2021 BMW 5 Series vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with a more restrained design. It lacked the flashy elements of the 3 Series and the grandiose size of the 7 Series, opting instead for a subtle presence. The 2021 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a slightly larger twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers, contributing to a refined yet discreet aesthetic. Inside, the 5 Series maintained its classic BMW layout, with familiar design cues and a focus on brand identity. While the interior materials varied by trim level, the overall feel was one of luxury, albeit with some sporty elements like the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a more expressive and futuristic design. Its front end featured a bold, sneering face with muscular lines, and the wheel options ranged from 17-inch to 19-inch alloys, depending on the trim. The interior continued this theme with a dynamic dashboard design and a prominent infotainment touchscreen. The second row provided ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat, and the overall fit and finish were of high quality. The Camry Hybrid's design was both practical and stylish, appealing to those seeking a modern family sedan with a touch of flair.

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 entry-level model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h 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 km/h 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. Overall, the 5 Series delivered a blend of luxury and sportiness, though some felt it leaned more towards luxury.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid focused on fuel efficiency, with the entry-level LE model achieving ratings of 4.9 L/100 km in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT sent power to the front wheels, and paddle shifters were available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, aided by a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement. While it wasn't a performance car, it offered a comfortable and efficient driving experience, with the only drawbacks being the limited EV mode and occasional drivetrain noise.

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 trunk provided 396 litres of cargo space, surpassing some rivals, and the rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for added versatility. The 16-way power front seats offered comfort and support, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system helped with parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height, seating position, and overall usability. The driver's seat offered various adjustments, accommodating different driving preferences. The interior featured ample storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple nooks. The second row was easy to access and provided generous space, with bottle holders and map pockets. The trunk offered 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. The Camry Hybrid's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre hybrid battery warranty.

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 layout could be confusing. A rotary knob provided tactile control, and voice and gesture controls were available, though the latter required some learning.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid boasted advanced technology, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model, with nine speakers and sophisticated audio processing. Embedded navigation was available on XLE models, while all trims featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The LE model had a 7-inch touchscreen, while others had a 9-inch display. Standard features included a smart key system, push-button start, and a rearview camera with a projected-path feature. Higher trims offered a 10-inch head-up display and additional luxury features.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS for the 2020 model, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. 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 praised for its sophistication and smooth operation.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Star safety system included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Camry Hybrid had 10 airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.