2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2025 Toyota Camry

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 suffered from 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 touch-sensing controls on gloss black surfaces proved 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.

The 2025 Toyota Camry showcased a new front design, echoing the Prius and Lexus spindle grille, with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights. The profile remained similar, but the rear window surround extended further into the sail panel, emphasizing the coupe-like roof. The Camry's assertive look was enhanced by the hood extending forward to meet the grille's vertical line. Wheel options varied by trim, with the XSE featuring 19-inch wheels in black and Smoke Gray. Sporty touches like front air ducts and rear diffusers were present on SE and XSE trims. The interior saw a significant redesign, with a new dash layout and a center touchscreen housing that camouflaged vents. However, the quilted Dinamica microfiber in the XLE test car was a concern for potential stains. The base LE trim offered fabric seating, while SE had SofTex synthetic leather, and XSE featured perforated leather seats.

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, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed the 530i to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Despite its capable performance, the 530i lacked the engaging driving experience BMW was once known for, feeling more like a video game than a connected driving machine. The eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth, and the M Sport suspension provided a comfortable ride. The 530i excelled on twisty roads, with variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components enhancing its performance. However, the car's remote and muted feel left a sense of dissatisfaction. Fuel economy was below expectations, with the 530i M Sport returning 24.7 mpg on the evaluation loop, compared to the EPA estimate of 30 mpg combined.

The 2025 Toyota Camry introduced Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors. FWD models had two motors, producing 225 horsepower, while AWD models had three motors, generating 232 horsepower. The electronic AWD system provided extra traction with minimal impact on fuel economy, estimated at 50 mpg combined for AWD and 51 mpg for FWD. The Camry's suspension tuning varied by trim, with the XLE focusing on comfort. The hybrid system transitioned smoothly between gas and electric power, though engine noise was noticeable at higher speeds. The braking system felt normal, with no need for regenerative braking adjustments. An EV mode allowed the car to run on battery power at speeds under 25 mph, a useful feature for commuters.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The driver’s seat felt larger than a midsize, with a high seating position and a view over a long hood. The power-adjustable front seats were comfortable, wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, though ventilated seats were absent. The rear seat was equally comfortable, with ample legroom, headroom, and footroom. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones, door armrests, 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. Enclosed trunk hinges maximized available space.

The 2025 Toyota Camry's interior featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and available heated and ventilated seats for XLE and XSE trims. Dual-zone climate control and rear-seat air vents were standard. A panoramic moonroof was available on hybrid models for the first time. While Toyota hadn't published interior dimensions, they were expected to be similar to the 2024 model, with front-row legroom comparable to the Honda Accord Hybrid. Trunk space was estimated at 15.1 cubic feet, slightly less than the Accord's 16.7 cubic feet.

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 BMW Operating System 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, connected services, a personal eSIM 5G connection, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. The iDrive controls on the center console were part of a touch-sensing panel, which was prone to lint and fingerprint smudges. The Premium Package added a head-up display, Natural Interaction with voice and gesture controls, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control was inconsistent, and the sound quality of the audio system was underwhelming. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus, with an exterior camera array and an interior camera for remote monitoring.

The 2025 Toyota Camry came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and managing simultaneous Bluetooth connections. A wireless charging pad and five USB ports were standard. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver information display. A 10-inch head-up display and a nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system were available for XLE and XSE trims. Subscription services included 4G Wi-Fi connectivity and Drive Connect, with an Intelligent Assistant voice-recognition system. However, the voice recognition struggled to complete commands during testing.

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. BMW Assist eCall provided automatic collision notification and an SOS emergency request button. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and emergency stop assist. The lane-departure warning system was sophisticated, issuing alerts only when necessary. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS but did not receive the Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The 2025 Toyota Camry included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and road-sign assist. The Premium Plus Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, and a panoramic view monitor. The lane-keeping assist system was firm yet deferential. While the 2025 Camry hadn't completed crash testing, the 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and scored well in NHTSA tests.