Kia Proves New K5 GT Can Outperform a BMW 530i, But Is It a Fair Comparison?

Introduction

Are there many people out there who will be cross-shopping between a 2025 Kia K5 GT and a 2024 BMW 530i? Let’s be real—the logical answer is no. After all, the K5 starts at $33,090, while the 530i starts at $57,900, meaning the German proposal is almost twice as expensive.

Performance Comparison

Kia has set out to prove the K5 GT has a performance advantage over the 530i. Eager to showcase its new sedan’s capabilities, Kia enlisted the independent automotive testing firm AMCI to pit the two cars against each other in acceleration and cornering tests.

Engine Specifications

• The BMW sports a 255 hp 2.0-liter engine, while the Kia’s 2.5-liter delivers 290 hp.

Acceleration Test

Independent tests clocked the K5 GT at 5.4 seconds to 60 mph, with the 530i at 5.5 seconds.

Handling Test

In handling tests, the slightly lighter Korean sedan outperformed the larger BMW.

Is It a Fair Comparison?

If you’re scratching your head wondering why Kia chose to compare the K5 to the larger, heavier, and significantly more expensive BMW 5-Series, you’re not alone. Realistically, the K5 aligns more closely with BMW’s 330i sedan—a comparison Kia actually pursued in 2021 with the pre-facelift version through a promotional campaign.

Conclusion

While the Kia K5 GT has proven to outperform the BMW 530i in terms of acceleration and handling, it’s important to consider the significant price difference between the two cars. The K5 GT offers impressive performance at a much lower price point, making it a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance sedan without breaking the bank.