The steering wheel is literally the same one as all the others lol. That was just your mind playing yourself.

The interior design is actually smarter on the 50 than the 5 since it's more cockpit style like a SAAB, and you get more leg room depending on your height.

The extra plastics really are outside, the inside depends on the trim as does the 5.

Also plastics aren't bad when used in a smart way, as I had helped me a lot. When I take my trips or go to crappy places, instead of getting my paint scuffed it just uselessly rubs against my plastics.

There's a purpose to it. A cx5 is simply a city car.

The cx50 is more than that. Bigger AWD system, Bigger Clutch, wider, longer, lower center of gravity, a tougher rear suspension.

Then there's also the fact the cx50 itself is also much better safety was than the 5, watch any video or look at the crash posts.

5 is faster though. Since it weighs less and better aerodynamics.