2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered attractive, resembling other modern Toyotas with their aggressive styling. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the appealing Celestite paint, the Corolla transformed into a compact sedan with a more palatable appearance, especially when compared to other Toyota sedans. Inside, the Corolla XSE showed significant improvements in perceived quality, replacing the previous model's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, avoiding the flashy elements of its siblings, the 3 Series and 7 Series. The 2021 model received a minor styling refresh, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet proportionate, twin-kidney grille. The interior retained the classic BMW layout, with specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the materials in lower trims were not luxurious, options like Nappa leather elevated the experience, although the sporty steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined cabin.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a modest performance with its 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower in the L, LE, and XLE trims. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited drive with a 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine and a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The Corolla XSE's independent rear suspension contributed to a smooth ride, but the lack of power was evident during acceleration. Despite this, the Corolla delivered a fun driving experience with excellent brakes and handling, although it struggled with rapid acceleration and passing maneuvers.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 248 horsepower. The 540i, with its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six and 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 horsepower and impressive acceleration. The 540i xDrive test car offered precise handling and a smooth engine, though it lacked the ultimate driving engagement of past BMWs. For those seeking more power, the M550i xDrive and M5 provided V8 engines with significantly higher outputs, while the 530e plug-in hybrid offered an eco-friendly alternative with a 288-horsepower combined output.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, smaller than a Camry, accommodated a family of four comfortably for various trips, though rear passengers found the lack of air-conditioning vents and USB ports inconvenient. The low seating position and limited headroom were drawbacks, but the driver's seat offered comfort and effective climate control. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a 371-litre trunk that could fit several bags and a stroller, though closing the trunk required touching the lid.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a sedan, provided ample space for front-seat occupants, while the rear seats, though slightly less roomy on paper, offered sufficient comfort. The 540i's 396-litre trunk surpassed competitors, and the rear bench's 40/20/20 split fold added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats provided excellent support, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering, compensating for the visibility challenges.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display and additional features like HD Radio and SiriusXM trials. The Entune 3.0 Plus added advanced voice recognition and connectivity services, though iPhone users found the standard setup sufficient.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive 7 and a digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, complemented by voice and gesture controls, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like low-light pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The system operated with refinement, though the lane-departure warning's aural alert was irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, while not crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, shared the 2020 model's Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking, with the Driving Assistance Plus Package adding advanced driver-assist technologies. BMW's systems were noted for their smooth operation, particularly in traffic-jam assist scenarios.