2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The WRX STI version took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI version maintained a somewhat understated look, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered a bit plain for a new car in 2021.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series had a more restrained design, lacking the flashy elements of the 3 Series or the imposing size of the 7 Series. The 2021 model received a minor refresh, featuring sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet not overly prominent, twin-kidney grille. The 5 Series also included trapezoidal tailpipes, new L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers for the M Sport Package. The interior retained the classic BMW layout, with familiar design elements and high-quality materials, although lower trims used standard SensaTec upholstery.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT featuring Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split. The WRX STI variant boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains. The base 530i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter reaching 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 288 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating offered plenty of head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on shorter trips. The WRX had 12 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to other performance cars.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in the U.S., offered spacious front seats and adequate rear-seat room. The trunk provided 14.0 cubic feet of space, more than the Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench had a 40/20/20 split fold for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, forward visibility was hindered by the long, high hood, though a surround-view camera system helped with parking.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to 7 inches. The Starlink system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface without overwhelming the driver. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and an additional information screen atop the dash.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series upgraded to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls were also available, though the latter could be imprecise.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. The 5 Series' driver-assist tech was noted for its smooth operation.