Toyota Camry vs BMW 5 Series

Available in five trim levels, each equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain, the Camry is one of the few remaining midsize sedans for sale in the United States. Toyota stopped just short of a complete redesign for the 2025 model year, and the 2026 Camry lineup continues mostly unchanged, adding a sporty new Nightshade Edition trim level and a paint color called Dark Cosmos.

Verdict: The Toyota Camry is cheap to own, safe, and known for its dependability. Is that exciting? No. But fortunately, a 2026 Camry is also comfortable and good to drive.

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.