touchscreen infotainment system, reflecting attention to detail and refinement. While the Accord's design was more understated, it offered practicality and comfort for its class and price.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. The car's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension. The M340i delivered a thrilling driving experience, with precise handling and a responsive drivetrain.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked the feel of a traditional automatic. The Accord's front-wheel-drive setup and suspension provided a comfortable ride, while the steering system offered good response. The Accord EX returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation route, slightly above the expected 7.3 L/100 km. While the Accord's performance was adequate for daily driving, it lacked the excitement of the BMW.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered a balance of driving satisfaction and passenger comfort. It featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, and the 481-litre trunk provided ample cargo space. The 3 Series included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, ventilated front seats were not available.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX came with heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The rear seat offered excellent leg support and easy access, while the 473-litre trunk provided generous storage space. However, the Accord EX lacked rear air conditioning vents, rear USB charging ports, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. Despite these omissions, the Accord's interior was practical and comfortable for passengers.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series featured the optional Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including gesture control. The car included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice recognition. Safety features included a surround-view camera system and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim featured an eight-speaker audio system but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The Accord's infotainment system was basic yet functional, with physical controls for ease of use. The voice recognition system worked well with Apple CarPlay, providing access to Siri.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came with Active Guard, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and city-speed automatic emergency braking. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered 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.

The 2023 Honda Accord featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety. The Honda Sensing suite performed with accuracy and refinement, providing a reassuring driving experience.