2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2024 Kia K5

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, continued to impress with its seventh-generation model, which received a mid-cycle refresh. The lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design updates were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the classic narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to its dynamic appearance, complemented by standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. Inside, the 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2024 Kia K5, although not a new name in the lineup, continued to turn heads with its stylish design, especially in the GT-Line trim. The K5 GT-Line, positioned between the base LXS and the upscale EX, offered a sporty look and a budget-friendly price range from $25,390 to $31,790. The test vehicle, with its Passion Red Tint Coat and additional packages, was priced at $30,530. While the interior quality had some inexpensive-looking plastic, the design and detailing were commendable, featuring textured metallic trim and a robust transmission shifter. The K5 GT-Line provided a comfortable ride with a well-tuned suspension, though the brakes showed signs of fading during spirited driving.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years, offering 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 models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor, delivered a combined 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and offering up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, boasted 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, sprinting to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly across trims, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while the M340i offered 23 city and 31 highway mpg.

The 2024 Kia K5 featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder base engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The K5 GT model offered a more powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, using an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The GT-Line trim, while visually sporty, focused on fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined for FWD models. However, real-world testing showed lower fuel economy, averaging 24.5 mpg. The K5 GT-Line provided a comfortable ride with a well-tuned suspension, though the brakes were not ideal for aggressive driving.

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 upholstery was SensaTec faux leather, with supportive power-adjustable front sport seats. The interior featured ergonomic design with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly iDrive controller knob. Cargo capacity was 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for added versatility. Standard features included a power moonroof, with options for heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.

The 2024 Kia K5 provided ample comfort and utility, with SynTex artificial leather and cloth seat inserts in the GT-Line trim. The test car featured a 10-way power driver's seat, with manual front passenger seat height adjustment standard across all models. Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats were standard, with options for a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The panoramic glass sunroof was a notable feature, though it slightly reduced headroom for taller passengers. The K5 offered generous storage areas, though some had plastic linings that could cause noise. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet, with a Smart Trunk function for easy access.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system, with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice control via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech 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 Kia K5 offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LXS trim, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity in the LXS and wired in other trims. The larger display included navigation, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services, offering features like remote start and vehicle recovery. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available, along with a wireless phone charging pad and an optional 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, missing the "Plus" distinction due to headlight performance. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, including active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2024 Kia K5 came with Kia Drive Wise, offering advanced driver-assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Standard features included automatic high-beam headlights and a driver monitoring system. Upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 received high marks from the NHTSA but scored poorly in updated IIHS tests for moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact protection.