2022 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It lacked the flashy design elements of the 3 Series and the grand size of the 7 Series, opting instead for a more subtle presence. The 2021 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, enhancing the sedan's sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. Additional updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 30 millimetres longer, the 5 Series maintained a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27, ensuring aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained largely unchanged, with distinctive design elements that unmistakably identified it as a BMW. While lower trims featured SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered luxurious Dakota and Nappa leather options, enhancing the interior's premium feel.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over from its 2020 redesign, showcased a modern, coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. This design marked a significant improvement over previous models, aligning with Nissan's current design language. The Sentra was available in various bold colours, though our test model sported a more subdued grey. Inside, the Sentra excelled with a modern and functional layout, featuring easy-to-use controls and a prominent touchscreen. The interior's simplicity and elegance were complemented by a range of trims, each offering distinct features. The base S trim included essentials like a 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while higher trims like the SV and SR added more advanced features, such as an 8-inch touchscreen, premium upholstery, and intelligent cruise control. Special editions, like the Midnight Edition package, added unique styling elements to the SR trim.

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 tire choice. The 540i model 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 and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a zero to 100 km/h time of just 3.0 seconds. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and a 31 km electric range.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine across all models, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Canadian models came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with a CVT available. While the engine wasn't particularly remarkable, the CVT managed power effectively, providing consistent performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions adequately, making it a reliable choice for commuting and occasional road trips.

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. Its 396-litre trunk capacity surpassed that of rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the rear bench's 40/20/20 split fold allowed for versatile cargo options. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, providing both comfort and support. However, forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood, though a surround-view camera system aided in parking.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, slightly more than the BMW 5 Series. The trunk's 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for expanded cargo capacity, though the ledge created by the bench could pose challenges for larger items. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating in both rows, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured ample storage options, including large in-door trays and cupholders, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the iDrive 7 system, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing. A rotary knob provided intuitive control, complemented by voice and gesture controls for added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with an 8-inch version available on higher trims. The system featured easy menu navigation, aided by conventional hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. While the graphics could benefit from an update, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto was a notable omission, especially as competitors like the Honda Civic offered these features on higher trims.

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, 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 2022 Nissan Sentra boasted a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control were available. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for crashworthiness and driver-assistance effectiveness.