2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, while the hatchback variant, though not tested, was noted for its aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with the tested sedan priced at $33,890. Interior options varied by trim, with the Premium Plus offering luxurious Nappa leather. The test car's white leather interior highlighted Mazda's attention to premium details, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, avoiding the flashy elements of other BMW models. The 2021 refresh introduced sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet not overly prominent, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added trapezoidal tailpipes and new bumpers. The interior retained the classic BMW layout, with high-quality materials and a familiar design. The 540i xDrive test car featured Nappa leather and aluminum trim, though the sporty steering wheel felt out of place. The 5 Series offered a spacious cabin and a 14.0 cubic foot trunk, with 16-way power front seats providing comfort and support.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo stood out with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel. With 87-octane, it produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The six-speed automatic transmission, paired with Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, provided smooth and predictable performance. The Turbo model's stiffer suspension and improved steering enhanced its sporty character, while the 18-inch wheels and all-season tires ensured a balanced ride. Despite its spirited performance, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, produced 335 hp and 362 lb-ft, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 288 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The 540i xDrive test car provided precise handling and a smooth ride, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true driver's car.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a 13.2 cubic foot trunk in the sedan and up to 47.1 cubic feet in the hatchback.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in the U.S., offered a spacious cabin with 16-way power front seats, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats, though slightly less roomy on paper, provided ample space for passengers. The 540i's 14.0 cubic foot trunk was larger than those of its rivals, and the rear bench's 40/20/20 split fold added versatility. Forward visibility was somewhat hindered by the long hood, but the surround-view camera system helped with parking.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose sound system offered good audio quality, though satellite radio performance was lacking. The head-up display was a useful feature, remaining visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L, and a WiFi hotspot. The iDrive 7 system, controlled by a rotary knob, was user-friendly, and voice control responded to "Hey BMW" prompts. Gesture controls were available but less practical than traditional knobs. The graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) aimed to support rather than replace the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and low-speed reverse automatic braking. The Mazda3 earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, though IIHS ratings for 2021 were not yet available.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, virtually identical to the 2020 model, received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention. 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. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its smooth operation and sophistication.