2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 BMW i4 was a striking vehicle, with styling that closely mirrored the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe. Its oversized grille was a point of contention, and the term “Gran Coupe” added to the confusion, as it described a four-door sedan with a rear tailgate. Despite these quirks, the i4 boasted improved aerodynamics over its sibling, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base model and 0.25 for the M50 variant. This was achieved through design tweaks like a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The interior balanced modern minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a more traditional sedan experience with a lineup that included the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition. Prices ranged from $44,990 to $93,500. The M340i, in particular, stood out with its Barbera Red paint and Cognac SensaTec upholstery. It featured an M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and a sporty stance. Inside, the 3 Series combined quality materials with a technical design, offering comfort and practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

The 2022 BMW i4 delivered impressive performance with its electric powertrains. The base i4 eDrive40 produced 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The M50 variant, with its two-motor setup, boasted 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, reaching 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4 handled well, thanks to a low centre of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, and the integrated braking system offered natural pedal feel, although the adaptive recuperation system was less predictable.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The M340i’s drivetrain included an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. Its adaptive M Suspension and precise steering made it a joy to drive, with a perfect balance of power and handling. The 3 Series remained a benchmark for sports sedans, offering performance that was both exhilarating and refined.

The 2022 BMW i4 had a low seating position despite its battery pack, but the fastback roof limited headroom. It offered more rear legroom than the Polestar 2, though front seats lacked bolstering. Cargo space was limited to 283 litres, and the absence of a front trunk was notable. The interior felt open, with a well-designed centre console, but some features like the wireless charging pad were less accommodating.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series excelled in practicality, with power-adjustable front sport seats and a perfect driving position. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, though the centre seat was less usable. The 481-litre trunk and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats added utility. Standard features included a three-zone climate control system, with heated seats and steering wheel in Canada. However, ventilated front seats were unavailable.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OTA updates. The rotary controller and voice recognition system made navigation intuitive, though the adaptive recuperation system was less consistent.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital panel and 10.25-inch touchscreen. iDrive 7.0 was user-friendly, with multiple control options and a gesture control system. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon upgrade. The Intelligent Personal Assistant provided effective voice recognition, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 BMW i4 lacked crash-test ratings but offered standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and high beam assist. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system. The Parking Assistant Package included features like Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard with forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant were available for enhanced safety. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.