2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 Toyota Prius

The 2024 BMW 5 Series was designed with a focus on aerodynamics and modern styling, presenting a clean and minimalist aesthetic both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a prominent shiny grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with the M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair, especially when paired with the Carbon Black paint. Inside, the M Sport treatment continued with Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather, aluminum trim, and artistic metal speaker grilles, contrasting with the otherwise black cabin. However, the interior surfaces often caused reflections and glare, complicating the use of controls. The BMW Curved Display housed most features on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console, though these were touch-sensing and could be frustrating to use. Despite these issues, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with advanced technology like the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Prius retained its familiar wedge-shaped profile but introduced distinctive styling for its aerodynamically optimized bodywork. The Prius XLE and Limited models stood out with attractive 19-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Prius maintained its quirky nature, with instrumentation moved in front of the driver, though the digital panel's placement near the windshield could obscure visibility depending on seating position. The interior featured hard plastics, leading to creaks and a flimsy feel, though the components were likely durable. Padding was thin in areas where comfort was expected. Toyota made no changes to the 2024 model, continuing with LE, XLE, and Limited trims. Our XLE test vehicle, with options like Supersonic Red paint and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, had an MSRP of $35,532, including the destination charge.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i model, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhanced efficiency, with BMW estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. Despite its capabilities, the 530i lacked the engaging driving experience once synonymous with BMW, feeling more like a video game than a connected driving machine. The engine was quiet and smooth, with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride, and the car handled well on twisty roads, aided by variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted. Fuel economy was below expectations, with the test car averaging 26.7 mpg, less than the EPA estimate of 30 mpg combined.

The 2024 Toyota Prius, following its redesign, boasted improved power and acceleration. The hybrid system combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 83-kilowatt electric motor, producing 194 horsepower with FWD and 196 hp with AWD. The Prius LE was the most fuel-efficient, achieving 57 mpg combined, while the XLE and Limited offered 52 mpg. Our test car averaged 48.3 mpg on a mountainous testing loop. The Prius's driving dynamics improved, with energetic acceleration and enhanced handling, though the steering felt artificial, and the CVT could be noisy under hard acceleration. The ride lacked smoothness on rough roads, and visibility was hindered by dramatic windshield pillars and small windows.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The driver’s seat provided a commanding view, and the power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather. The rear seat was equally comfortable, with ample legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones and a small bin under the center armrest. The trunk offered 18.4 cubic feet of space, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo room. The enclosed trunk hinges maximized available space.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Prius's interior felt snug due to its dramatic exterior styling. The driver’s seat was comfortable, but the windshield and gauges felt distant. The 7-inch display panel was too small and cluttered, with visibility issues depending on seating position. The rear seats were cramped but comfortable for two. Storage was adequate, with a wireless smartphone charging slot, though it could collect dirt. The Prius XLE and Limited offered 20.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with the LE providing 23.8 cubic feet. The cargo cover limited space, and removing it blocked the hatchback’s window. An optional digital rearview mirror provided a panoramic view when the cargo hold was full.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved display, running iDrive 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, connected services, and a personal eSIM 5G connection. The Premium Package added a head-up display and Natural Interaction for voice and gesture controls. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) was inconsistent, with some navigation errors. The optional Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system was a reasonable upgrade, though sound quality was underwhelming. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus with a camera array and Drive Recorder system.

The 2024 Toyota Prius offered an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected services with trial subscriptions. Wi-Fi Connect had a 30-day trial, while Service Connect and Safety Connect offered up to 10 years. Drive Connect provided cloud-based navigation and digital assistant services. The Limited trim featured an eight-speaker JBL sound system, though sound quality was lacking. The Limited also offered a 360-degree camera system and semi-autonomous parking assistance.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came 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 added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, though our test car did not have this package. The lane-departure warning system was sophisticated, issuing alerts only when necessary. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota Prius included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) added subtle steering and braking for safety. The Prius’s adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked well, though the lack of hands-free Traffic Jam Assist was a drawback. The Prius earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating, and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.