2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 Honda Civic

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 touch of 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 otherwise black cabin. However, the interior surfaces often caused reflections and glare, complicating the use of controls. The BMW Curved Display housed most features on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console. Despite some aggravation with touch-sensing controls, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with advanced technology like the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si maintained its reputation as a compact, quick, and fun vehicle, offering a sport-injected version of the Civic sedan. It adhered to a stealth-mode styling formula, featuring LED headlights, a gloss-black lip spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and 18-inch wheels with a matte-black finish. The interior was more expressive, with red seat and door panel inserts, gloss black surfaces, and polished metal detailing. The Civic Si's cabin included a metal mesh strip hiding the dashboard air vents and a simple yet effective digital instrumentation paired with a touchscreen infotainment system. The base price was $29,100, with our test car's Blazing Orange Pearl paint adding to the MSRP of $30,650, including the destination charge.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i model, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system aided efficiency, with BMW estimating a 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds. The engine was quiet and smooth, with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing nearly imperceptible 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 remote and muted, akin to playing a video game. 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.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si was equipped with a high-output version of the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission featuring a downshift rev-matching feature. The drivetrain included a single-mass lightweight flywheel and a helical limited-slip differential, enhancing performance. The Civic Si's suspension and steering system provided a connected and engaging driving experience, with the car excelling on twisty roads like Mulholland Highway. However, the braking system showed signs of overheating during hot testing weather. Fuel economy was slightly below the EPA estimate, with the Civic Si averaging 29.5 mpg on the testing route.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was equally comfortable, with ample legroom, headroom, and footroom. 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 spare tire storage box reduced cargo room.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si balanced practicality and performance, with sport-bolstered front seats and a manual transmission. The seats provided secure support, and a manual driver’s seat height adjuster ensured a proper driving position. The Civic Si's interior included single-zone automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, and a power sunroof. The back seat was surprisingly roomy, with generous legroom and a supportive cushion. Cargo space was 14.4 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for longer items.

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 and Android Auto, connected services, a personal eSIM 5G connection, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. The Premium Package added a head-up display, Natural Interaction, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control was inconsistent, and the sound quality of the audio system was underwhelming.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, text-messaging support, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and HD Radio. The system was easy to use, with a knob for stereo power and volume, buttons for tuning, and steering wheel controls. A 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio system provided impressive sound quality, thanks to early involvement in the Civic's interior design.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series included Active Driving Assistant, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered more advanced features, but our test car did not have it. The lane-departure warning system was sophisticated, and the 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si featured Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the lane-keeping assist and lane-centering assist were intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control was not responsive. The Civic Si earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.