2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, though redesigned with brand-new body panels, was a subtle evolution for those who weren’t die-hard enthusiasts. The car was longer and lower, offering a stable silhouette with unchanged wheelbase dimensions of 103.6 inches, retaining its quick and nimble nature. The new GTI featured a smooth cascading hood with a subtle honeycomb-patterned grille below a prominent VW emblem. Sporting a red accent line across its front, paired with LED headlights and optional light bar, the GTI aimed to impress both day and night. Aerodynamics received detailed attention, with redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling reducing drag.

The GTI came with red brake calipers and a choice of 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels, involving Pirelli P Zero tires, depending on the trim. While traditional colors like Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Metallic, and Oryx White Pearl were available, bolder hues such as Atlantic Blue Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, and Moonstone Gray added vibrancy to the mix. The top Autobahn trim offered an exclusive Pomelo Yellow Metallic as a launch option, but only one model per dealership.

Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats for the S and SE trims, with Vienna leather on the SE and standard on the Autobahn. Retaining the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmissions and stainless steel pedals for all trims, the GTI provided a blend of nostalgia and modernity.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, specifically the M340i, boasted a sleek Barbera Red exterior, complemented by Cognac SensaTec simulated leather upholstery. The M340i came with exclusive M Performance exterior design treatments, including Shadowline trim and blue brake calipers. The vehicle's styling, featuring 19-inch double-spoke wheels in Cerium Grey with high-performance tires, stood out strongly, providing an appealing stance.

Inside, the M340i featured power-adjustable sport seats with Cognac SensaTec upholstery extending to the dashboard for an upscale look. The cabin's design maintained a technical feel, emphasizing driver satisfaction over luxurious elegance. The rear seats offered adequate legroom for four tall passengers, although the center rear spot was less functional. Three-zone climate control and a Premium package with heated front seats and steering wheel were standard, though ventilated front seats were notably absent.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI's performance prowess saw significant upgrades from its 1983 debut. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the new GTI produced 241 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at a low 1,750 rpm, ensuring spirited driving experiences. This engine, coupled with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered exhilarating acceleration and nimble handling.

EPA ratings for the GTI were 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly improving to 25/34/28 with the automatic. The GTI featured a retuned suspension for improved handling, with front and rear suspension enhancements contributing to its smooth cornering capabilities. Drive modes like Eco, Comfort, and Sport allowed for tailored driving experiences, and the Autobahn trim's DCC adaptive damping system provided even more dynamic handling adjustments.

The 2022 BMW M340i, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, offered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, delivering power to the rear wheels or optional all-wheel-drive system.

With an acceleration claim of 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, the M340i demonstrated impressive speed and responsiveness, particularly while navigating twisty roads. It boasted an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg, delivering 24.9 mpg on test evaluation. The M Sport suspension, brakes, and variable sport steering ensured sharp handling, while the optional Adaptive M Suspension contributed to the car's superb driving dynamics.

As the original hot hatch, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI expertly balanced performance with practicality. The GTI offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, though it fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Veloster N. The driver-centric interior featured an angled center stack and a unique “light and sight” panel for intuitive control of lighting and defogging settings. Rear-seat legroom was surprisingly ample, making the GTI a viable option for transporting a family of four comfortably.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, embodying a traditional sedan profile, did not compromise on passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i's power-adjustable sport seats provided exceptional support for both daily commutes and spirited driving. The rear seats offered sufficient legroom for four tall passengers, although the center seat was less practical. Standard three-zone climate control and the Premium package's heated front seats and steering wheel enhanced comfort, though the absence of ventilated front seats was notable. The trunk offered a roomy 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat adding versatility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI stood out with a fully digital driver information display, spanning 10.25 inches and offering customizable gauge displays and 30 ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system featured an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch screen with navigation in the SE and Autobahn trims. The GTI offered Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system in higher trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided various remote access and connectivity features, although some services required additional subscription fees.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. BMW’s iDrive 7.0 system was user-friendly, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a ten-speaker HiFi sound system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant enhanced the user experience, offering responsive voice commands for various functions, while the optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, updated with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite, offered advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, but only for automatic models. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. The GTI's Park Distance Control and available Park Assist provided valuable parking assistance. However, neither the NHTSA nor IIHS had crash-tested the 2022 model at the time.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, while offering some standard safety features, required optional packages for a comprehensive suite. Standard Active Guard included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package provided lane-keeping and centering functions, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and Emergency Stop Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, demonstrating solid crash safety performance.