The new Acura TL is better than the Audi 328i. According to a ranking based on the analysis of 37 published reviews, test drives, reliability and safety data of 21 Upscale Midsize Cars, the 2013 Acura TL and the 2013 BMW 3-Series rank first and seventh respectively. If these ranking is not convincing, you should read my 2013 Acura TL vs 2013 BMW 328i review.
The Acura TL was received with mixed feelings when it debuted in 2009, largely because of its controversial styling details which include a robotic look with a metallic beak. The car was refreshed for the 2012 model year but the controversy refused to go away. It comes back unchanged in 2013. Critics are now looking beyond its controversial exterior styling and they have started to appreciate its impressive qualities. Its twin-cockpit interior design and balanced performance prove that a book cannot be judge by its cover alone!
Some critics said that some of the features in the BMW 328i such as the iDrive system are not user friendly. Some also noted that its leather seats are not comfortable enough, but many agreed that it has some positive attributes. The 3-Series cabin which features impressive controls, exceptional build quality and a spacious back seat are all worth celebrating.
Powertrain
The 2013 Acura TL comes with a choice of two high performing engines. A standard six-speed automatic matches smoothly with the 2013 TL’s V6. An All-wheel drive and a more powerful V6 paired with a six-speed manual are offered on the SH-AWD trim.
The 2013 BMW 328i sedan is powered by a fuel efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission with an eight-speed automatic offered as a no-cost option. A turbocharged six-cylinder engine is available if you want more power.
The TL’s EPA-estimated of 20/29 mpg city/highway is less than the 23/33 mpg city/highway estimate of the BMW with the automatic transmission. The TL’s suspension is not really comfort-tuned, but it is more comfortable than the BMW 3-Series. The TL offers a nice balance between comfortable ride and sporty handling.
Safety Features
The Acura TL was recently named an IIHS Top Safety Pick and the BMW is not far behind in this regard. It boasts of some of the best safety features in the class. It features a navigation, lane departure and forward collision warning systems, parking sensors, a backup camera and other rich menu of attractive gadgets.
Pricing information of the Acura TL 2013 model shows that the base model starts at $36,800, while an all-wheel-drive TL with manual transmission offered with the Technology package is priced at $44,080. All the prices include the $895 destination charge and represent a $200 increment over the previous models. The BMW has an MSRP range of $36,500 – $68,750.
Bottom-line
The BMW is a leader in drivability and mileage. If you are looking to buy a fuel efficient upscale midsize car, the BMW is the car to buy. But you will agree with me that the Acura TL is the real deal. It combines a BMW 5 Series size with a balanced performance and offers a luxurious interior with many high-tech features at a more reasonable price. It rightly wins the 2013 Acura TL vs BMW 328i contest.
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