2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 Kia K5 marked a significant departure from Kia's past, symbolizing a fresh identity for the brand. With its fastback form and striking design elements, the K5 was reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The GT-Line trim, with its flat Wolf Gray paint and red seats, gave the K5 an Audi A5 Sportback-like appearance. The car's design was highlighted by unique taillights and a sleek front with Z-shaped LED running lights. Despite some fake vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and styling made it a standout, though the base 16-inch wheels detracted from its overall appeal. Inside, the K5's interior was driver-focused, with quality materials and a sporty feel, offering a level of sophistication not typically found in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, lacking the flamboyance of other BMW models. The 5 Series received a minor refresh, with sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The interior retained the classic BMW layout, with a focus on familiar design elements and high-quality materials. The 540i xDrive test car featured Nappa leather and aluminum trim, enhancing its luxurious feel. However, the sport steering wheel felt out of place in an otherwise refined cabin. The 5 Series offered a spacious interior, with ample room for passengers and a generous trunk, making it a practical choice for those seeking understated luxury.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not quite deliver the sporty performance its aggressive styling suggested. The GT-Line lacked paddle shifters and had a softer suspension, making it more of an appearance package than a true sports sedan. The standard 1.6-litre turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. The GT trim promised more excitement with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower, but its front-wheel-drive setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns about handling. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with impressive highway mileage.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 248 horsepower. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre inline-six with a mild hybrid system, generating 335 horsepower and delivering a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. The M550i and M5 models provided even more power with their V8 engines. The 5 Series excelled in handling, thanks to its precise steering and adaptive dampers, though it felt more like a luxury car with sporty pretensions than a true sports sedan. The 530e plug-in hybrid added an eco-friendly option with a 31 km electric range.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom despite its sleek profile. The front seats were supportive, and the cabin featured user-friendly controls and a convenient wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was straightforward, with an optional 10.25-inch display. Trunk space was 434 litres, providing decent cargo capacity.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in Canada, provided a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and a slightly less roomy rear seat compared to rivals. The trunk offered 396 litres of space, with a versatile 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench. The test car's 16-way power front seats provided excellent support, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in parking.

The 2021 Kia K5 came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to set up. Standard features included LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and lane-keep assist. The GT-Line added 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim offered a Bose audio system and 19-inch wheels. The K5's Smart Cruise Control allowed for semi-automated highway driving.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a digital instrument cluster. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options. The infotainment graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing.

The 2021 Kia K5 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The K5 EX trim and above offered Junction Turning for added safety at intersections.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for the 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, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.