2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The 2024 Nissan Altima, a familiar name since 1993, retained much of its sixth-generation design introduced in 2019, with a notable update to its grille in 2023. The Altima was available in four trim levels: S, SV, SR, and SL, with most models featuring front-wheel drive, while the SV, SR, and SL offered all-wheel drive options. The SR trim could be equipped with the advanced VC-Turbo engine. The Altima SL with AWD, tested in Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and 19-inch alloy wheels, presented a conservative yet appealing look. The SL trim featured chrome accents, LED projector headlights, and dual exhaust pipes, with an optional rear spoiler for added flair. Inside, the Altima's interior felt outdated, but the seats were notably comfortable, and the layout was practical, with easy-to-reach controls and a wireless phone charger.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series showcased a sleek, aerodynamic design, embodying BMW's modern styling language. The 530i test car featured a prominent grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair. Inside, the M Sport treatment continued with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles, creating a modern and elegant cabin. However, reflective surfaces caused glare, complicating control usage. The BMW Curved Display housed most functions on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console. Despite its luxury feel, the 530i M Sport's driving experience felt disconnected, lacking the engaging connection BMW was once known for. The 530i's turbocharged engine delivered 255 horsepower, providing smooth acceleration and a refined driving experience, though it fell short of the expected fuel economy.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, offering adequate performance for most drivers. The Altima accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds. For those seeking more power, the Altima SR VC-Turbo provided 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, though it was only available with front-wheel drive. The Altima's intelligent AWD system, tested in winter conditions, efficiently distributed power to the rear wheels when needed, contributing to its fuel efficiency of 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The Altima's steering felt light, but its low center of gravity minimized body roll, and the brakes performed predictably. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) managed power well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 530i accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, offering smooth and quiet performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly, and the M Sport suspension provided a comfortable ride. The 530i excelled on twisty roads, with variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components enhancing its performance. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, lacking the engaging connection BMW was once known for. The 530i's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 26.7 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 30 mpg combined.

The 2024 Nissan Altima offered impressive interior space, with front seats providing more room than some competitors, though less than others. The rear seat offered 35.2 inches of legroom, matching some rivals but falling short of others. The Altima's trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and 60/40-split folding rear seats for additional cargo capacity. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and well-placed cupholders and storage cubbies.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with a spacious interior and comfortable seating. The power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in Veganza artificial leather, were heated, though ventilated seats were absent. The rear seats were equally comfortable, with ample legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrests, and a split-top center armrest bin. The 5 Series offered an 18.4 cubic-foot trunk, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo space. The enclosed trunk hinges maximized available space, and deep wells on either side of the spare tire container were useful.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch display available on higher trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and easy navigation, with static icons for quick access and an organized home screen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless versions available on the larger screen. The nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, and NissanConnect telematics features were standard on higher trims, allowing remote access and vehicle monitoring.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series 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 more. Gesture controls and voice interaction were part of the Premium Package, though the voice assistant's performance was inconsistent. The optional Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system offered impressive aesthetics but fell short in sound quality. The Premium Package also included advanced parking assistance features and an interior camera for remote monitoring.

The 2024 Nissan Altima earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-impact and rollover test results. However, it scored four stars in frontal crash tests and did not receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation due to poor side-impact test performance. The Altima came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a suite of advanced driver assist systems, with additional features available on higher trims.

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