BMW 5 Series vs BMW 4 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was characterized by its understated elegance, offering a design that was more restrained compared to other BMW sedans. It lacked the flashy elements of the 3 Series and the imposing presence of the 7 Series, making it a choice for those who preferred to fly under the radar. The 2021 model received a subtle styling refresh, featuring sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully proportioned, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers, contributing to a slightly elongated body that maintained a commendable drag coefficient. Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW layout, with familiar design cues and a choice of upholstery options, including the luxurious Nappa leather. The interior was marked by a mix of high-end materials and a sporty steering wheel that felt somewhat out of place in the otherwise refined cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe presented a more dynamic and sporty aesthetic, albeit with some controversial design choices. The model was larger and more aerodynamic than its predecessor, featuring a long hood, sleek roofline, and a sporty rear. However, the oversized grille with its chain-link pattern drew mixed reactions, especially when paired with a North American license plate. The M Sport and M Performance styling added aggressive air intakes and unique rear bumper trim, which some found incongruous with the car's overall design. The flush-fitting door handles, while modern, proved impractical for many users. Inside, the 4 Series Gran Coupe showcased BMW's modern interior design with asymmetrical geometric shapes, though it lacked some luxury features like power-adjustable seats and a premium sound system in the 430i model. Despite these omissions, the hatchback design offered impressive cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing versatility.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This entry-level model could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on the tires. The 540i variant featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. It achieved zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive all-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid provided an eco-friendly option with a combined output of 288 hp and an electric-only driving capability.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 430i RWD model, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a responsive driving experience, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifters and various driving modes, provided a smooth and engaging ride. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced the car's performance, featuring M Sport brakes, high-performance tires, and an Adaptive M suspension. The 430i Gran Coupe demonstrated excellent balance and handling, with a near-perfect weight distribution that contributed to its agility on challenging roads. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the sport automatic transmission delivered precise shifts, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead. However, the car's fuel economy fell short of expectations during spirited driving sessions.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available exclusively as a four-door sedan in the U.S., offered a spacious interior that matched its exterior dimensions. The front seats provided ample space and comfort, with 16-way power adjustments and features like heating and ventilation. The rear seats, while slightly less roomy on paper compared to rivals, still offered sufficient space for passengers. The trunk boasted 14.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity, surpassing competitors like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 5 Series also featured a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench, enhancing its practicality for carrying longer items.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, while more practical than its two-door counterparts, had a more cramped interior. The low stance and small door openings made entry and exit challenging, especially for rear-seat passengers. The test car's lack of power-adjustable front seats was surprising, though the real leather upholstery added a touch of luxury. The Gran Coupe's hatchback design offered a 16.6 cubic foot trunk, accommodating three full-size suitcases. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo space to 45.6 cubic feet, rivaling some crossover SUVs. Despite its practicality, the 4 Series Gran Coupe's interior space fell short of the more spacious 3 Series sedan.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iDrive 7 system, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system offered Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment screen's placement atop the dashboard made it easy to read, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative ways to interact with the system.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with the iDrive 7 system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The system included physical controls, steering wheel functions, and an Intelligent Personal Assistant activated by voice commands. The standard 10-speaker sound system was adequate, though not exceptional for the car's price. The iDrive 7 system also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. BMW's connected services, including remote engine starting and a WiFi hotspot, added convenience, while Digital Key technology allowed owners to use their iPhone as a key.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for the 2021 model year, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. 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, traffic-jam assist, and emergency stop assist, enhancing the car's safety credentials.

The 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe offered BMW Assist eCall, SOS Emergency Request, and an enhanced automatic collision notification system. The standard Active Driving Assistant included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The M440i model offered additional safety features through the Driving Assistance Professional Package, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and emergency stop assistance. The M440i also featured advanced lighting and parking technologies, enhancing its safety profile.