2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2024 BMW 5 Series was designed with aerodynamics and modern aesthetics in mind, featuring a sleek and minimalist exterior. The 530i test car stood out with its prominent grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, complemented by the M Sport bodywork that added a subtle flair, especially in 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 functions on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console, though these touch-sensing controls on gloss black surfaces were frustrating to use. Despite these issues, the 530i M Sport exuded luxury, with its stylish and plush interior, and the technologically advanced BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8.5 infotainment system.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received significant styling updates, particularly in the front fascia, which featured a modern "seamless horizon lamp" lightbar. The badge was repositioned above the grille, and the headlights were placed independently below it, giving the sedan a contemporary look reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 6. The rear end, with its wide "H" shape taillights, echoed the design of the new Hyundai Santa Fe. The side profile remained similar to the 2023 model, with our Limited-trim test car sporting 17-inch wheels and a fashionable "Transmission Blue" color. Inside, the dash was updated with vents flowing across it, and the gear shifter was moved to the steering column. The redesigned T-shaped steering wheel featured a slender rim and a unique bar with four dots spelling out "H" in Morse code. The interior offered three color schemes, with our test car featuring a basic black interior, while other options included a light gray and a tan and charcoal combo.

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, and BMW estimated a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. The 530i provided smooth and quiet acceleration, with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifted seamlessly. The M Sport suspension offered a supple ride quality, and the car performed well on twisty roads, aided by standard variable-ratio sport steering and M Sport braking components. However, the driving experience felt remote and muted, lacking the connection between driver and machine that BMW was once known for. Fuel economy was below expectations, with the 530i M Sport returning 24.7 mpg on the evaluation loop and averaging 26.7 mpg during the test week, falling short of the EPA estimate of 30 mpg combined.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 192 horsepower. The power was routed through a six-speed automatic transmission, offering more control than the CVTs typically found in hybrids. The Sonata Hybrid was EPA-rated for 47 mpg combined, and the steering wheel paddles allowed for regenerative braking management in Eco mode and gear shifting in Sport mode. The brakes were touchy, but the steering feel and handling were appropriate for a family sedan. The configurable driver-information display allowed simultaneous viewing of the tachometer and hybrid system's power flow, and the novelty of accelerating at 0 RPM remained intriguing throughout the test week.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The driver’s seat provided a commanding view over a long hood, and the car's height facilitated easy entry and exit. The power-adjustable front seats were wrapped in perforated Veganza artificial leather, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, 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 split-top center armrest bin. The trunk offered 18.4 cubic feet of space, though a spare tire storage box reduced cargo room. Enclosed trunk hinges maximized available space, and deep wells on either side of the spare tire container were useful.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided competitive interior space, with the Limited trim offering 37.8 inches of front-seat headroom with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat headroom was also competitive, and the front row was prioritized with 46.1 inches of legroom. The Limited-trim test car featured heated and ventilated seats, and the slimmer steering wheel rim was more comfortable than the beefy wheels found in other vehicles. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature, though perhaps unnecessary in a sedan.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved display. The BMW Curved Display ran on iDrive 8.5, featuring Quick Select for easier navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, a personal eSIM 5G connection, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging were included. The Premium Package added a head-up display, Natural Interaction for voice and gesture controls, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control was inconsistent, and the Bowers and Wilkins audio system did not meet expectations. The Premium Package also included Parking Assistant Plus, with an exterior camera array and Drive Recorder system, as well as an interior camera for remote monitoring and selfies.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a selectable USB-C port for data-transmitting or charging-only functionality, complementing the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all trims. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display, with logical and intuitive haptic buttons for climate control and media functions. The Limited trim included navigation, natural language voice-recognition, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, while a six-speaker system was standard. HD Radio, Sirius XM, rear-seat USB charging ports, and a wireless charging pad were also standard.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series came with Active Driving Assistant, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. BMW Assist eCall provided automatic collision notification and an SOS emergency request button. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered more advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, but our test car did not have this package. 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.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning and assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert. The Limited trim added a blind-spot-view monitor, surround-view monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Hyundai's infotainment system made safety features easy to find and understand, with clear graphics explaining each function.