2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2024 Nissan Sentra

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a mid-cycle refresh for its seventh generation. This model retained its lineup of the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, along with the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design changes were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The front fascia's lower air intakes were reshaped, and the character lines led to flared rear-wheel arches, creating a striking first impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys were offered, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. Shadowline trim became standard, with Skyscraper Grey as a new paint option. The M340i featured exclusive design elements like a mesh-design kidney grille and trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the 3 Series boasted the BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard approach.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra received updated styling, with a wider grille blending into the headlights, now featuring black interior bezel elements and chrome trim. Vertical elements resembling air vents were added to the front fascia, enhancing the car's width impression. The Sentra's design avoided the eccentricity of some competitors while maintaining more flair than others. The trim levels remained unchanged, with the S, SV, and SR grades. The base Sentra S had 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV featured 16-inch alloy wheels with a new design. The SR trim offered 18-inch wheels and model-specific styling elements, including a black roof option. The interior showcased large round air vents inspired by the Z sports car and a plunging dashboard framing the central touchscreen. The SR models had red-orange accent stitching, and leather upholstery was available on SV models. The Sentra's flat-bottom steering wheel and distinctive design elements added to its appeal.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous years, featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its eDrive electric motor, offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and providing up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The 330e had a gas-only rating of 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe combined in electric mode. The M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg. The 330i, equipped with the M Sport package, offered a comfortable ride with precise steering, excelling in both city and highway driving.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT was reengineered for improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation, and an engine start-stop system was added for 2024. While not focused on performance, the Sentra provided a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and a comfortable suspension. The CVT delivered smooth power until about 45 mph, where an unexpected surge of acceleration occurred. The Sentra's driving dynamics were laid-back, with a suspension that balanced comfort and handling. The pre-production test car's CVT performance may differ from production models.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front, and 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom in the rear. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support, though the seat bottom cushion was somewhat stiff. The leather steering wheel offered excellent grip, and the iDrive controller knob was intuitive. The 3 Series had 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split. Standard features included a power moonroof, with options for heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and keyless entry.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra provided decent interior space, particularly in the front. First-row headroom was competitive, but second-row legroom was less than some rivals. The Zero Gravity seats offered comfort, and the low dashboard provided excellent forward visibility. The Sentra's interior design included two cupholders, a phone slot, and a change slot. The All-Weather Package added heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The Sentra had 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat for longer items.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the iDrive 8 system with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with customizable widgets and voice commands via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Optional features included wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 5G hotspot.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra offered functional tech, with the base S model featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but not wireless. The SV and SR models had an 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, with a six-speaker audio system and SiriusXM compatibility. The Premium Package added an eight-speaker Bose audio system and Wi-Fi connectivity for the SR model. The Sentra's graphics appeared dated compared to competitors, but the system was easy to use.

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 model earned a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, including active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra's IIHS ratings were mixed, with a "Good" rating in the original side-impact test but "Acceptable" in the updated version. The Sentra received an "Advanced" score for front crash prevention in daytime testing but "Basic" at night. The NHTSA provided five-star ratings for rollover and side crash tests, but not for frontal crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. SV and SR models added adaptive cruise control, with a 360-degree camera system available in the Premium Package.