2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, continued to captivate with its seventh-generation model, which received a mid-cycle refresh. This model retained its lineup of the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, along with the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design updates were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with a slimmed-down silhouette. The lower air intakes were reshaped, and the character lines led to flared rear-wheel arches, creating a striking first impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys were offered, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. Shadowline trim became standard, with Skyscraper Grey as a new paint option. The M Sport package added chrome grille accents and a larger rear diffuser, while the M340i featured exclusive mesh-design kidney grilles and trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the 3 Series boasted the BMW iDrive 8 with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series showcased a clean, crisp, and minimalist design, both inside and out, with a focus on aerodynamics and BMW's current styling language. 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 Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles, contrasting with the otherwise black cabin. The BMW Curved Display housed most features and functions, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console. The 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system offering advanced technology. The test vehicle included options like the M Sport Package, Premium Package, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound audio system, bringing the MSRP to $68,445.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous years, featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its eDrive electric motor, offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and providing up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly among the trims, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The 330e had a gas-only rating of 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe combined in electric mode. The M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg. The 330i, equipped with the M Sport package, Dynamic Handling package, and Driving Assistance package, offered a comfortable and precise driving experience, excelling in city and highway conditions.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. BMW estimated the 530i would accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The engine provided smooth and quiet acceleration, with the eight-speed automatic transmission shifting seamlessly. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride quality, and the car performed well on twisty roads, thanks to standard variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components. Despite its capabilities, the 530i felt remote and muted, lacking the connection between driver and machine. Fuel economy was below expectations, with the 530i M Sport returning 24.7 mpg on the evaluation loop and averaging 26.7 mpg during the test week, compared to the EPA estimate of 30 mpg combined.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front, and 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom in the rear. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support, though the seat bottom cushion was somewhat stiff. The leather steering wheel offered a good grip, and ergonomics were well-designed, with intuitive controls. The 3 Series provided 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with a spacious interior that felt larger than a midsize sedan. The standard power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, were comfortable, though ventilated seats were absent. The rear seats were equally comfortable, with ample legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrests, and a split-top center armrest bin. The 5 Series offered an 18.4 cubic-foot trunk, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo space. The enclosed trunk hinges maximized available space, with deep wells on either side of the spare tire container.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the BMW iDrive 8 system, with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen under a single curved display. The system was user-friendly, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and over-the-air updates. Optional features included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved display, running BMW Operating System 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, connected services, a personal eSIM 5G connection, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and more. The Premium Package added a head-up display and Natural Interaction, allowing voice and gesture controls. The Intelligent Personal Assistant had mixed performance, with some navigation issues. The test car featured a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system, though sound quality was underwhelming. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus, with an exterior camera array and an interior camera for remote monitoring.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The IIHS had not rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. Additional safety features were available in packages, such as the Driving Assistance Package and Driving Assistance Professional Package, offering advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. BMW Assist eCall provided automatic collision notification and an SOS emergency request button. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered advanced driving assistance systems, though the test car did not have this package. The lane-departure warning system was sophisticated, issuing alerts only when necessary. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it had not been assessed in a new moderate-overlap frontal-impact evaluation.