2021 BMW 5 Series vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It lacked the design flourishes of the 3 Series and the imposing 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 efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained largely unchanged, with specific design elements reinforcing the brand's identity. While lower trims featured SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered luxurious leather options, enhancing the interior's premium feel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar silhouette that might not immediately stand out to non-enthusiasts. The eighth-generation GTI was longer and lower, maintaining its wheelbase for nimble handling. Its styling adhered to the classic GTI form, with a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line extended between the LED headlights, with an optional light bar adding nighttime drama. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI's exterior was complemented by a range of wheel sizes and vibrant colour options, including the exclusive Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Performance trim. Inside, the GTI offered a driver-centric layout with plaid cloth seats standard on lower trims and Vienna leather on the Performance trim, maintaining its sporty yet practical appeal.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp, while the M5 offered 617 hp in Competition spec, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and offering an electric range of 31 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine's peak torque was available at a low 1,750 rpm, enhancing its driving dynamics. Power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km city and 7.0 L/100 km highway with the automatic transmission. The GTI's handling was improved with a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes. The Performance trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, offering enhanced driving dynamics.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered spacious front-seat accommodations and competitive rear-seat space. Its trunk capacity of 396 litres surpassed rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 540i featured 16-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, providing comfort and support. However, forward visibility was hindered by the long hood, though a surround-view camera system aided parking.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 977 litres with the seats folded. The GTI's driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear-seat legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

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 was controlled via a rotary knob, offering a tactile alternative to touchscreens. Gesture controls were available but required learning specific gestures.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 10-inch screen with navigation on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access features, though touch-capacitive controls were less intuitive.

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 and lane-keep assist, among other features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered IQ.Drive, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Travel Assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the 2022 GTI.