2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2023 Dodge Charger retained much of its design from 2015, featuring a sleek nose and sharp LED taillights. Despite its age, the Charger stood out with vibrant colours like Plum Crazy, making it look modern compared to competitors like the Accord and Camry. The Swinger variant, with its widebody kit, flared fenders, and bronze wheels, added a distinctive flair. The interior, however, felt dated with its small touchscreen and plasticky knobs, though it offered a basic yet adequate space for driving excitement.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 5 Series showcased a clean, minimalist design, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency. The 530i model featured a large grille and intricate wheels, with the M Sport bodywork adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the cabin was modern and elegant, with Smoke-colour Veganza artificial leather and aluminum trim. However, reflective surfaces caused some glare, and the reliance on the BMW Curved Display for most controls made it less intuitive.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 300 horsepower. However, the V8 engines were the highlight, with the Scat Pack's 6.4-litre V8 delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat models pushed boundaries with up to 807 hp, though they struggled with traction. The Charger excelled in handling, offering good grip and braking, especially in the Scat Pack Widebody trims.

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. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhanced efficiency, and the car accelerated to 96 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The 530i provided a refined driving experience with smooth acceleration and a supple ride. However, it lacked the engaging driving feel traditionally associated with BMWs, feeling more like a video game than a connected driving experience.

Inside the 2023 Dodge Charger, space was surprisingly tight for a large car. The front offered adequate headroom, but rear passengers faced cramped legroom and poor headroom. The trunk was spacious at 470 litres. The Charger's controls were straightforward, with large, easy-to-find buttons and switches, providing a familiar and distraction-free environment.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled in luxury, with comfortable power-adjustable front seats and a spacious rear seat. The interior offered good legroom and headroom, though some materials could scuff shoes. Storage was adequate, with a 521-litre trunk, though a spare tire box reduced space. The enclosed trunk hinges maximized usability.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest infotainment and driver-assistance features. Its 8.4-inch touchscreen was small but user-friendly, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Charger SRT Dashboard allowed customization of performance settings, offering unique features like launch control and line lock.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen under the BMW Curved Display, running iDrive 8.5. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced features like gesture controls. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant was inconsistent, and the Bowers and Wilkins sound system underwhelmed.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. It offered basic safety features, with advanced options available on higher trims. The IIHS ratings were based on an older Chrysler 300 model, raising questions about their relevance.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced systems, though our test car lacked these. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though it missed the higher Top Safety Pick+ rating.