2022 Dodge Charger vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, offering a design that was more restrained compared to other BMW sedans. It lacked the flashy design elements of the 3 Series and the grandiose size of the 7 Series, making it a choice for those who preferred to fly under the radar. The 2021 model received a minor styling refresh, which included sleeker LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers, contributing to a slightly longer body while maintaining a good drag coefficient. Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW layout, with familiar design cues and a focus on brand identity. However, the use of standard SensaTec upholstery in lower trims was a reminder that luxury materials came at an additional cost.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger carried a more aggressive and modern design, a significant evolution from its 2011 and 2015 updates. While the exterior had a menacing appeal, the interior felt dated, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of older models. Despite this, the Charger offered a user-friendly cabin with straightforward controls. The various trims, from the base SXT to the high-performance Hellcat, provided a range of features and powertrains, with the Hellcat Widebody standing out for its performance capabilities. The Charger’s interior, while not the most cutting-edge, was appreciated for its ease of use and practicality, especially in the performance-oriented trims.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed limited to 210 km/h or 235 km/h, depending on the tires. The 540i model featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving 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 top speed of 305 km/h. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid provided a combined output of 288 hp and an electric range of 31 km.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the 3.6-litre V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack 392 offered a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivered 717 hp, and the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed the limits further with 797 hp and 807 hp, respectively. The Hellcat variants were known for their incredible acceleration, with the Hellcat and Redeye reaching 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The Widebody setup enhanced handling and allowed the Charger to put its immense power to the ground effectively.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was available as a four-door, five-seat sedan in Canada, offering a spacious interior that matched its exterior dimensions. The front seats were competitive in space, while the rear seats, though slightly less roomy on paper, provided ample legroom. The 540i model offered 396 litres of trunk space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold, enhancing cargo versatility. The test car's 16-way power front seats provided comfort and support, though forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered a more intimate driving experience due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided generous legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger’s trunk offered 467 litres of space, though accessing it required maneuvering due to the small trunk lid and high rear bumper. Despite these challenges, the Charger’s combination of sports-car performance and practicality made it a versatile choice for those seeking both speed and utility.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a standard 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, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The infotainment system was praised for its graphics and ease of use, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, complemented by voice and gesture controls, though the latter required some learning.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger’s infotainment system was appreciated for its simplicity and effective integration of conventional controls.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. 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, showcasing BMW’s sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Charger received a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test but earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.