2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own distinct model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake, making it the most assertively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX's cabin was considered somewhat plain for a new car in 2021. The WRX offered various trims, including the base, Sport, Sport-tech, and Sport-tech RS, each adding features like larger wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced audio systems. The STI version further enhanced the sporty appeal with Brembo brakes and Recaro seats.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its restrained design, lacking the flamboyance of the 3 Series or the imposing presence of the 7 Series. The 2021 model received a minor styling refresh, featuring sleeker LED headlights and a larger twin-kidney grille. The interior maintained the classic BMW layout, with a focus on specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. While the 5 Series offered luxury and comfort, it was not as overtly sporty as some might expect, with standard SensaTec upholstery and optional leather upgrades. The 540i xDrive test car featured Nappa leather and aluminum trim, adding to its high-end feel.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT that included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes. The WRX's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system varied based on transmission choice, with the manual offering a 50:50 torque distribution and the CVT providing a 45:55 split. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The STI version offered even more power with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with enhanced brakes and suspension for sharper handling.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 540i featured a 3.0-litre inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, generating 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. The 540i xDrive could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 models offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 hp and a zero-to-100 time of just 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided a balance of performance and efficiency, with a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's sedan layout provided excellent visibility, with large windows and a straightforward dash layout. The cabin offered ample first-row space and adequate rear-seat room for adults, though the 340-litre cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans. However, it was comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door sedan, offered spacious front seats and adequate rear-seat room. The 540i's trunk space of 396 litres surpassed that of its Audi and Mercedes-Benz rivals. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with heating and ventilation, providing comfort and support. However, forward visibility was hindered by the long hood, though a surround-view camera system helped with parking.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch version, both featuring the Starlink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with additional digital displays providing key driver information.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options, though the latter could be imprecise.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and the optional EyeSight suite with forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, while not crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, had a "Top Safety Pick+" rating for the 2020 model. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist.