2020 Nissan Altima vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

2020 Nissan Altima
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$24,300

MSRP

$54,200

Average price

$22,930

Average price

$43,912

Listings

20

Listings

16
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Nissan Altima Reviews Summary

Sedans are not dead, though some models in the segment are not long for this world. In fact, post-pandemic financial pressure on consumers could result in a resurgence of the traditional 4-door car as consumers seek lower-cost, higher-value transportation.

Clearly, Nissan believes in sedans. And should economic headwinds once again favour cars over more expensive and less efficient SUVs, the company is perfectly positioned to capitalize on such a theoretical trend. During the past two years, the company has redesigned or refreshed its entire sedan lineup, which includes the Versa, Sentra, Altima, and Maxima.

New last year, the Altima comes with an important feature for Canada: all-wheel drive is standard equipment, an unusual offering in mainstream sedans that makes the 2020 Altima even more worthy of your consideration.

But is that enough?

2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews Summary

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 188 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

188 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

28

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

33
2020 Nissan Altima
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Altima
$24,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$24,300
$54,200
Average price
$22,930
$43,912
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.7
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary

Sedans are not dead, though some models in the segment are not long for this world. In fact, post-pandemic financial pressure on consumers could result in a resurgence of the traditional 4-door car as consumers seek lower-cost, higher-value transportation.

Clearly, Nissan believes in sedans. And should economic headwinds once again favour cars over more expensive and less efficient SUVs, the company is perfectly positioned to capitalize on such a theoretical trend. During the past two years, the company has redesigned or refreshed its entire sedan lineup, which includes the Versa, Sentra, Altima, and Maxima.

New last year, the Altima comes with an important feature for Canada: all-wheel drive is standard equipment, an unusual offering in mainstream sedans that makes the 2020 Altima even more worthy of your consideration.

But is that enough?

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 188 hp I4
2.0L 248 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
188 hp @ 6000 rpm
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
28
25
MPG Highway
39
33
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