BMW 5 Series vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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 the M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair, especially when paired with the 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, the interior suffered from reflections and glare, complicating the use of controls. The BMW Curved Display housed most features on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the centre console. Despite some aggravating touch-sensing controls, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with advanced technology like the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system. In Canada, the base price was $70,500, excluding additional charges, with options pushing the MSRP close to $90,000.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received significant styling updates, particularly at the front with a streamlined fascia and a "seamless horizon lamp" lightbar, giving it a modern flair. The badge was repositioned above the grille, and the headlights were placed independently below it, drawing a resemblance to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 while avoiding its more polarizing elements. The rear end featured a lightbar forming a wide "H" shape with the taillights. From the side, the 2024 Sonata closely resembled the 2023 model. In Canada, the Preferred-Trend trim came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the N Line trim had 19-inchers. The interior saw changes with a redesigned dash, extended centre console, and a new T-shaped steering wheel. The Preferred-Trend trim offered a basic black interior with leather upholstery, while the N Line trim featured a light grey option with Nappa leather, suede inserts, and red accents.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i model, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhanced efficiency, and BMW estimated a 0-96 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. The 530i featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its capabilities, the driving experience lacked the connection between driver and machine that BMW was once known for. The engine was quiet and smooth, with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride, and the car handled well on twisty roads. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, akin to playing a video game. Fuel economy was 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation loop, slightly above the official estimate of 7.9 L/100 km.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an all-wheel-drive system for the first time, available on the Preferred-Trend trim for an additional $2,000. The Preferred-Trend trim featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, with power delivered via an 8-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission. The N Line remained front-wheel-drive only. The Sonata's steering feel and handling were commendable, and the configurable driver-information display was appreciated.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, offering a spacious feel from the driver's seat with a high seating position and good visibility. The power-adjustable front seats were comfortable, wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The rear seat was equally comfortable, with good legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrests, and a small bin under the centre armrest. The trunk offered 521 litres of space, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo room.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided competitive space and flexibility, with 975 millimetres of front-seat headroom and 950 mm of rear-seat headroom. Front legroom was prioritized at 1,170 mm, while rear-seat passengers had 885 mm. Heated and ventilated front seats were standard in the Preferred-Trend trim, with a slimmer steering wheel rim for comfort. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature, though perhaps unnecessary in a sedan.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved display, running BMW Operating System 8.5. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with connected services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and optional wireless smartphone charging. The iDrive controls were part of a gloss-black touch-sensing panel, which collected lint and fingerprints. The Premium packages added a head-up display, voice and gesture controls, and an interior camera. The Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system was optional, though sound quality was not as expected.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a curved display combining the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display. The N Line had a pair of 12.3-inch screens, while the Preferred-Trend trim had a smaller digital instrument cluster. Hard controls were limited, but climate control and media functions had dedicated haptic buttons. The N Line included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, while a six-speaker system was standard. A wireless charging pad was also included on the N Line.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced driving assistance systems, though our test car did not have this package. The lane-departure warning system was sophisticated, issuing alerts only when necessary. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert. Safety and driver-assistance features were easy to find and use within the infotainment system.