2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2024 BMW 5 Series was designed with aerodynamics and modern styling in mind, presenting a clean and minimalist aesthetic both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a prominent shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair, especially in the subdued Carbon Black paint. Inside, the M Sport treatment continued with Smoke-colour Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles, contrasting with the otherwise black cabin. However, reflections and glare from surfaces made using the controls challenging. The BMW Curved Display housed most functions, with traditional iDrive controls on the centre console, though these were touch-sensing and somewhat frustrating to use. Despite these issues, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with advanced technology like the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork made it comparable to luxury vehicles, aligning with Mazda's aspirations. The front featured squinting headlights with LED turn signals and stylish round lighting elements, adding to its dramatic design. Available in sedan and hatchback styles, the hatchback offered more storage and powertrain options. Our test car, similar to a Canadian Mazda3 Sport GT hatchback with AWD and a turbocharged engine, started at $41,031. The interior boasted an impressive red leather upgrade, with leather trimmings throughout, offering a beautifully designed and furnished driver’s seat.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i model, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 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 standard AWD in Canada. The engine was quiet and smooth, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and M Sport suspension for a refined driving experience. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, lacking the connection once synonymous with BMW. Fuel economy was 9.5 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, averaging 8.8 L/100 km during the test week.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. AWD was available with the turbo engine, and a six-speed manual transmission was standard on the Sport GT with FWD. The turbo engine provided a delightful driving experience, with fuel economy figures of 10.1/7.5/8.9 L/100 km for the turbo hatchback. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with tight steering and minimal body roll, offering a performance-oriented yet civilized driving experience.

The BMW 530i excelled as a luxury car, offering a spacious feel from the driver’s seat with comfortable power-adjustable front seats wrapped in Veganza artificial leather. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, though ventilated seats were absent. The rear seat was equally comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a 521-litre trunk reduced by a spare tire storage box.

The Mazda3, while compact, offered 569 litres of cargo space in the hatchback, competitive with similar models. However, rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan offered 374 litres of trunk space. The hatchback’s design created significant blind spots, impacting rearward visibility.

The BMW 530i featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen under a single curved display, running iDrive 8.5. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more, though the touch-sensing controls were prone to smudges and glare. The Premium packages added a head-up display, voice and gesture controls, and an interior camera. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant was inconsistent, and the Bowers and Wilkins sound system underwhelmed.

The Mazda3 used a rotary controller for its infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch display standard and a new 10.25-inch screen available. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity on upper trims. A wireless charging pad and a Bose stereo were also available. While the rotary controller required adjustment, it was ultimately user-friendly and well-featured.

The BMW 530i came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The Mazda3 received five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features like adaptive cruise control available from the GS trim.