2020 Acura TLX vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Acura TLX underwent a significant design update, resulting in a more appealing, albeit somewhat nondescript, appearance. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with sporty visual elements such as 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and oversized exhaust outlets. This special edition, not available in Canada, offered a blend of comfort and style at a competitive price point, especially when upgraded to the SH-AWD powertrain with the Technology and A-Spec packages.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, avoiding the flamboyance of other luxury sedans. The model received a minor refresh, featuring sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package introduced trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers. The interior retained the classic BMW layout, with distinctive design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the materials varied by trim level, the Nappa leather option in the 540i xDrive test car added a touch of luxury.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered two powertrain options. The front-wheel-drive models came with a 206-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The SH-AWD versions featured a 290-hp, 3.5-litre V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided a smooth power delivery, with peak torque of 267 lb-ft arriving at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system enhanced driving dynamics by distributing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, making the TLX agile and responsive in corners. Despite its sporty capabilities, the TLX maintained a comfortable ride, with fuel consumption recorded at 10.2 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided a balance of performance and efficiency, with a 31 km electric range. The 540i xDrive test car impressed with its precise handling and smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true sports sedan.

The 2020 Acura TLX prioritized comfort and quality, with a well-appointed cabin featuring supple leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample space for front occupants. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and available heated seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 405 litres, more akin to a compact car than a midsize sedan.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in Canada, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and adequate rear-seat room. The 540i's trunk capacity of 396 litres was slightly larger than some rivals, and the rear seats featured a 40/20/20 split fold for added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats provided excellent support and comfort, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a non-touchscreen top display and a touchscreen bottom display that included some climate controls. The layout was confusing, and the voice-recognition system was subpar. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system delivered good sound quality, and the car offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, and voice control was available. Gesture controls were also offered but were less precise than traditional controls.

The 2020 Acura TLX received 5-star ratings from the NHTSA but did not qualify for an IIHS Top Safety Pick due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, these systems lacked the refinement of more modern vehicles.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, similar to the 2020 model, earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, with smooth and sophisticated operation.