2020 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

2020 Nissan Sentra
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$19,310

MSRP

$54,200

Average price

$15,960

Average price

$33,948

Listings

635

Listings

510

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Nissan Sentra Reviews Summary

For 38 years, Nissan has peddled the Sentra as its definitive starter car. It’s a household name like Civic, Corolla, and Jetta—all of which are brand-new or have been refreshed in the last couple of years. The eighth-generation Sentra has the look of a larger, more luxurious car. It reflects major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics. Compact sedans have a high bar to clear, even at $20,000. The 2020 Sentra delivers in every respect.

2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews Summary

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 149 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

149 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

29

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

33
2020 Nissan Sentra
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$19,310
$54,200
Average price
$15,960
$33,948
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.1
4.7
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
For 38 years, Nissan has peddled the Sentra as its definitive starter car. It’s a household name like Civic, Corolla, and Jetta—all of which are brand-new or have been refreshed in the last couple of years. The eighth-generation Sentra has the look of a larger, more luxurious car. It reflects major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics. Compact sedans have a high bar to clear, even at $20,000. The 2020 Sentra delivers in every respect.

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 149 hp I4
2.0L 248 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
149 hp @ 6400 rpm
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
29
25
MPG Highway
39
33
Look and feel
2020 Nissan Sentra
8/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, traditionally known for its modest appearance, underwent a transformation that made it more appealing. The model resembled a scaled-down Altima, giving it a larger presence than its actual size. The Sentra's design was more refined, with a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. The detailed stampings and V-shaped grille added a touch of sophistication, making it a standout in its class. Inside, the Sentra's interior was upgraded with features like a flat-bottom leather steering wheel and leatherette dash, offering a feel akin to more expensive vehicles. The SV Premium Package further enhanced the interior with quilted tan leather, elevating the Sentra's status among compact sedans.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, avoiding the flashy elements seen in other luxury sedans. The model received a minor refresh, resulting in a sleeker look with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet proportionate, twin-kidney grille. The 5 Series' interior retained the classic BMW layout, with details that emphasized the brand's identity. While the materials varied by trim level, the Nappa leather in the 540i xDrive test car added a luxurious touch. The aluminum trim and sport steering wheel contributed to the high-end feel, although the steering wheel's sporty design seemed out of place in the otherwise elegant interior.

Performance
2020 Nissan Sentra
6/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra's acceleration was smooth, though it tapered off after 30 mph. The CVT mimicked gear changes effectively, providing a responsive driving experience. The independent suspension improved handling, offering a flat cornering experience and agreeable ride quality. The Sentra's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque. The 540i xDrive test car demonstrated precise handling and a smooth engine, though it lacked the ultimate driving experience BMW was known for. The M550i xDrive and M5 models provided sportier options with more powerful engines, while the 530e plug-in hybrid offered an eco-friendly alternative with a 288 horsepower output.

Form and function
2020 Nissan Sentra
8/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's interior was surprisingly spacious, with ample backseat room for taller passengers. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, providing comfort on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, though the rear window's design limited the view. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, accommodating larger items with foldable seatbacks.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan provided generous interior space, with competitive front-seat room and adequate rear-seat space. The 540i's trunk measured 14.0 cubic feet, surpassing some rivals, and featured a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered support and comfort, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering.

Technology
2020 Nissan Sentra
6/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
9/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra lacked some advanced features like ProPilot, navigation, and wireless charging. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi as standard on the mid-level SV. The SV also offered dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of driver-assist features, making it a well-equipped option for its price.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The iDrive 7 system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot were standard. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while gesture controls offered an alternative, albeit less precise, method for adjusting settings.

Safety
2020 Nissan Sentra
9/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
9/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top ratings. It included rear side airbags, knee airbags, and a comprehensive suite of safety features like emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, similar to the 2020 model, received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Nissan Sentra is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 BMW 5 Series is the recommended choice for those seeking a luxury sedan with advanced features and a refined driving experience.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Nissan Sentra is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 BMW 5 Series is the recommended choice for those seeking a luxury sedan with advanced features and a refined driving experience.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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