2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5, offered in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels, aimed to provide a unique style along with practicality. Each trim had a standard turbocharged engine, and the LXS and GT-Line offered optional all-wheel-drive (AWD). Base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding destination charges. Specifically, the test model—a K5 EX with front-wheel drive—came with extra-cost paint, the EX Premium package, and floor mats, totaling $33,945, including the destination fee.

The K5 stood out on the road with its low, long, and sleek design, giving the impression of a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. Kia paired Glacial White Pearl paint with Ash Blue synthetic leather over a black interior, complemented by matte-finish faux wood trim and polished metallic accents. The interior provided an upscale feel despite the hard plastics on the lower half. Overall, the car communicated quality construction with solid controls, secure steering wheel stalks, and refined switchgear.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and the high-performance M3, with prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version featured a different powertrain. Our focus vehicle was the M340i, which showcased Barbera Red special-order paint, a $4,500 upgrade paired with Cognac-color SensaTec simulated leather upholstery. The M340i's price reached $67,390 with options.

The M340i's exterior featured M Performance design elements, exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, blue brake calipers, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. Inside, it had perforated SensaTec upholstery and an optional dashboard wrap, providing a trendy and sophisticated look. The use of quality materials rendered in complementing tones and textures highlighted BMW's technical design, focusing on driving enjoyment rather than plush elegance.

For those seeking maximum power in the Kia K5, the GT variant with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, exclusively available with a front-wheel-drive eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, was an excellent choice. However, being the priciest and least efficient K5, it lacked AWD. The standard 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, used in other trims, produced 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. Though 180 hp seemed lacking, the torque availability between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm ensured a linear power delivery.

The K5 EX allowed for drive mode customization through Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings. It also featured Active Sound Control, piping in a simulated engine note which could be disabled. During a week of testing the K5 EX in Southern California, the 1.6-liter turbo demonstrated sufficient power for city and highway driving, achieving 29.1 mpg against an EPA estimate of 31 mpg combined. Road noise and a less-than-perfect suspension setup were some drawbacks, but the K5 exhibited decent grip and reasonable driving capability.

The BMW M340i came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. With 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm, it promised a hearty driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission included Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, delivering power to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i also had M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension for tauter rides and athletic handling. With an optional Adaptive M Suspension, it offered unflappable driving dynamics.

BMW claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds for the M340i, and during testing on the Santa Monica Mountains, the car provided surgical precision and superb handling. Fuel economy was also respectable, returning 24.9 mpg against an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. Overall, it established itself as the benchmark sports sedan, featuring driving pleasure and performance that was hard to surpass.

Comfort was a forte for the 2022 Kia K5. All trims came with dual-zone automatic climate control. The test model featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The Ash Blue interior benefited from a panoramic sunroof. However, getting in and out of the low K5 was less convenient compared to higher-riding SUVs.

Storage spaces in the K5 included a roomy bin under the center armrest, a smartphone charging slot, and trays in the door panels. It offered a sizable 16 cubic-foot trunk, expandable via the 60/40-split folding back seat. However, no inside handle was provided to close the trunk lid easily.

The BMW M340i provided power-adjustable sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. The back seats offered just enough legroom for tall passengers, although the presence of rigid plastic panels on the front seatbacks required caution.

Interior storage was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk with a 40/20/40-split rear seat improved its utility. Nonetheless, the absence of a sports wagon in favor of SUVs was felt. The M340i’s interior was driver-focused yet accommodating, ensuring comfort for both front and rear occupants.

Kia’s 2022 K5 offered two infotainment systems. The base LX and LXS trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting with the GT-Line, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto replaced the smaller screen, adding satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. The EX Premium package included a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Despite the flashy purple graphics, the K5’s voice recognition system was subpar, making CarPlay or Android Auto essential for most operations.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, offering a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included. The iDrive 7.0 proved intuitive, complemented by BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant with impressive voice recognition. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be hard to see with polarized sunglasses. Though the absence of a Harman Kardon audio system and ventilated front seats seemed odd, the M340i still offered an array of tech features.

The Kia K5 excelled in safety, with driver assistance systems bundled under Kia Drive Wise. Features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety through the EX Premium package included cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. This extensive suite helped the K5 achieve top safety ratings from both IIHS (Top Safety Pick+) and NHTSA (five-star overall rating).

Conversely, BMW’s safety package for the 3 Series was less comprehensive but still effective. The standard Active Guard included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and city-speed automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added blind-spot monitoring, lane-centering assist, and Traffic Jam Assistant for semi-autonomous driving. The 3 Series earned top marks from IIHS (Top Safety Pick) and NHTSA (five-star ratings).