2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and curves around the rear window and doors gave it a forward-thinking appearance, though this design had its drawbacks. Inside, the cabin continued the theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant layout. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. Despite the modern aesthetic, the climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 5 Series was shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag and showcased BMW's current styling language. The 530i test car featured a large shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with M Sport bodywork adding a touch of sass. Inside, the M Sport treatment extended to the cabin, which was adorned with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles. The otherwise black cabin looked modern and elegant, though reflections and glare from many surfaces made using the controls challenging. The BMW Curved Display housed most features and functions, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console. Despite its stylish and plush appearance, the 530i M Sport felt remote and distant, lacking the connection between driver and machine that BMW was once known for.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with power routed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available, and a manual transmission was offered on front-wheel drive Premium models. Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine emitted a fantastic sound, and the driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a performance-oriented feel. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering a perfect blend of precision and refinement, with fantastic balance through corners and a smooth ride over bumps.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. BMW estimated a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The engine was quiet and smooth, with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing nearly imperceptible shifts. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride quality, and the car was capable on twisty roads, with standard variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components contributing to its performance. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, akin to playing a video game, leaving us unsatisfied. Fuel economy was below expectations, with our test car averaging 26.7 mpg, less than the EPA estimate for city driving.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet. However, rear seating was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decently sized center console compartment and helpful ergonomics.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with a spacious and comfortable interior. The power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, and the rear seats were equally comfortable, offering good legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrests, and a split-top center armrest. The trunk offered 18.4 cubic feet of space, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo room.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. The system was not user-friendly, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model had upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came 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, Android Auto, connected services, and more. The Premium Package added a head-up display and Natural Interaction, allowing voice and gesture controls. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant had mixed performance, and the Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system did not meet expectations.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series was equipped with Active Driving Assistant, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered more advanced features, but our test car did not have 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.