2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This model year did not introduce any significant visual changes, maintaining the angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs that contrasted sharply with the chrome grille and detailing. The Elantra was available in six versions, with prices ranging from $19,300 to $24,150. The Limited trim, which included the Ultimate Package, brought the total cost to $27,630. The interior was updated to offer a more upscale look, featuring silver trim on various controls and a mix of hard and glossy plastics, reminding occupants of its mainstream compact car status.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its restrained design, lacking the flamboyance of other luxury sedans. The 2021 model received a minor refresh, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added trapezoidal tailpipes and new bumpers, while the car's length increased slightly to improve aerodynamics. Inside, the 5 Series maintained its classic BMW layout, with details like the touchscreen positioning and shifter design reinforcing its brand identity. The interior materials varied by trim, with options for SensaTec, Dakota leather, and Nappa leather, the latter providing a luxurious feel in our test car.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. This change contributed to a $1,100 price increase for the SE trim. The Elantra Eco model featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 128 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Sport, with a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a more engaging drive with an independent rear suspension. However, the standard Elantra's torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride quality, and real-world fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 29.3 mpg.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series provided a range of powertrain options, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 248 horsepower. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 offered even more power with their V8 engines. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor for 288 horsepower and an electric-only driving capability. The 540i xDrive test car impressed with its precise handling and smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true driver's machine.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was among the roomier compact cars, comfortably accommodating four adults. The Limited trim featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. All Elantras came with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, comparable to some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in the U.S., offered spacious accommodations with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The trunk provided 14.0 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for versatility. Our test car featured 16-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL and higher trims featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches and included navigation and additional services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and voice recognition.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment screen was easy to read, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing. A rotary knob controlled infotainment functions, complemented by voice and gesture controls, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense as standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with full LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received a Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation, particularly in traffic-jam assist scenarios.