2020 Nissan Altima vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Nissan Altima, particularly in its Platinum trim, presented a sleek and modern design, enhanced by 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels. The redesign from the previous year had refined its styling, though some details, like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel, were less appealing. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary design with an ergonomic layout. The infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring a high-mounted touchscreen with stereo knobs, and the climate controls were straightforward. While the materials were standard for a midsize sedan, the interior was dressed up with matte chrome and simulated wood trim, available only in black or gray.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained and sophisticated design, with a minor refresh that added sleekness to its appearance. The larger twin-kidney grille and streamlined LED headlights contributed to its modern look. The interior retained the classic BMW layout, with a focus on brand-specific details like the touchscreen positioning and shifter design. The 540i xDrive test car featured high-quality Nappa leather and aluminum trim, though the sport steering wheel felt out of place. The 5 Series offered a spacious cabin, with competitive front-seat space and a trunk larger than some rivals, despite slightly less rear-seat room on paper.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The test car, however, featured the exclusive VC-Turbo 2.0-liter engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. This engine provided a balance of power and efficiency, achieving 26.2 mpg in testing. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to features like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, making it responsive and satisfying to drive.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series provided a range of powertrain options. The base 530i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 248 horsepower, while the 540i featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with a mild hybrid system, producing 335 horsepower. The 540i xDrive test car offered precise handling and a smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true sports sedan. For those seeking more power, the M550i and M5 variants offered significantly higher performance. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid provided an eco-friendly option with a combined output of 288 horsepower.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for comfort, inspired by NASA technology, though lacking a front passenger height adjuster and ventilated seats. It offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, but not heated rear seats. The cabin provided ample storage, though it lacked a wireless charging pad. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, with useful features like grocery bag hooks.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a sedan, offered spacious seating and a trunk with 14.0 cubic feet of space. The rear seats had a 40/20/20 split fold for versatility. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, providing comfort and support. However, forward visibility was limited, though a surround-view camera system aided parking.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, physical and virtual buttons, and standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a navigation system and a Bose audio system. NissanConnect Services offered connected technology, though voice recognition could be improved.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options, though the latter could be imprecise.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added pedestrian detection and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving aids, though it was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, known for their smooth operation.