2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2024 BMW 5 Series

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, particularly in its Touring trim, was a nod to nostalgia, as Honda's press department highlighted during a test drive in New York's Hudson Valley. The car's elegant exterior, reminiscent of a luxury sedan, drew positive attention from onlookers. Its design, with a hint of Audi's A7, was both sleek and refined, featuring a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. The Accord's increased length and rear track gave it a planted stance, complemented by a long, flowing roofline. Priced at around $38,435, the Touring trim offered a choice of seven exterior colors and came with 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Accord boasted a modern dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and standard features like Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 5 Series showcased a minimalist and aerodynamic design, with a large grille and intricate 21-inch wheels. The M Sport bodywork added a touch of flair, especially in Carbon Black paint. Inside, the M Sport treatment continued with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather and aluminum trim, though reflections and glare from surfaces were noted. The BMW Curved Display housed most functions, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console. Despite its luxury feel, the 530i M Sport's driving experience was described as remote and muted, lacking the connection once synonymous with BMW. The test car, priced at $68,445, included options like the M Sport Package and a Bowers and Wilkins audio system.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. While it lacked all-wheel drive, the Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. Its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system, with six levels of regen, allowed for fine-tuning, making it user-friendly. Agile handling and easy parking added to its appeal, making it a relaxing drive in various environments.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhanced efficiency, with BMW estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The engine was quiet and smooth, with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride, and the car excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components. However, the driving experience felt distant, akin to playing a video game, and fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 26.7 mpg.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to Honda's Civic and CR-V models, featuring a honeycomb mesh trim that concealed air vents. The dashboard housed a prominent infotainment screen, with easy-to-reach controls for climate and seat settings. The traditional gearshift replaced previous button controls, offering convenience. The front seats provided excellent support, while rear legroom and shoulder room were generous, though headroom was limited by the roofline. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with a spacious interior and comfortable power-adjustable front seats wrapped in Veganza artificial leather. The rear seats were equally comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones and various compartments. The trunk, at 18.4 cubic feet, was reduced by a spare tire storage box, but enclosed hinges maximized space.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges, offering intuitive menus and easy navigation. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system and multiple USB ports enhanced the experience.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen under a curved display, running iDrive 8.5. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a personal eSIM 5G connection, and more. Gesture controls and a head-up display were part of the Premium Package, though the Intelligent Personal Assistant had mixed performance. The Bowers and Wilkins audio system was an optional upgrade, but sound quality was underwhelming.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera and parking sensors. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, featuring forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered advanced ADAS features, though our test car lacked this package. The lane-departure warning system was subtle, and the 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.