They are both performance luxury sedans starting at around $40,000, but the Acura TLX and BMW 3 Series have some key differences. Let’s see which one is stronger in the areas that matter to you.
2022 Acura TLX
The top dog in Acura’s two-car sedan lineup was completely redesigned for 2021. The latest TLX is fun to drive and looks fantastic. The price starts at $38,900.
Acura TLX Highlights
Class-up attendance: While the TLX and 3 Series are the same size inside, the Acura is nearly 9 inches longer than the BMW. In the land of bigger is better, the more substantial TLX has a visual advantage.
Excellent trade-in value: Strong reliability and resale value are two pillars of Acura’s appeal. Combined with a starting price that puts it about $2,500 below the BMW, you’ll pay less for a comparably equipped TLX up front, and you’ll recoup a bigger chunk of that money when you sell it.
Extended powertrain warranty: Both cars offer 4 years or 50,000 miles of basic warranty coverage. But the Acura’s engine, transmission and related parts are covered by an extended 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Check out this week’s Fair Purchase Price or check out the TLX models for sale near you.
2022 BMW 3 Series
The sports saloon of the sports sedans essentially created the category as we know it today. The BMW 3 Series remains as captivating as it is legendary. The price starts at $41,450.
Highlights of the BMW 3 Series
Famously exquisite driving feeling: As is the case with so many performance European cars, there is just something particularly satisfying about driving the BMW 3 Series. Both cars are great, but the 3 Series may be more rewarding than the TLX. The design of the BMW with rear-wheel drive plays an important role in this.
Superior fuel economy: In base form, the 3 Series delivers a pretty impressive combined fuel economy of 30 mpg between city and highway. The TLX is capable of a measly 25 mpg. Fuel economy has not been a top consideration for most buyers in this segment in the past, but if gas prices are what they are, every little bit helps.
Wider lineup: If you count the high-performance BMW M3, the expansive 3 Series lineup offers enough upgrades to hit $90,000. For buyers who want it all, the BMW can deliver more. The TLX lineup comes in at about $55,000.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or check out the 3 Series models for sale near you.
agreements
Standard 2.0-litre turbo engines, available four-wheel drive, interior space
Conclusion
The Acura TLX and BMW 3 Series are as different as they are similar. The bigger and bolder TLX is also a more pragmatic choice, while the 3 Series can offer a purer sense of driving pleasure. Which one appeals to you?
| 2022 Acura TLX | 2022 BMW 3 Series | |
| Starting price | $38,900 | $41,450 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder |
| horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Couple | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 294 lb-ft @ 1,550 rpm |
| Transfer | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 22 city/31 highway/25 combined mpg | 26 city/36 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also available | Turbo V6, all-wheel drive | Turbo 6-cylinder, plug-in hybrid, all-wheel drive |
| Specifications: | ||
| Basic warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Safety Assessment | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| wheelbase | 113.0 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Total length | 194.6 inches | 185.7 inches |
| Width | 75.2 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Height | 56.4 inches | 56.8 inches |
| turning diameter: | 40.1 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, front | 37.2 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Headroom, rear | 36.3 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, front | 42.5 inches | 42.0 in |
| Legroom, rear | 34.9 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder room, front | 58.2 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Shoulder room, rear | 55.0 inches | 54.6 inches |
| cargo space | 13.5 cubic feet | 13.0 cubic feet |
