2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a subtle yet sporty refresh for its seventh-generation model. The exterior design retained its narrow kidney grille and introduced redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The front fascia's lower air intakes were reshaped, leading to flared rear-wheel arches, creating a striking first impression. New paint options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic were added, while the M Sport package offered chrome grille accents and a larger rear diffuser. Inside, the 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2023 Acura TLX, redesigned in 2021, faced challenges due to supply chain constraints and market shifts. The TLX Type S, with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, stood out on the road. Based on a concept vehicle, the TLX featured a long, low, and lean design with a rear-wheel-drive look. However, its dramatic styling impacted rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design prioritizing style over practicality, with a control layout that required adaptation. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, offered a sporty driving experience but had a high price point.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years, featuring 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. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor, offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 35-kilometre electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly across trims, with the 330i xDrive rated at 9.8 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.6 combined.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The Type S model, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generated 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It included performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The Type S accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel economy for the Type S was estimated at 12.3 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.0 combined. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing grip and control during spirited driving.

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 mm of headroom and 894 mm of legroom, providing ample space for average-sized adults. The standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered good support, though the seat bottom cushion was slightly stiff. The 3 Series featured a 481-litre 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 via the BMW Connected app.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S, available in Canada with an Ebony interior, featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them challenging to read. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seat comfort was compromised by narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model. The flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges helped maximize usability.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and natural voice recognition through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi audio system. Optional upgrades included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display proved distracting, and the system occupied valuable centre console space. Standard infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The IIHS had not rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 version earned a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. Additional safety features were available in packages, including active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer system, and a surround-view camera. The TLX featured an Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags. The IIHS awarded the 2023 TLX a Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall crash-test rating.