2020 Honda Accord vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Honda Accord was recognized for its stylish design, which stood out as one of the most attractive in the model's history. Despite some mixed opinions on its front styling and rounded roofline, the Accord maintained an upscale appearance, especially when equipped with the 19-inch alloy wheels available on higher trims like the Touring and Sport 2.0. These larger wheels enhanced the sedan's visual presence, although the 17-inch wheels offered a more cost-effective option for long-term ownership. The Accord was available in several trims, including LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring, with prices ranging from $28,705 to $40,405. Inside, the Accord boasted high-quality materials, with soft touchpoints, premium leather, and realistic-looking simulated wood trim.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a more restrained design, lacking the flamboyance of other BMW models. The 5 Series received a minor styling refresh for 2021, resulting in a sleeker look with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added 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 5 Series offered a prestigious badge, lower trims came with standard SensaTec upholstery, with real leather available at an additional cost. The 540i xDrive test car featured luxurious Nappa leather and aluminum trim, though the sporty steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined interior.

The 2020 Honda Accord offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. For those seeking fuel efficiency, the Accord's hybrid powertrain delivered 212 horsepower and impressive fuel economy, averaging 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Enthusiasts could opt for the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Accord 2.0T was quick and fun to drive, with adaptive dampers and sticky 19-inch tires enhancing its handling. However, the front-wheel-drive setup struggled to put all the power down, and the brakes showed some signs of wear during spirited driving.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 horsepower and 362 lb-ft of torque. The 540i xDrive accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, with precise handling and a smooth engine. For those seeking more power, the M550i xDrive offered a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 horsepower, 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 an electric range of 31 km. The 5 Series excelled in delivering a luxurious driving experience, though it lacked the raw driving dynamics of earlier BMWs.

The 2020 Honda Accord was essentially a full-size sedan, offering more rear-seat legroom and cargo space than its rival, the Toyota Camry. The Accord's 12-way power driver's seat provided excellent comfort, while the rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with heated outboard positions on higher trims. The trunk offered 473 litres of space, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The interior featured ample storage, clear instrumentation, and ergonomic controls, making it a pleasant environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in Canada, offered generous interior space, with competitive front-seat room and ample rear-seat space. The 540i's trunk provided 396 litres of cargo capacity, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered excellent support and comfort, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in parking and maneuvering.

The 2020 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with user-friendly controls, including volume and tuning knobs, and main menu shortcut buttons. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and text-messaging support. Higher trims included a ten-speaker premium audio system, HondaLink subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless device charging. However, the system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring specific prompts for accurate responses. A head-up display was exclusive to the Touring trim, and the Accord's visibility was enhanced by a reversing camera with multiple viewing angles.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing. BMW's iDrive system used a rotary knob for control, offering a tactile alternative to touchscreens. Voice control and gesture controls were available, though the latter required learning specific gestures. The system's sophistication and ease of use set it apart from competitors.

The 2020 Honda Accord was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five stars in all NHTSA assessments. Honda Sensing, standard on all trims, included forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was reserved for the Touring trim. While Honda Sensing was comprehensive, some features required refinement, such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, while not crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, received a Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2020 model. 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, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation, providing a more refined experience than mainstream brands.