The luxury car market has grown into a competitive niche where numerous brands strive to produce the best executive cars ever. These cars are characterized by such features as high-end comfort, performance, power, and refinement. For the longest time, BMW has presented its iconic 5 Series wrapped in features that offer the marque a competitive advantage. However, other marques have come up with models that boast more innovative features and impressive performance.
The modern executive car market currently offers various vehicles that compete favorably with the BMW 5 Series. Some brands specialize in driving dynamics, others insist on advanced technology, while some unique ones prefer an all-rounded skill set. Here are some executive cars to consider in place of the BMW 5 Series.
10 Acura RLX
The Acura RLX received a fresh facelift in the 2018 model year due to Acura’s mid-cycle shift. The upgrade included new wheel designs, an exhaust with chrome finish, redesigned LED head and taillights, redesigned rear and front fascia, a redesigned hood, fresh front seat design, additional wood trim, a remote start, and an Acura diamond pentagon grille.
In 2020, the Acura RLX was available in standard and Sport Hybrid models. The standard model has a 310bhp 3.5-liter direct injection Earth Dreams V6 while the Hybrid model boasts a 377bhp 3.5-liter V6 combined with three electric motors. Although Acura announced the RLX model discontinuation after 2020, the Sports Hybrid is a worthy consideration in place of the BMW 5 Series.
9 Cadillac CTS
Cadillac is a manufacturer of some of the top 10 luxury cars in the world. One of them is the CTS, whose third-generation debuted in 2014. The midsize CTS sedan provides an edge over the BMW 5 Series with athletic capabilities, especially around corners. Cadillac offers the CTS in base, CTS-V, and CTS-V Sport models.
The standard CTS is available with two engine variants. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver 268bhp. The optional 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 variant generates 335bhp, and it’s coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Cadillac CTS’s direct steering and responsive front wheels make it an impressively dynamic sedan.
8 Infiniti Q70
Nissan’s response to the BMW 5 Series is the sophisticated Q70 sedan. Infiniti offers the Q70 in Premium and Sport trim levels, all rocking a bold grille and sleek lines that resemble the smaller Q50 model. After a 2015 facelift, the Infiniti Q70 gained front and rear LED lights, a boot lid with a large chrome strip, and chrome door handles.
The Infiniti Q70 offers a few variants under the hood; a 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 with 330bhp and 270lb-ft maximum torque, a 5.6-liter VK56VD V8 that offers 420bhp and 417lb-ft peak torque, and a Hybrid 3.5-liter V6 with Nissan HM34 electric motors that generate a combined 360bhp and 546lb-ft maximum torque. The 3.7-liter and 5.6-liter variants are available with either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
7 Volvo S90
The S90 is an excellent alternative to the BMW 5 Series since it has a longer body that offers a relatively bigger cabin and trunk space. The 2021 Volvo S90 provides fresh wheel designs, a revised front bumper, new fog lights, reshaped rear spoiler, USB-C ports, smartphone wireless charging, and an upgraded interior sound system.
The S90 is available with either T6 or T8 engine variants. The T6 is a 2.0-liter supercharged, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that churns out 316bhp and 295lb-ft maximum torque. The T8 features a Hybrid 2.0-liter supercharged, turbocharged engine with electric motors that drive the rear wheels, combining to deliver 400bhp and 472lb-ft maximum torque.
6 Lexus GS
Despite failing previously in driver engagement, Lexus built the GS to offer exceptional refinement matched only by a few mid-sized luxury sedans. The base GS features 18-inch wheels, revamped LED taillights, automatic LED headlights, power-folding side mirrors with auto-dimming, power-adjustable front seats, and driver-assistance.
The Lexus GS packs a 3.5-liter V6 that offers 311bhp and 280lb-ft peak torque. The all-wheel-drive GS models are available with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the rear-wheel-drive variants rely on an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus GS offers excellent commuter capabilities through three unique drive modes that adjust the car’s performance to driver preference.
5 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class is arguably the closest competitor to the BMW 5 Series. The 2021 E-Class boasts increased chrome content combined with elements of high-gloss black trims to give the model a classy appearance. Mercedes-Benz provides the E-Class with blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, bonnet with power domes, all-LED headlamps, a new steering wheel, MBUX system, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
The E-Class is available in three distinct engine variants. One is a turbocharged four-cylinder E350 engine that churns 255bhp and 273lb-ft maximum torque. The other two are a Hybrid E350e with electric motors that deliver a combined 315bhp and 516lb-ft maximum torque and a 362bhp turbocharged inline six-cylinder E450 with a 48-volt hybrid system that also functions as a supercharger.
4 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo
Like its predecessor, the BMW 5 Series GT, the BMW 6 Series GT has not been spared criticism for its awkward hatchback profile. The 6 Series GT also features a lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, 10.25-inch screen, adaptive headlights, and a remote parking system.
The BMW 6 Series GT is offered in three options of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder petrol 630i with 255bhp and 295lb-ft peak torque, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol 640i that churns out 335bhp and 332lb-ft maximum torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel 630d that delivers 315bhp and 502lb-ft maximum torque.
3 Audi A6
The midsize A6 sedan rivals the BMW 5 Series on equipment, space, and comfort features ranked in the upper echelons of premium quality. The Audi A6 comes with excellent features, including keyless ignition, Driver Assistance Systems, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 360-degree camera system. It also comes with 19-inch wheels, a short trunk lid, Matrix-design LED headlights, LED taillights with dynamic animation, ambient lighting, split-folding rear seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats.
Audi delivers the A6 with two powertrains, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TFSI that produces 242bhp and 273lb-ft maximum torque, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI V6 that churns out 444bhp and 443lb-ft peak torque. Both engine variants are mild hybrids fitted with a 48-volt MHEV system.
2 Genesis G80
Genesis officially revealed the G80 model in March 2020 through an online livestream. The G80 boasts an exciting fastback profile synonymous with 1960 classic sedans blended with ultramodern and futuristic trims and features. Genesis equipped the G80 with a power trunk lid, a panoramic sunroof, 3D cluster display, 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, 16-way adjustable seats, soft-close doors, back window shades, remote assistant parking, and a 13.1 cubic-foot trunk.
The Genesis G80 is available with two engine options; a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 300bhp and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that churns out 375bhp. These G80 engine variants are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and either all or rear-wheel-drive options.
1 Jaguar XF
The XF prides itself on being the only sedan model in Jaguar’s lineup, however, it's also available in a sportbrake trim level. The Jaguar XF features heated electric door mirrors, LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, grained leather seats, 11.4-inch infotainment screen, cruise control, parking assistant, rear camera, 12-way electric front seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Jaguar XF packs either a 246bhp or a 296bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-liter engine under the hood, all paired to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The 246bhp variant is available with either rear or all-wheel-drive and an exclusive all-wheel-drive system for the 296bhp engine.