2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language that firmly linked it to the Acura family. It was equipped with a pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlight design, and sharply creased character lines. This design enabled it to seamlessly integrate with the larger TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. The Integra’s arrival marked the retirement of the ILX compact sedan, a decision driven by market trends showing diminished sedan popularity.

The Integra stood out with its five-door liftback design, distinct from the traditional four-door ILX sedan style. Acura paid homage to the third-generation Integra by embossing the "Integra" name at the front-left and rear-right corners. A wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted appearance while maintaining compact-car proportions. Available in three core trim levels—base (Integra), A-Spec, and A-Spec with Technology—the base model came with 17-inch alloy wheels, moving up to 18-inch Shark Gray wheels in the A-Spec trim. Performance all-season tires, a decklid spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and prominent taillights added to its distinctive look.

Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic to manage costs without appearing as a mere re-skin. The climate control vents featured honeycomb grilles, although they did not span the entire dash as in the Civic. The HVAC system's physical controls offered a premium tactile experience with knurled metal finishes and satisfying feedback. A 9-inch color touchscreen was standard on the A-Spec-with-Technology trim, complemented by a well-designed steering wheel and excellent exterior visibility thanks to thin A-pillars. Microsuede upholstery in higher trims provided good support but lacked breathability, leading to a yearning for ventilated seats on hot days. Despite its premium status, ventilated seats were not available. The Integra had a solid build quality but lacked the bespoke refinement found in German competitors.

The BMW 3 Series has long been a cornerstone of the Bavarian brand since 1975. The seventh-generation model, introduced in 2019, received a mid-cycle refresh for 2023. It retained its lineup, including the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, alongside the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 330e. Subtle design updates enhanced its sporty appeal without adopting the larger grilles seen in other BMW models. The narrow kidney grille led into redesigned full-LED headlights with slimmed-down profiles and unique daytime running lights. Lower air intakes and character lines directed the eye to flared rear-wheel arches, creating an impactful first impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke wheels and optional 19-inch upgrades further refined its look.

Shadowline trim became standard across the board, with Skyscraper Grey as a new paint option. The M Sport package, available for the 330i and 330e, included chrome grille accents, enhanced air curtains, and a larger rear diffuser. The M340i featured exclusive mesh-design kidney grilles, trapezoidal tailpipes, and a body-color M rear spoiler. In the cabin, the new 3 Series boasted BMW iDrive 8 and BMW Curved Display, totaling 27.2 inches of continuous high-definition screens. This display created a genuine driver-centric cockpit with fewer dashboard buttons, exuding sophistication and modernity.

The 2023 Acura Integra debuted its first-ever turbocharged engine, a lively 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The turbocharged engine paired beautifully with the six-speed manual transmission available exclusively in the A-Spec with Technology trim. Lower trims came with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Our test vehicle featured the manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, enhancing the driving experience. Unlike previous Honda Civic models, the 2023 Integra minimized rev hang, making gear changes seamless, complemented by automatic rev-matching technology.

The Integra’s engine produced 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, shared with the Honda Civic Si. Automatic stop/start and brake hold features added to the futuristic feel, enhancing convenience during stop-and-go traffic. The Integra’s wide track, long wheelbase, and firm suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, showcasing impressive handling capabilities despite being available only in front-wheel drive (FWD). The variable-ratio electric power-steering system adjusted assist levels based on steering input, ensuring a natural feel on highways and sharp responses in corners. Three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—plus an individual mode, allowed drivers to customize the ride further.

The BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from the previous model year, offering a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e (with electric assist for the latter) and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. All trims featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual reserved for the M3. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, with xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option.

The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e’s combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft resulted in a 5.6-second 0-60 mph time, along with 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, accelerating to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

Fuel economy figures were competitive, with the 330i achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The 330e had a combined gas-only rating of 28 mpg and a 75 MPGe efficiency rating in electric mode. The M340i returned 23/31/26 mpg (city/highway/combined) with RWD, slightly varying with xDrive.

During our test, the RWD BMW 330i proved quiet in urban settings, with neutral steering in Comfort mode. Sport mode enhanced steering feedback and manual shifts via paddle shifters made the engine sound more engaging. While not an M model, the 330i performed admirably on twisty roads, offering sharp cornering and reliable braking with the optional M Sport brake system.

The 2023 Acura Integra’s liftback design contributed to its practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, its high lift-over height could be challenging for shorter shoppers or those with heavy luggage. Despite this, the spacious rear accommodated large items, and the rear seats could fold to increase cargo capacity. The front cabin featured a logical dashboard layout, well-placed cupholders, a phone tray, and a sizable center console cubby for additional items.

Rear passenger comfort was serviceable, with adequate legroom for average-sized individuals. Taller passengers, however, might find headroom limited, especially when sitting upright. The rear seat cushions were notably soft, adding to the overall comfort despite spatial constraints.

The BMW 3 Series provided a comfortable interior with adequate space for its class. Front occupants enjoyed 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom, while rear passengers had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The cabin accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, although taller individuals might find it snug.

Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery covered the power-adjustable front sport seats, offering good support with adjustable thigh support, albeit with slightly stiff seat cushions. The leather steering wheel provided excellent grip, enhancing the driving experience. Interior ergonomics were well-executed, with easy access to controls and buttons. The iDrive controller remained intuitive.

Cargo capacity stood at 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40-split for larger items. The trunk space could fit a mix of carry-on and check-in-sized suitcases. Standard convenience features included a power moonroof, with optional heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power lumbar support, keyless entry, and remote start available.

The 2023 Acura Integra came equipped with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-A port for front passengers. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster also came standard. Opting for the Technology package introduced notable enhancements.

This package upgraded the standard 7-inch touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, although much of Honda’s infotainment system still displayed in black and white. The package added a head-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The top-tier trim also featured a USB-C port in the front and two USB-A ports in the rear, alongside the impressive ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series benefited from the iDrive 8 system and the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with smartphone-like functionality and customizable widgets.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allowed voice-activated control of many functions, enhancing convenience. However, navigation performance could suffer in areas with weak cellular service. Other standard features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, SiriusXM subscription, and over-the-air updates. Optional features included wireless charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The Acura Integra set a high standard for safety equipment, likely due to its relationship with Honda's Civic. Standard features across all trim levels included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise-control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, rear-seat reminder, hill-start assist, and automatic brake hold. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Remarkably, all these features were available even on the manual transmission models, which was a notable differentiation from competitors like Subaru's EyeSight system. The NHTSA awarded the Integra a five-star overall rating, but IIHS ratings were pending.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, though the PHEV model had no listed rating. The previous year’s model received an IIHS Top Safety Pick, lacking only in the headlight category where it earned a Poor rating.

Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard (frontal collision warning, city collision mitigation and braking), and Active Protection System (automatic seat belt pretensioners, window/moonroof closing, post-crash braking, and fatigue/focus alert). Additional driving assistance systems were available in optional packages, including active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, park-distance control, pedestrian and frontal collision warnings, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, emergency stop assistant, and evasion aid. A head-up display, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and driver lumbar support were part of convenience packages. Parking Distance Control and Drive Recorder were available a la carte.