2021 Subaru WRX 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, which included sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The updates also featured trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package, contributing to a more aerodynamic profile. Inside, the 5 Series maintained its classic BMW layout, with familiar elements like the touchscreen positioning and unique shifter design. While the interior materials varied by trim, the Nappa leather option added a touch of luxury, though the sporty steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was often seen as having an adolescent aesthetic, with a wedge-like front end and short trunk lid that gave it a speedy appearance. The WRX's design was more subdued compared to the racier WRX STI, lacking the latter's race-ready rear wing. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was functional but lacked the refinement of competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si, with an abundance of hard plastics. The WRX offered trims ranging from Base to Limited, with the latter featuring leather upholstery and additional driver-assistance options. Despite its age, the WRX provided a comfortable driving position and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults with ease.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i model 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 the latter boasting 617 hp and a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid offered a combined output of 288 hp and an electric-only driving capability.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, generating 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. While the WRX had more power than rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI, the manual transmission's vague clutch was a drawback. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to competitors. The WRX STI offered a more precise manual transmission, but the S209 special edition was the only model to address the clutch issue effectively.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offering spacious front seats and adequate rear-seat room. It provided 14.0 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 16-way power front seats offered comfort and support, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system helped with parking maneuvers.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it surpassed the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging was less accommodating for larger items like water bottles. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The rear seats offered decent space for four adults, making it a practical choice for a compact sedan.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, both offering excellent graphics. The iDrive 7 system included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim's option package included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. Despite updates, the WRX's infotainment system felt dated compared to more modern offerings.

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 and other advanced features, offering smooth operation and sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. The EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control and emergency automatic braking, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Blind-spot monitoring and other features were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX models included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.