2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

In Southern California, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out amidst a sea of Asian and German luxury cars, drawing attention with its unique design. The CT5-V test vehicle, finished in a distinctive light gray metallic color called Rift, featured 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, contrasting the modern trend of black wheels. The CT5-V, positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, offered a sporty yet refined appearance. Despite its competitive pricing, the interior quality revealed a mix of high-end materials and less impressive details, such as hard plastic panels and unlined storage areas. However, the CT5-V excelled in technology accessibility, with a logical layout and user-friendly controls.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i model, embraced a clean, minimalist design both inside and out, reflecting BMW's current styling language. The large shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels added a touch of flair, while the M Sport bodywork provided a subtle yet sporty appearance. Inside, the Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather and aluminum trim contrasted with the otherwise black cabin, creating a modern and elegant atmosphere. However, the interior suffered from reflections and glare, complicating the use of controls. The BMW Curved Display housed most features, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console, though the touch-sensing buttons on gloss black surfaces proved challenging to use.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V was powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This output surpassed the base engines of its competitors like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though it fell short of the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C 43. Cadillac claimed the CT5-V could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though the car felt slower than it sounded. The 10-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electronic limited-slip differential, powered the rear wheels, with an optional all-wheel-drive system available. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. Despite its impressive balance, body control, and grip, the CT5-V's steering lacked feel and feedback, and the car's overall refinement was lacking, with noticeable road noise and suspension racket.

The 2024 BMW 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 a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, and the engine provided smooth and quiet acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly, and the M Sport suspension offered a comfortable ride. The 530i excelled on twisty roads, with standard variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components contributing to its performance. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, lacking the connection between driver and machine that BMW was once known for. The 530i returned 24.7 mpg on the evaluation loop, below the EPA estimate of 30 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with Inteluxe artificial leather wrapping the standard 18-way power-adjustable front performance seats. Genuine leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel were optional. The rear seat provided a slightly reclined backrest and excellent thigh support, though the cut of the door frame made entry and exit challenging. The CT5-V's trunk offered just 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with a small and narrow design. However, hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well on the right side provided additional space for items like bottles of wine.

The 2024 BMW 530i excelled as a luxury car, with a spacious interior and comfortable seating. The standard power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, and the rear seat offered excellent occupant positioning and support. The 5 Series provided ample legroom, headroom, and footroom, though the rough plastic at the front seat bases could scuff expensive shoes. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrests, and a small bin under the center armrest. The trunk offered 18.4 cubic feet of space, though a storage box for a spare tire reduced cargo room.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a user-friendly Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, with a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. The CT5-V offered stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the center console, with an optional embedded navigation system and head-up display. The Performance Data Recorder and Surround Vision Recorder added to the car's technological capabilities.

The 2024 BMW 530i came equipped with 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, and a personal eSIM 5G connection. The Premium Package added a head-up display and Natural Interaction, allowing for voice and gesture controls. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) voice control was inconsistent, and the Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system did not meet expectations. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus, with an exterior camera array and an interior camera for remote monitoring.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with a standard Cadillac Smart System, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package offered hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. Super Cruise's automated lane-change function was impressive, though drivers still needed to pay attention and be ready to take control.

The 2024 BMW 530i featured Active Driving Assistant, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and other advanced driving assistance systems. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though it did not receive the higher Top Safety Pick+ rating.