2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of awe similar to the majestic humpback whales I encountered during my time as a deckhand on a whale-watching boat. Its design, with lidded headlights, a curved hood, wide air intakes, and an oversized grille, gave it an aquatic appearance reminiscent of those awe-inspiring creatures. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was a joy to drive, offering a variety of interior colours and materials for personalization. The off-white Ivory leather interior contrasted sharply with the black cabin and Tanzanite Blue exterior, enhancing its luxurious feel. The interior quality seemed to be a priority for BMW, which helped justify its sticker price.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series had a more restrained design, lacking the flourishes of the 3 Series and the imposing size of the 7 Series. It received a minor styling refresh for 2021, with sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet not overly large, twin-kidney grille. The 5 Series also featured trapezoidal tailpipes, new L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 30 millimetres longer, it maintained a good drag coefficient of 0.27. The interior retained the familiar BMW layout, with details that reinforced the brand's identity. While lower trims had standard SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered Dakota and Nappa leather options. The 540i xDrive test car featured Nappa leather in Mocha, adding to its high-end feel, though the sport steering wheel felt out of place in the otherwise luxurious interior.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series had undergone significant improvements in driving dynamics, addressing previous criticisms. The M340i trim featured structural and suspension changes, including greater component rigidity and new lift-related dampers, enhancing its sporty handling. The variable sport steering and robust 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, contributed to its exhilarating performance. The xDrive AWD drivetrain, M Sport differential, and M Sport brakes further amplified its driving appeal. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic transmission, with launch control, allowed the M340i to reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, making it a thrilling yet practical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive, with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, offered 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while the M5 boasted 617 horsepower. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 horsepower and a 31 km electric range. The 540i xDrive test car felt sporty, with precise handling and a smooth engine, though it lacked the ultimate driving experience of its predecessors.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered simple and supportive front seats, providing comfort and support during spirited drives. The M340i xDrive test car featured high-quality leather, front-seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel, though ventilated seats were not available. Rear-seat entry and exit were awkward, but once inside, the seats were comfortable and supportive. Some controls were cryptic, but the widescreen infotainment system and iDrive were well-integrated. Storage space was generous, with a covered bin for wireless charging and a 479-litre trunk, though it appeared smaller than typical family sedans.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in Canada, offered spacious front seats and adequate rear-seat room. The 540i had a 396-litre trunk, larger than rivals, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with lumbar support, heating, and ventilation. Forward visibility was poor, but a surround-view camera system aided parking. The seats provided supportive bolstering, enhancing comfort during long drives.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The controls on the centre console were minimalistic, making them harder to use by touch. The touchscreen was intuitive, and the "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was excellent. Gesture control was optional, allowing for volume adjustment and station changes. The head-up display was visible with polarized sunglasses, enhancing its usability.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard. The graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be improved. A rotary knob controlled infotainment functions, providing tactile feedback. Voice control and gesture controls were available, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required the Advanced Driver Assistance package for the latest safety features. While accurate, the systems lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist was abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received a Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, and lane-keep assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was sophisticated and smooth, with traffic-jam assist allowing for stop-and-go driving on highways.