2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2024 BMW 5 Series was designed with a focus on aerodynamics and modern styling, presenting a clean and minimalist aesthetic both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a prominent shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with the M Sport bodywork adding a subtle flair, especially when paired with the Carbon Black paint. Inside, the M Sport treatment continued with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles, contrasting with the predominantly black cabin. However, the interior suffered from reflections and glare, complicating the use of controls. The BMW Curved Display housed most functions on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console, though these were touch-sensitive and often frustrating to use. Despite these issues, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with advanced technology like the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims, offered a range of features from value to luxury. The redesign introduced a clean, technical look, complemented by machined-finish 19-inch wheels on the Sport and Touring trims. Our test car, a Touring model, sported Canyon River Blue metallic paint with a black leather interior. The cabin featured a gray headliner, contrast stitching, metallic finishes, and an artful mesh trim strip, though the lower plastic parts appeared too shiny for a $40,000 car. The Accord Touring's interior, described as 'Acura Lite,' impressed with its blend of style and comfort.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i model, 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 530i excelled in acceleration and overtaking, with a quiet engine and smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The M Sport suspension provided a supple ride, and the car handled twisty roads with ease, thanks to its variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, akin to playing a video game. Fuel economy was disappointing, with the 530i M Sport returning 24.7 mpg on the evaluation loop, below the EPA estimate of 30 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, with the latter available from zero to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid accelerated enthusiastically, especially in city driving, and handled freeway speeds and mountain grades with ease. The EPA rated the Accord EX-L at 48 mpg in combined driving, while the Sport, Sport-L, and Touring trims earned 44 mpg. Our Touring test car achieved 43.1 mpg, showcasing its impressive fuel efficiency. The Accord Hybrid's ride and handling were well-balanced, making it a reliable and enjoyable daily driver.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in 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 smartphone tray, door armrests, and a small bin under the center armrest. The trunk offered 18.4 cubic feet of space, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo room.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid prioritized comfort, though taller drivers might find the seat adjustment lacking. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats exclusive to the Touring trim. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, with supportive seating and convenient features like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was excellent, and the trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, surpassing rivals in its class.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series 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, Android Auto, and a personal eSIM 5G connection. The Premium Package added a head-up display and Natural Interaction, allowing voice and gesture controls. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice commands, and the Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system underwhelmed. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus, with an exterior camera array and interior camera for remote monitoring.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink services. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless charger, and Google Built-in with a three-year subscription. However, voice recognition with Google Assistant was inconsistent, leading to reliance on Apple CarPlay and Siri. The Accord's digital instrumentation was practical, providing clear information on vehicle status.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series included Active Driving Assistant, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, though our test car lacked these features. The lane-departure warning system was subtle, and the 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its Honda Sensing suite. This included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The EX-L trim added parking sensors, while the Touring gained low-speed automatic braking. However, the lane assist features struggled in bright sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control left gaps for other drivers to cut in. Despite these issues, the Accord's safety features were generally effective.