2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2025 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, as most functions were accessed through the BMW Curved Display, with limited physical controls.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 Sport hatchback boasted an organic shape with a long hood and tapered greenhouse, creating S-shaped reflections on its flanks. The Polymetal Grey paint over red leather interior looked striking, with a driver-oriented design and high-quality materials. The interior featured classy metal speaker grilles and analog climate controls, though the gloss black plastic trim showed wear easily. The Mazda 3 offered a snug fit for all seating positions, with comfortable seats and excellent forward visibility, though rear-seat legroom was tight and lacked amenities like air vents and USB ports.

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 all-wheel drive 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 car felt remote and muted, lacking the connection once synonymous with BMW. Fuel economy was 9.5 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, slightly above the official estimate.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque in non-turbo models. Turbo variants delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium gas. The standard engine was smooth and refined, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission or a manual gearbox in the GT trim. Fuel economy was 9.7 L/100 km on the evaluation loop. The Mazda 3's handling was enhanced by G-Vectoring Control Plus, providing a communicative and predictable driving experience, though the torsion-beam rear suspension amplified road imperfections.

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. The rear seats were equally comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a 521-litre trunk reduced by a spare tire storage box. The enclosed trunk hinges maximized space, and deep wells on either side of the spare tire container were practical.

The Mazda 3 felt compact, with snug seating but comfortable seats. The driver’s seat was power-adjustable, and the red leather upholstery was soft. Visibility was excellent from the front, though the design compromised rear visibility. Rear-seat legroom was limited, and cargo space was 569 litres, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The cargo area was practical, accommodating full-size suitcases and carry-ons.

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 connected services. The system had Quick Select for easier navigation, though the gloss-black touch-sensing panel collected smudges. Premium packages added a head-up display, voice and gesture controls, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system, though sound quality was underwhelming.

Mazda’s Connect infotainment system in the Mazda 3 used an 8.8 or 10.25-inch display, with limited touchscreen functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. The system relied on physical controls and voice recognition, which was inconsistent. The test car’s Bose audio system sounded great, and a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services was standard.

The BMW 530i came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The lane-departure warning system was subtle, and the car earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The Mazda 3 boasted a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. It included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The lane departure warning system issued inaccurate alerts, but the adaptive cruise control was smooth. The head-up display showed blind spot warnings, and the adaptive front lighting system enhanced safety in dark areas.