2022 Toyota Camry 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 underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The sedan featured trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers for the M Sport Package, contributing to its refined look. The interior maintained the classic BMW layout, with specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the materials varied by trim level, the Nappa leather option in the 540i xDrive test car added a touch of luxury, though the sporty steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise sophisticated cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD caught attention with its bold Cavalry Blue paint and performance-oriented design. The model introduced several updates, including standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control for most trims. The Camry TRD stood out with its aerodynamic body kit, matte-black wheels, and red accents, offering a more aggressive look compared to previous Camry models. Inside, the Camry TRD featured a unique dashboard layout and driver-focused center console, though some elements like the red gauge illumination and seatbelt embroidery were less appealing. Despite its sporty appearance, the Camry TRD's interior lacked the premium feel of its exterior, with some materials feeling less upscale.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower. It could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on the tires. The 540i model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. It achieved zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive all-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter reaching 617 hp and a top speed of 190 mph. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided a balance of performance and efficiency, with a combined output of 288 hp and an electric-only driving capability.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It offered a Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. The Camry TRD's track-tuned dynamics included enhanced torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension components, and larger brakes, contributing to its solid and planted feel. Despite its sporty setup, the Camry TRD maintained a comfortable ride for daily driving. However, the lack of all-wheel drive made it easy to lose traction with the front wheels, especially during spirited driving.

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 model provided 14.0 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing some rivals, and featured a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered excellent support and comfort, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, while not the roomiest midsize sedan, comfortably accommodated two adults in the back seat. However, the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a split-folding rear seat, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly smaller than some competitors. Despite these limitations, the Camry TRD provided generous in-cabin storage, with a large center armrest bin and various stash spaces throughout the cabin.

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, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface for infotainment functions, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative interaction methods. However, the gesture controls required learning specific movements, which could be challenging for some users.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical knobs and shortcut buttons for ease of use. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, with optional upgrades to a 9-inch display and JBL premium audio system. While the Camry TRD lacked dynamic navigation and voice recognition, it allowed integration with Siri or Google Assistant via smartphone connectivity. Other Camry models offered additional tech features, but these were not available on the TRD.

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, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, enhancing the car's safety and driver-assist capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. The Camry TRD included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false alerts, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance provided semi-autonomous driving support. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring high levels of occupant protection.