2022 Kia K5 vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with a more restrained design. It lacked the flashy elements of the 3 Series and the grandiose size of the 7 Series, opting instead for a subtle presence that flew under the radar. The 2021 model year introduced a minor styling refresh, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully proportioned, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers, contributing to a slightly longer body while maintaining an efficient drag coefficient of 0.27. Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW layout, with familiar design cues and a choice of upholstery options, including the luxurious Nappa leather. The interior was marked by high-end materials, though the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 made a bold statement with its distinctive styling, setting itself apart from other sedans on the road. Its low, long, and sleek design gave it the appearance of a luxury sports sedan, despite being a practical family car. The K5 continued the design legacy of its predecessor, the Optima, with a focus on quality and attention to detail. The test car featured a unique combination of Glacial White Pearl paint and Ash Blue synthetic leather, creating an upscale atmosphere. The K5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with solid controls and a sense of care in its construction. The automatic transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks all exuded a refined feel, contributing to the overall impression of a well-built vehicle. While the K5's ride quality was occasionally affected by road noise and minor pavement imperfections, it offered a comfortable and stylish driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrain options, catering to various performance preferences. The base 530i sedan featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h or 235 km/h, depending on the tires. The 540i model, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a top speed of 305 km/h. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid provided a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km.

The 2022 Kia K5, on the other hand, offered a more straightforward powertrain lineup. The K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the GT was the most powerful and expensive variant, it lacked all-wheel drive. The standard K5 models came with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Despite its modest figures, the engine provided linear power delivery and decent performance for everyday driving. The K5's fuel economy was commendable, with a combined consumption of 8.1 L/100 km during testing. However, the ride quality was occasionally compromised by road noise and suspension issues, though wind noise was minimal at highway speeds.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered a spacious interior that matched its exterior dimensions. Front-seat space was competitive, and while the rear seats appeared slightly less roomy on paper, they still provided ample comfort for passengers. The 540i model boasted a 396-litre trunk, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold, enhancing cargo versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats offered a range of adjustments, including lumbar support, heating, and ventilation. However, forward visibility was hindered by the long hood, making parking maneuvers challenging without the aid of a surround-view camera system.

In comparison, the 2022 Kia K5 prioritized comfort and convenience. All trim levels included dual-zone automatic climate control, with the test vehicle featuring power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury, while the low-slung design made entry and exit slightly challenging. The K5's interior was well-designed, with logically arranged controls and a blend of style and functionality. Storage space was generous, with various compartments and a 434-litre trunk that could be expanded by folding the 60/40-split rear seats. However, the lack of a handle on the inside of the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the latest iDrive 7 system, complemented by a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard features. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing for some drivers. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice control and gesture controls offered alternative ways to interact with the system.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the GT-Line trim and above received a larger 10.25-inch display. The latter required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a navigation system. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The K5's voice recognition technology was lacking, but the infotainment system's graphics and functionality were generally well-received.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for the 2021 model year, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems as standard equipment in Canada. Features included forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The K5 also featured Safe Exit Assist and Kia Connect technology with 911 Connect and teen driver settings. The K5 achieved a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.