2020 Toyota Camry vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a reputation for quality, reliability, and value, which it earned by consistently outperforming expectations. While earlier models were nearly indestructible and shared engineering with the Lexus brand, recent iterations had been criticized for feeling cheap compared to competitors. However, the latest generation saw a renewed focus on detail, elevating its quality and appeal. The styling was more expressive than ever, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that hinted at sportiness. The interior featured high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard, making even the base trims feel upscale. Although it wasn't a luxury car, the Camry's improvements were a step in the right direction.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its restrained design, lacking the flourishes of the 3 Series or the imposing size of the 7 Series. The 2021 model received a minor styling refresh, with sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet not oversized, twin-kidney grille. The interior maintained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the materials in lower trims weren't as luxurious, options like Nappa leather added a high-end feel. The 5 Series was more of a luxury car with sporty pretensions, offering precise handling and a smooth engine, but it wasn't the "Ultimate Driving Machine" it once claimed to be.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered four powertrains, including a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD, a 3.5-litre V6, and a hybrid option. The V6 produced 301 horsepower and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful drive. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder delivered 203 hp (206 in XSE trim) and was lighter, offering a more engaging driving experience. The AWD system, similar to the RAV4's, could send up to half of the engine's 184 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, improving traction in slippery conditions. Fuel consumption varied, with the FWD V6 models managing 9.0 L/100 km, while the AWD four-cylinder models consumed 8.4 L/100 km.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, generating 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp, while the M5 offered 617 hp. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and offering an electric range of 31 km. The 5 Series excelled in performance, with the 540i xDrive reaching 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, but it felt more like a luxury car than a true driver's car.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was user-friendly, with controls that were easy to reach and operate. The front seats offered increased legroom and hip room, but the rear seat and trunk space were more limited compared to competitors. The trunk held 428 litres, similar to a Honda Civic, and the addition of AWD didn't compromise interior space.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in Canada, offered spacious front seats and a slightly less roomy rear seat compared to rivals. The trunk provided 396 litres of space, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, but forward visibility was limited due to the long hood. A surround-view camera system helped with parking.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with Bluetooth and a three-month SiriusXM trial. The infotainment system, while functional, felt dated with low-resolution graphics. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to 8 inches, and higher trims offered a 10-inch head-up display. Remote Connect allowed smartphone access for locking, unlocking, and remote starting.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive 7 and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard. The infotainment system was easy to read, but the instrument cluster layout could be confusing. A rotary knob controlled infotainment functions, and voice and gesture controls were available, though the latter was less precise.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense, including emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Camry received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. A recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had standard safety features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and other features. The 2020 model received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, but the NHTSA hadn't published recent ratings.