2022 Hyundai Elantra 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 was a luxury sedan that preferred subtlety over ostentation, appealing to those who appreciated a more reserved aesthetic. The 2021 model received a minor facelift, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a slightly larger twin-kidney grille. The addition of trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers for the M Sport Package contributed to its refined appearance. Despite being 30 millimetres longer, the 5 Series maintained a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27, ensuring aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the cabin retained the classic BMW layout, with distinctive design elements that unmistakably identified it as a BMW. While the interior materials varied by trim, the overall ambiance was one of sophistication, albeit with some sporty touches like the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a dramatic transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous unassuming appearance. The new Elantra boasted a bold and striking design, characterized by a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, while reminiscent of the Sonata, had its own unique flair, with distinctive creases forming a "Z" shape on the doors. The interior saw significant improvements in material quality and design, offering a more upscale feel for a compact car. Despite some hard plastics, the Elantra's cabin was well-appointed, especially considering its starting price. The 2022 model was available in various trims, including the sporty N Line, which featured unique styling elements and a more dynamic driving experience. Overall, the Elantra's redesign made it a standout in the compact sedan segment, offering a compelling blend of style and practicality.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This entry-level model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed limited to 210 km/h or 235 km/h, depending on the tires. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive, with its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, offered 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the M5 boasted 617 hp in Competition spec, reaching zero to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and a 31 km electric range. The 5 Series excelled in handling and driving dynamics, though it leaned more towards luxury than pure sportiness.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra provided multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a 1.32-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N Line variant offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, equipped with a seven-speed DCT and sport-tuned suspension. The N Line's multi-link rear suspension and larger front brake rotors enhanced its handling capabilities. The Elantra's performance was commendable for its class, with the N Line providing a sportier driving experience, though the DCT could be clunky at low speeds. Overall, the Elantra offered a well-rounded performance package, with options catering to different driving preferences.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan in Canada, offered a spacious interior that matched its exterior dimensions. Front-seat space was competitive, while the rear seats provided ample room for passengers. The 540i's trunk capacity of 396 litres surpassed that of the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for added versatility. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and driver memory, providing a balance of comfort and support. However, forward visibility was hindered by the long hood, necessitating the use of a surround-view camera for parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The interior was user-friendly, with clearly marked controls and ample storage options. The Elantra's seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. Despite its compact size, the Elantra offered good visibility and sufficient space for passengers. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, though the narrow opening posed a challenge for accessing the rear. The Elantra's practicality was slightly marred by the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents, but it remained a solid choice for small families.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. 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 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered impressive technology for its price, with the base Essential trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. The N Line trim tested had the 8-inch system, which was easy to pair with smartphones. While the six-speaker audio system was adequate, the Bose system in higher trims offered superior sound quality. The Elantra's infotainment system was user-friendly, though only wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto was available with the larger screen.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, 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. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation, particularly in traffic-jam situations.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Other features, such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning, were standard on most trims. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating, while LED-equipped trims were rated "Good."