2021 Kia K5 vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series embraced a return to BMW's traditional design approach, which fans described as “same sausage, different lengths.” The G20 3 Series was designed to resemble a smaller version of the 5 Series and 7 Series. Despite this, the G20’s styling was considered stuffy compared to the design icon that was the E30 3 Series. The car’s large grille, although suitable for the bigger 5 Series, seemed out of place on the more compact 3 Series. The car’s aesthetic appeal was limited to extra features like M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers available through the optional M Sport trim package. The interior, while nicely designed, was criticized for its use of unimpressive materials. The abundance of plastic trim, including an Ash wood trim that appeared fake, and the standard synthetic Sensatec upholstery, fell short of expectations for luxury. Even the optional M heated steering wheel seemed out of place in the conservatively styled interior.

The 2021 Kia K5, on the other hand, represented a bold new identity for the brand. The K5's exterior design, especially in the GT-Line trim with flat Wolf Gray paint and fire-engine red seats, aimed to impress. The design ethos of Peter Schreyer, formerly of Volkswagen Group and current chief designer for Hyundai Motor Group, was evident. The K5 featured unique design elements such as a long rear window and a polished black trim around thick D-pillars. Its taillights, with dashed LEDs meeting at opposing angles in one thin strip, emphasized the car’s width. At every angle, the K5 presented a sporty and stylish appearance. The interior was equally impressive, with supportive red seats in the GT-Line trim, a Supra-style dash divider, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and polished black trim. The materials used were of high quality, providing a sense of sportiness and luxury.

The base 2021 BMW 330i sported a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a less-powerful version of that engine with electric assist for a total of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, including an XtraBoost overboost function. The top-tier BMW M340i boasted a turbo inline-six engine with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and were available in both RWD and xDrive AWD configurations. The M340i reached 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. The 330e, despite its extra weight, matched the 330i’s acceleration in RWD form. BMW’s driving dynamics and handling prowess remained, but the 330e’s performance was marred by clunky transitions from electric to gasoline power and a lack of engagement.

The 2021 Kia K5 provided a different driving experience. While the GT-Line’s aggressive styling suggested sporty performance, it couldn’t match its ambitions. The K5’s suspension was softer, and the Pirelli P Zero All-Season tires protested in tight turns. The standard engine was a 1.6-liter turbo-four with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sportier GT trim packed a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, yet it was only offered with FWD. Fuel economy was a strong suit for the K5, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD models. Despite good steering and braking in the GT-Line, it ultimately felt short on handling. The GT trim’s performance promises were yet to be validated at the time.

The 3 Series delivered better-than-average interior space for a small luxury sedan. It offered segment-best rear headroom and above-average front headroom, though it fell short of the Infiniti Q50. Legroom was average, and rear-seat passengers could feel cramped. The gasoline models boasted 17 cubic feet of cargo space, outshining competitors, but this shrank to 13.2 cubic feet in the plug-in hybrid due to the battery pack. The trunk’s long-and-narrow shape required awkward reaching to fully utilize the space, although the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat helped with versatility. BMW’s driver-focused cockpit design featured a well-positioned touchscreen and good outward visibility.

The Kia K5 excelled in interior comfort with ample space for two adults in the back, despite its raked profile. Scalloped roof portions and front seatbacks provided sufficient headroom and legroom for six-footers. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives. The infotainment system and controls were straightforward and user-friendly. The K5’s trunk space was a respectable 16 cubic feet before folding down the rear seats, offering good utility.

BMW’s standard iDrive infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on gasoline models. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a head-up display. The infotainment system in the 330e test car felt premium with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. Multiple control options, such as the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls, provided versatility, though some features seemed gimmicky.

The K5 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, offering major convenience despite minor glitches. Standard features included LED headlights, auto high beams, dual-zone climate control, and more. The GT-Line trim added desirable features like 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a power driver’s seat. The EX trim introduced ventilated seats, rear air vents, a Bose stereo, and the advanced 10-inch infotainment system with SiriusXM and UVO link. The GT trim included performance enhancements and high-end infotainment features, adding voice commands compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The K5 also offered semi-automated driving capabilities with its adaptive cruise control system.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series earned a “Top Safety Pick” award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests. However, the headlight scores varied, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. NHTSA had not rated the 2021 3 Series. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, with optional packages adding adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.

The Kia K5’s safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were pending due to its newness, but top scores were anticipated. Standard safety features were plentiful, including rear side airbags, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. The LXS trim added blind-spot monitoring and Safe Exit Assist. Higher trims offered cyclist detection, Junction Turning, rear emergency braking, and parking sensors. The K5’s comprehensive safety package provided robust protection and convenience features.