2022 BMW i4 vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 BMW i4 was a visual continuation of the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille and a design that blurred the lines between a traditional sedan and a "Gran Coupe." Despite its controversial styling, 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. This was achieved through various aerodynamic enhancements, including a smooth underbody and active grille flaps. The i4's interior balanced modern minimalism with classic BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and high-quality materials, although leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series maintained a more traditional and sporty design, with subtle exterior updates like a narrow kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights. The 3 Series offered a range of trims, including the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The interior of the 3 Series was where the real transformation occurred, with the introduction of the BMW iDrive 8 system and a 27.2-inch curved display. The cabin exuded a driver-centric feel, with a minimalist dashboard and intuitive controls. The M Sport package added sporty touches like an M leather steering wheel and unique interior finishes.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance with its electric powertrains. The base i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor setup, produced 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4's handling was commendable, thanks to its low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, while the integrated braking system offered a natural pedal feel. However, the adaptive recuperation system's inconsistent regenerative braking was a minor drawback.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years, with the 330i featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e plug-in hybrid offered a combined output of 288 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 3 Series excelled in fuel efficiency, with the 330i achieving up to 34 mpg on the highway. The 330i's handling was precise, though not as sporty as the M340i or M3, making it a versatile performer.

The 2022 BMW i4's interior offered a low seating position despite the battery pack beneath, but the fastback roof limited headroom. While the interior felt open, the seats were flat and hard, lacking the expected bolstering. The i4 provided 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than competitors like the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3. The absence of a front trunk was a notable omission.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with 38.7 inches of front headroom and 42 inches of legroom. Rear passengers enjoyed 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered good support, though the seat cushions were firm. The 3 Series boasted 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for added versatility. Standard features included a power moonroof and available options like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and SiriusXM. The system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition, minimizing the need for touchscreen interaction.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series also adopted the iDrive 8 system, offering a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and a responsive voice assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a HiFi sound system. Optional features included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 5G hotspot.

The 2022 BMW i4's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it offered standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. Optional packages added advanced driving assistance systems and a head-up display.