2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet proportionate, twin-kidney grille. The sedan featured trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the 5 Series maintained its classic BMW layout, with specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the interior materials varied by trim level, the overall ambiance was luxurious, though the sporty steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, depending on the trim. The Altima's design was characterized by a sleek, coupe-like roofline and taut body lines, though its proportions gave it a slightly old-fashioned stance. Despite this, modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept its look contemporary. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with a range of nine exterior colors, some of which were premium options. Inside, the Altima offered an uncluttered dashboard with an intelligently laid-out 8-inch touchscreen, and as trim levels increased, so did the quality of materials and features.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i variant featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive and M5 models provided even more power with their V8 engines, while the 530e plug-in hybrid offered a balance of performance and efficiency with a combined output of 288 hp.

The 2021 Nissan Altima's powertrain options included a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This engine offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The standout option was the VC-Turbo engine in the Altima SR VC-Turbo trim, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with variable compression, producing 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a more engaging driving experience, though it was only available with front-wheel drive. The Altima's suspension and steering setup offered decent feedback and comfort across all models.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The trunk provided 14.0 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing some rivals, and featured a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for added versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered comfort and support, though forward visibility was somewhat limited due to the long hood.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. The front cabin included ample storage options, such as a large glovebox and center console bin. The second row was roomy enough for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback for trunk access. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, accommodating a variety of cargo needs.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the iDrive 7 system, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options, though the latter required some learning.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, and Bluetooth. Most models featured an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all but the base S model. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, a Bose audio system, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. The VC-Turbo model included Active Noise Cancellation for a quieter cabin experience.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, while not crash-tested by the IIHS for that year, had received a "Top Safety Pick+" award for the 2020 model. 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, enhancing the car's safety and driver-assist capabilities.

The 2021 Nissan Altima boasted the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, standard on SV and above trims, which included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered features like intelligent lane intervention and adaptive cruise control. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.