2024 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs, supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. These factors made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals, resulting in the TLX being a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, was priced at $59,100. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a sleek, low profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance, though this impacted rear-seat and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized style over practicality, with a control layout that required adjustment from drivers.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 5 Series embraced a clean, minimalist design, both inside and out. The 530i test car featured a large grille and intricate 21-inch wheels, with M Sport bodywork adding a touch of flair. The interior, with its Smoke-color Veganza artificial leather and aluminum trim, exuded modern elegance, though reflective surfaces caused some glare. The BMW Curved Display housed most functions on a screen, with traditional iDrive controls on the center console. Despite its luxury feel, the 530i M Sport's driving experience felt somewhat disconnected, lacking the engaging connection once synonymous with BMW.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency ranged from 24 to 25 mpg, depending on the trim. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available on certain models, provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power and control. The Type S model boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in five seconds. Despite its performance prowess, the TLX Type S's brake-by-wire system occasionally felt disconnected, impacting the driving experience.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series 530i featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. BMW estimated a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The 530i excelled in real-world driving, offering smooth acceleration and a refined driving experience. The M Sport suspension provided a supple ride, while the car's performance on twisty roads was commendable. However, the driving experience felt somewhat remote, akin to playing a video game. Fuel economy fell short of expectations, with the 530i averaging 26.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered a choice of interior colors, with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges added a sporty touch, though the low-contrast markings were challenging to read. The front seats provided excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped, with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series excelled as a luxury car, with comfortable power-adjustable front seats wrapped in Veganza artificial leather. The rear seats were equally comfortable, offering ample legroom and support. Interior storage was adequate, with a tray for smartphones and a split-top center armrest. The trunk, with an 18.4 cubic-foot capacity, was reduced by a spare tire storage box, though enclosed hinges maximized space.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a non-touch-sensing 10.2-inch display. The TTI touchpad and buttons proved distracting, and the system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system, but the lack of Alexa Built-In was notable.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iDrive 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Gesture controls and a head-up display were part of the Premium Package, though the Intelligent Personal Assistant's performance was inconsistent. The optional Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound system was a reasonable upgrade, though sound quality fell short of expectations.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The TLX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the front passenger's frontal-impact rating was four stars.

The 2024 BMW 5 Series included Active Driving Assistant, with features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced driving aids, though our test car lacked these features. The 5 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it did not achieve the Top Safety Pick+ designation.