2022 BMW i4 vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 BMW i4 presented a design that closely mirrored the gasoline 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille. Despite being labeled a "Gran Coupe," it was essentially a four-door sedan with a rear tailgate. The i4 boasted improved aerodynamics over its gasoline counterpart, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base model and 0.25 for the M50 variant. BMW achieved this through design tweaks like a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. Material quality was high, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a striking design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback forms. The hatchback stood out with its futuristic design, though it compromised rear visibility. Inside, the cabin continued the clean aesthetic with a non-touchscreen infotainment system rising from the dash. The Mazda3 featured a conventional shifter and easy-to-use climate controls. Trim levels varied, with the GT Turbo offering a powerful engine. The interior was designed for front-seat comfort, with limited rear legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline.

The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The M50 variant offered 536 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque, achieving the same speed in 3.9 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4 maintained BMW's reputation for handling, aided by 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. However, the adaptive recuperation system was less intuitive, affecting the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a base 2.0-litre engine with 155 hp, while the 2.5-litre engine offered 191 hp. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine in the GT Turbo produced up to 250 hp with premium fuel. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, with well-weighted steering and a responsive transmission. Sport mode enhanced the driving experience, though acceleration was moderate. The car's handling was precise and agile, with a balance of comfort and performance. The brake feel was akin to a sports car, requiring careful modulation.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered a low seating position, though headroom was limited by the fastback roof. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed centre console. However, the seats were flat and hard, lacking expected bolstering. Cargo space was limited to 283 litres, with no front trunk available.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 569 litres. Rear seating was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a practical centre console and cupholders.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch display operated via a dial, which was less intuitive. The system's navigation was clumsy, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The car included two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a Bose stereo system, though the infotainment system's design posed a safety concern.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and high beam assist. Additional packages included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Higher trims added features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive headlights. The car had a significant blind spot due to its design, but it was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five stars from the NHTSA.