They’re both performance-oriented luxury sedans starting around $40,000, but the Acura TLX and BMW 3 Series have some important differences. Let’s see which 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 newest TLX is fun to drive and looks fantastic. Pricing starts at $38,900.
Acura TLX Highlights
Class-above presence: While the TLX and 3 Series are similarly sized inside, the Acura is almost 9 inches longer than the BMW. In the land of bigger is better, the more substantial TLX holds a visual advantage.
Excellent resale 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 similarly equipped TLX up front, and you’ll recoup a bigger share of that money when you sell it.
Longer 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 a longer 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the TLX models for sale near you.
2022 BMW 3 Series
The sports sedan of sports sedans essentially created the category as we know it today. The BMW 3 Series remains as engaging as it is legendary. Pricing starts at $41,450.
BMW 3 Series Highlights
Famously exquisite driving feel: As is the case with so many performance-oriented European cars, there’s just something especially satisfying about driving the BMW 3 Series. Both cars are a blast, but the 3 Series can be more rewarding than the TLX. The BMW’s rear-wheel-drive design is no small factor here.
Superior fuel economy: In base form, the 3 Series is rated to return rather impressive city/highway combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. The TLX is rated for a lackluster 25 mpg. Fuel economy hasn’t been a top consideration for most shoppers in this segment historically, but gas prices being what they are, every little bit helps.
Broader lineup: If you count the high-performance BMW M3, the expansive 3 Series lineup offers enough upgrades to reach $90,000. For buyers who want it all, the BMW is capable of delivering more. The TLX lineup tops out around $55,000.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 3 Series models for sale near you.
Similarities
Standard 2.0-liter turbo engines, available all-wheel drive, interior room
Conclusion
The Acura TLX and BMW 3 Series are as different as they are similar. The bigger and boldly styled TLX is also a more pragmatic choice, while the 3 Series can deliver a purer sense of driving enjoyment. Which one speaks to you?
| 2022 Acura TLX | 2022 BMW 3 Series | |
| Starting Price | $38,900 | $41,450 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 294 lb-ft @ 1,550 rpm |
| Transmission | 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 |
| Specs | ||
| 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 Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall 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 inches |
| 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 |
