2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, offering a design that was more restrained compared to other BMW sedans. It lacked the flashy design elements of the 3 Series and the grand size of the 7 Series, making it a choice for those who preferred to fly under the radar. The 2021 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, giving the sedan a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The interior maintained the classic BMW layout, with familiar elements like the touchscreen positioning and unique shifter design, reinforcing the brand's identity. While the base models featured SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered luxurious options like Nappa leather, enhancing the premium feel of the cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i xDrive, offered a more dynamic and sporty aesthetic. The M Performance exterior design treatment included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and striking 19-inch wheels. Inside, the M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats and a Cognac-coloured SensaTec upholstery that mimicked leather, providing a trendy contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series focused on driving enjoyment, with a technical design that emphasized performance over luxury. Despite its sporty nature, the 3 Series managed to maintain passenger comfort and practicality, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both excitement and everyday usability.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This entry-level model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i variant featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. For those seeking more power, the M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 horsepower, while the legendary M5 offered 617 horsepower in Competition spec, reaching zero to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided a combined output of 288 horsepower and an electric range of 31 km.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. It delivered 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, allowing the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The M340i included an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, providing a thrilling driving experience. The M Sport suspension and variable sport steering contributed to its agile handling, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons. The M340i's driving dynamics were praised for their precision and responsiveness, offering a thrilling ride that was hard to surpass.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The 540i's trunk provided 396 litres of cargo space, 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 supportive bolstering, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive, also a four-door sedan, provided power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, though the centre rear seating position was less practical. The 3 Series featured a 481-litre trunk with a 40/20/40-split folding design, enhancing its utility. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, though ventilated front seats were notably absent.

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. The iDrive 7 system offered Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice control and gesture controls were available, though the latter required some learning.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive featured the optional Digital Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, offering multiple control options, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with an available 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice recognition.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for the 2021 model year, 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.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and city-speed automatic emergency braking. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The lane-keeping assist technology was noted for its effectiveness, though it could be aggressive at times.