2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its roots tracing back to a platform from 2005, presented a modern and menacing exterior design that was last heavily facelifted in 2015. This full-size sedan, sharing its platform with the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300, managed to maintain a contemporary appeal with its aggressive styling. However, the interior of the Charger felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of older automotive designs. While the cabin lacked the sleekness of modern vehicles, it compensated with user-friendly features and a straightforward layout. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants, each providing a unique blend of power and features.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, received a subtle yet sporty mid-cycle refresh. The exterior updates included a narrow kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights, maintaining a classic yet modern look. The interior, however, was where the 3 Series truly shone, featuring the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch curved display. This setup provided a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist design, reducing the need for physical buttons. The 3 Series lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e, each offering a blend of performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The GT trim saw a slight increase to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, delivering 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack 392 took performance up a notch with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the Hellcat, featured a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed the limits further, with the Redeye offering 797 hp and the Jailbreak reaching 807 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup enhanced handling and traction, making it a formidable performance machine.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years, featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the 330i and 330e, with the latter benefiting from electric assist. The 330i produced 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of up to 35 kilometres. The M340i, equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The 3 Series offered a balance of performance and efficiency, with xDrive all-wheel drive standard on most models, except the PHEV, which was available with rear-wheel drive to qualify for EV rebates.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered ample legroom in both rows, though headroom was somewhat limited, especially in the rear. The high centre console and performance bucket seats created an intimate driving experience. Storage space was less accommodating, with smaller bins and trays compared to modern sedans. The Charger provided 467 litres of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact yet comfortable interior, with front headroom of 982 millimetres and legroom of 1,066 millimetres. Rear occupants enjoyed 955 mm of headroom and 894 mm of legroom, offering sufficient space for average-sized adults. The standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support and comfort, though the seat bottom cushion was noted to be stiff. The 3 Series offered 481 litres of cargo space, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for added versatility. Standard features included a power moonroof, heated front seats, and remote start, with additional options available for enhanced comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The system included large icons for easy navigation of functions like stereo, navigation, and vehicle settings. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering the same layout with larger icons. Both screens supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, featuring a curved display with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system offered intuitive touch functionality, allowing users to reorganize widgets and customize vehicle information. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant provided voice-activated control, simplifying access to settings and features. Standard tech included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker audio system. Optional features included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Dodge Charger showed its age in terms of safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors as standard. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Charger received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, missing the "Plus" distinction due to headlight performance. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, offering advanced driver assistance systems and semi-autonomous capabilities.