2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, lacking the flamboyant design elements of the 3 Series or the grandiose presence of the 7 Series. It received a subtle styling refresh that enhanced its sleekness, with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully proportioned, twin-kidney grille. The addition of trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers for the M Sport Package contributed to its refined appearance. Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW layout, with distinctive design cues that were unmistakably BMW. While the interior materials varied by trim, the high-end options like Nappa leather and aluminum trim elevated the luxury feel, though the sporty steering wheel seemed somewhat out of place.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic continued to be a familiar sight on the roads, with its design polarizing opinions since its 2016 debut. The Civic sedan, available in various trims, offered a spacious interior comparable to older midsize cars, though the lack of rear air vents was a drawback. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Civic's adventurous design and quality materials were evident, though the infotainment screen size and some interior elements showed their age. The Civic's practicality shone through with its ample storage solutions and a sizable trunk, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

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 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i, with its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving the same sprint in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models provided even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a zero-to-100 time of just 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid offered a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km. Despite its sporty aspirations, the 5 Series leaned more towards luxury, with precise handling and a smooth ride.

The 2021 Honda Civic, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in its LX, EX, and Sport trims, producing 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, offering 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing a spirited driving experience. While the Civic's suspension and steering were commendable, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the overall driving pleasure due to its droning nature. However, the Civic excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door sedan, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. Its trunk capacity of 396 litres surpassed that of some rivals, and the 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench added versatility. The 16-way power front seats provided comfort and support, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, provided a roomy interior akin to older midsize cars. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver, while the rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, albeit without rear air vents. The centre console's storage solutions were impressive, and the trunk offered 428 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while gesture controls and voice commands added convenience, though the latter required learning specific prompts.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic's technology was more basic, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation. While the premium sound system was a highlight, the voice recognition system was less sophisticated, and the infotainment interface showed its age.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, though not crash-tested by the IIHS for that year, received a "Top Safety Pick+" for the 2020 model. 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, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available from the EX trim, provided a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.