2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, generic sedan. Designers infused the model with numerous styling details to make it more exciting. Some elements, like the flared wheel arches and thin headlights, successfully widened the car's appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their fake vents, which added unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner, albeit still large, grille. The Camry's interior mirrored its exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of contrasting materials and elements that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite the low-rent feel of the materials, the Camry's interior was functional, with standard features like 16-inch steel wheels on the base LE trim and larger alloy wheels on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, avoiding the flashy flourishes of other luxury sedans. The 5 Series received a minor styling refresh for 2021, resulting in a sleeker look with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet proportionate, twin-kidney grille. The interior retained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the materials in lower trims were not as luxurious, the 540i xDrive test car featured high-end Nappa leather and aluminum trim, enhancing the premium feel. The 5 Series' interior was more cohesive, with a focus on functionality and style, although the sporty steering wheel felt out of place in the otherwise luxurious cabin.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in most trims with FWD, and slightly less with AWD. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was available, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 hp. The SE Nightshade Edition test car, equipped with the base four-cylinder and AWD, surprised with its eager-to-rev nature and sporty sound. The Camry's chassis struck a balance between handling and ride quality, offering a fun driving experience without sacrificing comfort.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series provided a diverse array of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, produced 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 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. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor for 288 hp and a 31 km electric range. The 540i xDrive test car delivered precise handling and a smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true driver's machine.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly below average. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was 428 litres, average for a midsize sedan but less than the Honda Accord's 473 litres. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. Toyota included analog controls for key functions, enhancing ease of use, though some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in Canada, offered spacious front seats and adequate rear space. The 540i's trunk held 396 litres, more than the Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with lumbar support, heating, and ventilation, providing comfort and support. Forward visibility was limited due to the long hood, but a surround-view camera system aided parking.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on the XSE and XLE trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and easy-to-navigate menus. Standard USB ports and a 12-volt outlet were provided, but no additional ports were available on higher trims.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with iDrive 7 and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard. The infotainment screen's location atop the dashboard made it easy to read, though the instrument cluster layout could be improved. A rotary knob controlled infotainment functions, offering a tactile alternative to touchscreens. Voice control and gesture controls were available, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The TSS 2.5+ package included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. New features included enhanced adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning capabilities. A Rear Seat Reminder was standard, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, similar to the 2020 model, received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS. 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, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation, with features like traffic-jam assist and adaptive cruise control providing a competent driving experience.