2022 BMW i4 vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a significant shift in Kia's design philosophy, moving away from the drab and uninspired sedans of the past. With its fastback form and striking GT-Line trim, the K5 was reminiscent of the performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The exterior design was marked by a long rear window, unique taillights, and a honeycomb grille, all contributing to a sporty and modern appearance. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and details made it a standout in its class. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused layout, quality materials, and a sporty feel that was a departure from the typical offerings of other manufacturers.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4 maintained a design closely aligned with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille and a sleek fastback roof. The i4's aerodynamic enhancements, such as a smooth underbody and active grille flaps, contributed to its efficiency. The interior struck a balance between minimalism and traditional BMW styling, with a freestanding screen and familiar controls. However, the seating was noted to be flat and hard, lacking the expected bolstering for a sporty car. Despite these shortcomings, the i4's interior felt open and airy, with a well-designed center console and ample rear legroom.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in the GT-Line trim, did not quite live up to its sporty appearance in terms of performance. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for daily driving but lacking the excitement of a true sports sedan. The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower, but the front-wheel-drive setup without a limited-slip differential raised concerns about handling. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the K5 achieving impressive mileage figures, especially on highway drives.

The 2022 BMW i4, on the other hand, offered a more exhilarating performance with its electric powertrains. The base i4 eDrive40 delivered 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The M50 model took performance to another level with 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4's handling was impressive, thanks to its low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The adaptive suspension and integrated braking system provided a smooth and engaging driving experience, although the adaptive recuperation system's effectiveness was debatable.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a comfortable interior with ample space for rear passengers, despite its sleek profile. The front seats were supportive, and the layout of controls was intuitive and user-friendly. The trunk provided 16 cubic feet of space, which could be expanded by folding the rear seats. However, the absence of rear air vents was a notable omission.

In the 2022 BMW i4, the seating position was low, but visibility remained good. The fastback roof limited headroom, yet the interior felt spacious due to the efficient design of the center console. The i4 offered more rear legroom than some competitors, but the seats were criticized for being flat and lacking support. Cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet, and the absence of a front trunk was a disadvantage compared to rivals.

The 2021 Kia K5 came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to set up and use. The GT-Line trim added features like a power driver's seat, LED taillights, and a panoramic sunroof. The EX trim offered additional comforts such as heated and ventilated seats, while the GT trim included performance enhancements and advanced infotainment options.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a large curved display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation, with options for a head-up display and premium audio. The user experience was familiar to BMW drivers, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system simplifying interactions.

The 2021 Kia K5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. While official safety ratings were not available, the K5's robust chassis and body shell suggested strong performance in crash tests.

The 2022 BMW i4 also offered a range of standard driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.