2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Nissan Altima

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, in particular, was noted for its Barbera Red special-order paint and Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery, with options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to just under $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 a trendy and upscale look, with quality materials and a focus on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, continuing Nissan's legacy in the family car segment, featured updated front styling with a revised grille and new wheel designs, enhancing its visual presence. In Canada, the Altima was available in four trims: S, SR, SR Premium, and Platinum, with prices ranging from $31,198 to $37,398, excluding a $1,855 destination charge. The Altima stood out as the only mid-size sedan in Canada offering standard all-wheel drive, though the variable-compression turbocharged engine was exclusive to the U.S. market. The interior, while appealing, included hard plastics and simulated wood trim, with new double-stitched seams adding a touch of refinement. The Altima's design was practical, with a focus on comfort and usability, though some elements, like the stylish wheels, were prone to damage. Overall, the Altima provided a comfortable and straightforward driving experience, with a focus on practicality and value.

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 between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. It achieved a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The M340i's powertrain 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 featured M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the optional Adaptive M Suspension enhancing its driving dynamics. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the M340i was praised for its precise handling and thrilling performance, making it a benchmark in the sports sedan segment.

The 2023 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The standard all-wheel-drive system could deliver up to half of the engine's output to the rear wheels. The Altima's fuel economy ratings were 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 6.5 on the highway, and 7.9 combined for the base trim, with the SR, SR Premium, and Platinum trims slightly higher. The Altima's performance was adequate, with the CVT mimicking a traditional automatic transmission. In urban environments, the Altima was easy to drive, though the ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The Altima's steering was lifeless, and the brakes, while feeling good underfoot, showed signs of heating up during testing. Overall, the Altima was more of an automotive appliance, lacking the dynamic engagement of some rivals.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its sporty driving dynamics, offered passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for four relatively tall people. The back seat was comfortable, with good thigh support, though the centre rear seating position was likely to go unused. The 3 Series included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Interior storage was decent, with a 481-litre trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was simple and easy to use, with controls laid out logically and analog gauges providing clarity. Nissan's Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the leather upholstery was somewhat sticky. The Altima featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, but the front passenger seat offered only four-way adjustment. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, though the seatbelt buckle anchor could be uncomfortable. Interior storage was reasonable, with door panel trays and a large tray forward of the transmission shifter. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped.

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 with navigation. The iDrive 7.0 system 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. The Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, offering conversational voice recognition. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, including Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen system, standard on SR Premium and Platinum trims, offered navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. NissanConnect Services required a subscription, offering remote engine starting and an SOS calling button. The Bose nine-speaker premium audio system was available, though performance varied. The new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and graphics, and the voice recognition technology performed well.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included the Active Guard safety package 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, and the 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 for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system. ProPilot Assist, available on SR Premium and Platinum trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.