2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

2020 Volkswagen Jetta
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$18,895

MSRP

$54,200

Average price

$17,477

Average price

$34,872

Listings

769

Listings

939
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews Summary

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
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.4L 147 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

30

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

40

MPG Highway

33
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$18,895
$54,200
Average price
$17,477
$34,872
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.1
4.7
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
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.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.4L 147 hp I4
2.0L 248 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
30
25
MPG Highway
40
33
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