2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 BMW 3 Series bore an athletic and somewhat marine-inspired design, encapsulated by its lidded headlights, bulging curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and an oversize grille, which combined to give it an aquatic appearance that was both distinctive and dynamic. Despite this unique aesthetic, the car was a joy to drive, particularly in the M340i trim level. The starting price was high, set at $40,750 for a base 330i and escalated to $56,000 for the M340i with the optional xDrive all-wheel drive system. The test car, a lavishly equipped M340i xDrive, reached nearly $70,000 with options. Personalization options for the 3 Series were extensive, with a range of interior colors and materials available. The test car's Ivory leather interior sharply contrasted with the black cabin and the Tanzanite Blue exterior.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series adopted a restrained yet elegant design, free from excessive design flourishes but striking a sleek, modern look. For 2021, it received a minor refresh that enhanced its appearance with more streamlined LED headlights, a larger but proportionate twin-kidney grille, trapezoidal tailpipes, and new L-shaped taillights. It was 1.2 inches longer than earlier versions, aiding its aerodynamic efficiency. The interior maintained a classic BMW layout, making the car instantly recognizable. While the lower trim levels came with SensaTec upholstery, upgrades to Dakota or Nappa leather were available. The aluminum trim in the test car added a high-end touch, although the sport steering wheel seemed out of place given the car's overall luxury vibes.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was beloved for its dynamic handling and performance. BMW had resolved earlier issues with electric steering, bringing back a more intuitive feel. The M340i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine produced 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, rocketing to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The car's structural and suspension enhancements included greater component rigidity and new adaptive dampers, making it a driving enthusiast's dream. Although the standard 8-speed automatic transmission might have disappointed manual purists, its precision and responsiveness, coupled with paddle shifters and various driving modes, compensated for this.

Meanwhile, the 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a wide range of powertrain options, beginning with the base 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which achieved 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i introduced a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with xDrive. Despite its sportiness, the 540i felt more like a luxury car with some sporty elements rather than a true driver's car. Higher trims, such as the M550i and M5, featured even more powerful engines, with the M5 capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, underscoring the performance spectrum available within the 5 Series lineup.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series' front seats were supportive yet comfortable, making them suitable for both spirited driving and longer journeys. The test car came with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, though the absence of ventilated seats was lamentable during hot weather. While the rear seats were exceptionally comfortable, entry and exit were awkward. The car's storage space was generous for its class, with a deep-but-narrow 17-cubic-foot trunk. The covered bin with an optional wireless smartphone charger was a nice touch.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan offered ample interior space consistent with its larger exterior dimensions. Front-seat comfort was competitive, and the rear seats provided adequate room despite appearing less spacious on paper. The trunk, at 14.0 cubic feet, offered more cargo space than rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with the added functionality of a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car's power front seats featured extensive adjustments and were both heated and ventilated, though the long, high hood impaired forward visibility, mitigated somewhat by a surround-view camera system.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was equipped with the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, now featuring a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. These methods, alongside the center console’s knob and buttons, allowed for intuitive operation. The touchscreen was particularly lauded for its smartphone-like responsiveness, though gesture controls were seen as somewhat gimmicky. The “Hey, BMW” voice recognition worked impressively well, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses.

For 2021, the BMW 5 Series got a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running the latest iDrive 7 system, alongside a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard technology included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The graphics on both screens were excellent, but the instrument cluster’s power meter could confuse some drivers. The rotary knob for infotainment controls remained a favorite for its tactile feedback, and gesture controls were similarly available but not as practical as traditional controls.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), available through two optional Driving Assistance packages. Despite their occasional abruptness, these features included lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 3 Series a Top Safety Pick+ rating, reinforcing its safety credentials when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series also boasted robust safety features. Although the IIHS hadn’t tested the 2021 model yet, the 2020 version received a Top Safety Pick+ rating, scoring well in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tests. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist, making it competitive in terms of driver-assist technology.