BMW 5 Series vs Kia Optima
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2020 | Years produced1972-Present |
MSRP$22,900 | MSRP$59,900 |
Listings4054 | Listings8731 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews9.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryEven though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | |
Reviews SummaryThe BMW 5 Series is one of three cars that prove the country known for Autobahns, the Nürburgring, and Oktoberfest builds the best luxury sedans on the planet. It competes with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, each taking a distinct approach to design but measuring up closely in other parameters. The 2026 5 Series is virtually unchanged, entering its third year following a 2024 redesign, and this review is about the 540i xDrive model. Verdict: Putting BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it design aside, the 2026 540i xDrive is a sensational automobile offering the right blend of luxury, technology, and performance. Choose the M Sport setup for maximum driving enjoyment, or stick with the standard specification to emphasize luxury. Either way, the styling is the most controversial thing about the 5 Series. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space18.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3230 lbs | Curb Weight4041 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height59.6 in |
Length191.1 in | Length199.2 in |
Width73.2 in | Width84.9 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase117.9 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload977 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2020 | 1972-Present |
MSRP | $22,900 | $59,900 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 9.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Even though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | The BMW 5 Series is one of three cars that prove the country known for Autobahns, the Nürburgring, and Oktoberfest builds the best luxury sedans on the planet. It competes with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, each taking a distinct approach to design but measuring up closely in other parameters. The 2026 5 Series is virtually unchanged, entering its third year following a 2024 redesign, and this review is about the 540i xDrive model. Verdict: Putting BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it design aside, the 2026 540i xDrive is a sensational automobile offering the right blend of luxury, technology, and performance. Choose the M Sport setup for maximum driving enjoyment, or stick with the standard specification to emphasize luxury. Either way, the styling is the most controversial thing about the 5 Series. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 35 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 18.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3230 lbs | 4041 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 59.6 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 199.2 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 84.9 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 117.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 977 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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