2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language that aligned seamlessly with Acura's larger models like the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. With its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines, the Integra presented a modern and unified appearance. The five-door liftback design, a nod to the third-generation Integra, added a unique touch, while the wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look. The interior, though sharing some similarities with the Honda Civic, managed to maintain a distinct Acura feel with high-quality finishes and a logical layout.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 5 Series embraced a clean, crisp, and minimalist design both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a large shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with the M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair. Inside, the M Sport treatment extended to the cabin with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles. However, the interior suffered from reflections and glare, making it harder to use the controls. The BMW Curved Display housed most features and functions, contributing to a modern yet somewhat detached driving experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a significant shift with its turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The engine felt lively and paired beautifully with the six-speed manual transmission, available only in the A-Spec with Technology trim. The manual transmission featured short throws and automatic rev-matching technology, making gear changes smooth and effortless. The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, and its handling capabilities were impressive despite being front-wheel drive. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport, with Sport mode noticeably enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 BMW 530i, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, provided a refined driving experience with smooth acceleration and imperceptible shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission. The 530i's performance on twisty roads was commendable, thanks to its variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, lacking the connection between driver and machine that BMW was once known for. The 530i returned an average fuel economy of 26.7 mpg, falling short of the EPA estimate.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading and unloading heavy items challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with a logical dashboard layout and smartly placed storage options. Rear passengers had decent legroom but limited headroom due to the steeply sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2024 BMW 530i excelled as a luxury car, with power-adjustable front seats wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather. The rear seats were equally comfortable, offering good legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrest storage, and a split-top center armrest bin. The trunk offered 18.4 cubic feet of space, but the presence of a spare tire storage box reduced usable cargo room. The enclosed trunk hinges maximized available space, and deep wells on either side of the spare tire container were useful.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Technology package added a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers. The top-tier trim level also included additional USB ports and a head-up display, making the Integra a technological home run.

The 2024 BMW 530i featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved display. The iDrive 8.5 system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, a personal eSIM 5G connection, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. The Premium Package added a head-up display, Natural Interaction voice and gesture controls, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control had mixed performance, and the gloss-black touch-sensing panel collected lint and fingerprints.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, offering automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and more as standard features. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Integra received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2024 BMW 530i came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and emergency stop assist. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.