2022 Subaru WRX vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had the most restrained design among BMW sedans. It lacked the design flourishes of the 3 Series and the imposing size of the 7 Series, making it a more understated luxury car. For the 2021 model year, the 5 Series received a minor styling refresh, including sleeker LED headlights and a larger, but not overly large, twin-kidney grille. Other updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. The interior retained the familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements that made it unmistakably a BMW, even without the badge. However, lower trim levels featured standard SensaTec upholstery, while higher trims offered Dakota and Nappa leather at an additional cost.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX had a more subtle front-end design, despite being two inches wider than its predecessor. The front fascia featured a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. Along the sides, the WRX had less busy profiles and black plastic cladding with air outlets to improve airflow. The rear fenders flared outward dramatically, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents. The seats were supportive and well-upholstered, making the WRX a more comfortable and modern vehicle.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrain options. The base 530i sedan had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, generating 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive all-wheel drive. 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 in Competition spec, reaching zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power improvement was minimal compared to the previous generation, the WRX still offered a spirited driving experience. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT provided faster upshifts and downshifts compared to the previous generation. The new GT trim featured Recaro seats, electronically controlled dampers, and a Drive Mode Select system. The manual transmission was praised for its notchy and precise feel, making it a delight to drive.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was available only as a four-door, five-seat sedan in the United States. It offered spacious front seats and ample rear-seat room, despite appearing less roomy on paper compared to rivals. The 540i had a trunk capacity of 14.0 cubic feet, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, forward visibility over the long hood was poor, making maneuvering challenging.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while no longer offering a hatchback option, had a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, up from 12 cubic feet in the previous model. The rear seat's 60/40 split-fold function allowed for additional cargo space. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth materials in the base and Premium trims, and Ultrasuede in the Limited and GT trims. The standard all-wheel drive added to the WRX's practicality, making it a viable commuter vehicle.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The infotainment screen's location atop the dashboard made it easy to read, while the rotary knob provided a tactile feel for controlling functions. Voice control and gesture controls were also available, although the latter was less precise.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display in premium-trim or higher models. The system, shared with newer Outback and Legacy models, had physical controls for climate control, power and volume, tuning, and defrost functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was less seamless, with Android Auto displaying only on the top half of the screen. The base-trim WRX had two 7-inch displays stacked on top of each other. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available in higher trims.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the virtually identical 2020 model. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, 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 the car to accelerate and brake in stop-and-go traffic, while the adaptive cruise control provided smooth operation at higher speeds.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied based on the transmission. CVT-equipped models came standard with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. The system also added an electronic brake booster and automatic steering assist. However, manual transmission models did not include EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Limited and GT trims. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the WRX came with seven airbags, including a driver’s-side knee airbag.