2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Toyota Crown

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-coloured SensaTec upholstery and a SensaTec dashboard, providing a technical yet upscale feel. The cabin was designed with quality materials, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown stood out with its elevated ride height and distinctive styling. The front end featured a massive grille and angular wraparound headlights, while the side profile was complemented by large wheels and a black trim piece. The rear was rounded with a bold taillight strip. Inside, the Crown offered a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen. The mix of hard plastics and cushioned touchpoints gave it a fancier Toyota feel, though it fell short of luxury. The Crown's design was bold, with a two-tone colour option available on the Platinum trim.

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 a Sport mode and paddle shifters. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h 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 optional Adaptive M Suspension further improved handling, making the M340i a thrilling car to drive.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains. The base powertrain combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor, producing 236 horsepower. The Platinum trim featured the Hybrid Max powertrain, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and a more powerful rear electric motor, delivering 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic. The Crown's ride was tuned for comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. The Crown's performance was adequate, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds for the Hybrid Max.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered a comfortable and practical interior. The power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent support, and the driving position was ideal. Rear seat passengers had enough legroom, though the centre rear seat was less practical. The 3 Series featured a 481-litre trunk with a 40/20/40-split folding design, adding utility. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's interior varied by trim. The XLE trim had fabric and SofTex upholstery, while the Platinum trim offered full leather. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though the cushioning was firm. The Crown provided ample rear seat space, with a panoramic sunroof available. The trunk had a capacity of 360 litres, smaller than some competitors, but still useful. The Crown's interior featured practical storage solutions, including a wireless charging pad and a dual-hinged centre console armrest.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system. The Connected Package Pro added BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant. A head-up display and advanced driver assistance features were available.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported over-the-air updates and featured a voice-recognition system. The base audio system was adequate, with an 11-speaker JBL system available. The Crown also offered a digital key feature and a Wi-Fi hotspot with remote monitoring.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant were available. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite was standard, with additional features on the Platinum trim. The Crown's adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were well-tuned, though some new features were intrusive.