2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a subtle yet sporty refresh for its seventh generation. The model retained its petrol-powered 330i and M340i, alongside the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior featured a narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The front fascia's lower air intakes were reshaped, leading to flared rear-wheel arches, creating a striking first impression. New paint options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic were introduced, and the M Sport package added chrome grille accents and a larger rear diffuser. Inside, the 3 Series boasted the BMW iDrive 8 with a 27.2-inch Curved Display, offering a driver-centric cockpit with fewer buttons and a minimalist dashboard.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 5 Series embraced a clean, crisp, and minimalist design, both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a large shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair. The interior showcased Smoke-colour Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and metal speaker grilles, creating a modern and elegant look. However, reflections and glare from surfaces made controls harder to use. The BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8.5 offered advanced technology, but the touch-sensing controls on gloss-black surfaces were less user-friendly. Despite these issues, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with a base price of $70,500 in Canada, quickly approaching $90,000 with options.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, including a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six for the M340i. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with xDrive AWD standard in Canada, except for the PHEV. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e combined 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 35 km of electric-only range. The M340i, with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly across trims, with the 330i xDrive achieving 8.6 L/100 km combined.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It accelerated to 96 km/h in 5.9 seconds, with AWD standard in Canada. The 530i provided a refined driving experience, with a quiet engine and smooth transmission. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride, and the car handled twisty roads well. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, akin to playing a video game. Fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 8.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact yet comfortable interior, with front headroom of 982 mm and legroom of 1,066 mm. Rear occupants had 955 mm of headroom and 894 mm of legroom. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered support, though the seat cushions were somewhat stiff. The 3 Series featured 481 litres of cargo space, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split. Standard features included a power moonroof and heated front seats, with optional upgrades like a heated steering wheel and keyless entry.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with a spacious interior that felt larger than a midsizer. The power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, with heated seats and a steering wheel standard in Canada. The rear seats were equally comfortable, offering ample legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones and a good-sized glove compartment. The 5 Series boasted a 521-litre trunk, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo space. Enclosed trunk hinges maximized available space.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the BMW iDrive 8 system with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades included wireless charging and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen under a single curved display, running iDrive 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L. Gesture controls and voice interaction were available, though the Intelligent Personal Assistant had mixed performance. The test car featured a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system, though sound quality was underwhelming. Premium packages added a head-up display and Parking Assistant Professional.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The IIHS awarded the 2022 model a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. Optional packages offered advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous driving aids. The IIHS rated the 5 Series as a Top Safety Pick, though it lacked the Top Safety Pick+ rating.