2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The sedan's design updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 1.2 inches longer, the 5 Series maintained a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and shifter style reinforcing the brand's identity. While lower trims featured SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered luxurious leather options, enhancing the interior's premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued with its existing design, available in both sedan and hatchback forms. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, showcased a mature and serious aesthetic, devoid of flashy elements. The interior exuded sophistication with refined materials and polished metallic finishes, creating an upscale environment. The Mazda3's design focused on stealth and elegance, appealing to those who appreciated artistry in automotive design. Despite its unique appearance, the Mazda3's interior was driver-centric, offering a snug yet comfortable fit with supportive seats and user-friendly controls, although the infotainment system posed some challenges.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 532 hp, while the M5's V8 produced 617 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, offering 288 hp and an electric range, though EPA figures were pending. The 5 Series excelled in handling and smoothness, though it leaned more towards luxury than pure sportiness.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered three engine options. The base 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter engine with 155 hp, prioritizing fuel economy at 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter engine producing 186 hp, offered a manual transmission option in the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo, with a turbocharged engine, delivered 227 hp on regular gas and 250 hp on premium, with AWD as standard. Despite lower fuel economy than advertised, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo provided a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, suggesting a need for an upgrade.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door sedan, offered spaciousness in line with its exterior dimensions. Front-seat space was competitive, and while rear seats appeared less roomy on paper, they provided ample comfort. The 540i's trunk space of 14.0 cubic feet surpassed rivals, and the rear bench's 40/20/20 split fold added versatility. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided maneuverability.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, posed challenges for entry and exit. Once inside, the front seats offered a snug fit with excellent support. The driver-centric design included an eight-way power-adjustable seat and heated front seats. The back seat, however, lacked space for taller passengers and lacked rear air vents and USB ports. Storage was adequate, with large bins and a sizable center console. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided tactile feedback, while gesture controls offered an alternative, albeit imprecise, method. Voice control was available, though gesture controls were less intuitive.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, relying on center console controls and voice recognition. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and voice recognition issues posed challenges. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered alternatives. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access and emergency notifications. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, though not crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, received a "Top Safety Pick+" for the 2020 model. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features, distinguishing BMW's driver-assist tech for its sophistication and smooth operation.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The driver-assist features performed reliably, enhancing trust in the technology.