2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its inception, shedding its original bland design for a sportier look by its third generation. By 2022, the Altima continued to embrace this sporty aesthetic, featuring a low, wide stance, tall doors, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, enhanced this sporty appeal with gloss black accents, LED fog lights, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though the quality of materials varied across trims.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, received a subtle yet sporty refresh for its seventh generation. It retained its narrow kidney grille and introduced redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The 3 Series also featured standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an option for 19-inch wheels. Inside, the real transformation occurred with the introduction of BMW iDrive 8 and the BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with fewer buttons and a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. While the Altima's acceleration was modest, its suspension provided a smooth and composed ride, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control. The cabin remained impressively quiet, offering a refined driving experience despite the engine's limitations.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, including a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six for the M340i. The 330i delivered 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e, with its electric assist, produced 288 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, offering up to 35 kilometres of electric-only range. The M340i, with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reached 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The 3 Series excelled in fuel efficiency, with the 330i xDrive achieving 8.6 L/100 km combined, while the 330e offered 3.2 Le/100 km in electric mode.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four adults, with a decent-sized trunk of 437 litres. While it didn't stand out in terms of dimensions compared to competitors, it offered a balanced package. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not carefully packed.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with front headroom of 982 millimetres and legroom of 1,066 millimetres. Rear occupants had 955 millimetres of headroom and 894 millimetres of legroom. The 3 Series featured SensaTec faux leather upholstery, supportive front sport seats, and a leather steering wheel. Cargo space was 481 litres, 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.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims included navigation, remote engine start, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima also featured ProPilot Assist, which aided in acceleration, steering, and braking under certain conditions.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, featuring a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi audio system. Optional features included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Nissan Altima boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series also earned a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rear view camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard with frontal collision warning. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like active blind spot detection and lane-departure warning. The 3 Series was expected to maintain its high safety standards, though the IIHS had not yet rated the 2023 model.