2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had a restrained design, lacking the flourishes of the 3 Series or the imposing size of the 7 Series. It received a minor styling refresh, including sleeker LED headlights and a larger twin-kidney grille. The car also featured trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. The interior maintained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and typefaces reinforcing the brand's identity. However, lower trims used standard SensaTec upholstery, while higher trims offered Dakota and Nappa leather at an additional cost.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant redesign for the 2021 model year, transforming its previously unremarkable appearance into a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. The new design featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a unique personality distinct from the Sonata. The interior also saw improvements in material quality and design, although some hard plastics remained. The Elantra was available in four trims: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements and a black interior.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options. The base 530i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive had a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 532 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the M5 boasted 617 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a 32-kW electric motor, producing 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed DCT. The N Line had a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. The N Line's DCT provided crisp shifts and multiple drive modes, enhancing the driving experience. The N Line also featured sport-tuned suspension, steering, and larger front brake rotors for improved handling.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was available only as a four-door, five-seat sedan in the U.S. It offered spacious front seats and adequate rear-seat room, with a trunk capacity of 14.0 cubic feet. The rear bench had a 40/20/20 split fold for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and driver memory. Forward visibility was poor due to the long hood, but a surround-view camera system helped with parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was designed for ease of use and practicality. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the controls were clearly marked. The Elantra offered comfortable seating and excellent visibility. The rear seat could accommodate three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the headroom limited. The trunk had a capacity of 14.2 cubic feet, but the narrow opening made it challenging to access the rear area. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of USB ports and air conditioning vents in the rear was a drawback.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured 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 compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile feel, and voice control was available. Gesture controls were also an option but were less precise than traditional controls.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a high level of technology for its price. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The N Line and Limited trims featured Hyundai Digital Key, allowing keyless operation via an Android smartphone. The infotainment system was easy to pair with smartphones, and the audio system provided adequate performance.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, 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 traffic-jam assist feature allowed for smooth operation in stop-and-go traffic.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came with the SmartSense suite of driver-assist tech, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests.