-Lexman™ Posted February 16, 2021 Posted February 16, 2021 2021 Genesis G80 Starting Price: $47,700 | Price yours or View listings near you. Above Average: Available all-wheel drive; plenty of driver assists; unique looks; powerful twin-turbo V6; optional adaptive suspension. Below Average: No V8 or hybrid option; lacks European brand cachet; small trunk. Consensus: A sharp-looking and distinctive midsize sedan, the 2021 Genesis G80 offers comfort, style, and luxury at a very competitive price. The base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides plenty of power, and a 3.5-liter V6 upgrade takes it to another level. The G80 comes generously equipped, with plenty of standard equipment including driver-assist and safety features. 2021 BMW 5 Series 2021 BMW 5 Series Starting Price: $55,195 | Price yours or View listings near you. Above Average: Choice of engines, including a plug-in hybrid and a powerful V8; optional all-wheel drive; great driving manners. Below Average: Gets expensive quickly; somewhat polarizing styling; not as thrilling as some older 5 Series. Consensus: A top-notch midsize luxury sedan, the 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan offers a luxurious interior, great driving manners, and a choice of engines, including a plug-in hybrid and a V8. It starts expensive and only gets more so, and its aggressive twin-kidney grille is not to everyone’s liking. G80 vs. 5 Series: Performance and Luxury Genesis G80 Having gone through a comprehensive redesign for this year, the 2021 Genesis G80 is a striking midsize sport luxury sedan that offers a whole lot at a very competitive price. The base engine is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, with a 3.5-liter V6 as an upgrade. Gone is last year’s optional V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option for more sure-footedness in snow. Despite its size and generous interior, the G80 handles itself well, and there’s even an optional sport suspension that uses cameras to read the road surface and adjust accordingly. Inside, there are comfortable and supportive seats, plenty of space for rear passengers, and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen operated by a console-mounted dial. Navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility come standard. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Not only does the G80 start thousands below its German competitors, but it also offers a best-in-class 10-year/100,000-mile warranty and 3-year free maintenance. Genesis still doesn’t have the name brand of its competitors, and there’s no available hybrid option. BMW 5 Series Practically the dictionary definition of performance luxury sedan, the BMW 5 Series is a solid driver’s car, with a very good balance between comfort and handling. A choice of engines ranges from a turbocharged 4-cylinder that returns 28 mpg combined up to a rather bonkers 523-hp V8. In between is a plug-in hybrid and a 6-cylinder that uses mild hybrid power to improve acceleration. An 8-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels or all four, except with the V8, which gets all-wheel drive. The interior is predictably well made and comfortable, with a good balance between soft SensaTech leatherette (or in upper models, leather or even Nappa leather) and tech, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The look is clean and elegant, although the twin-kidney grille is not for everyone. Standard features include power front seats, automatic climate control, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There are also numerous standard driver-assist and safety functions, with more available as options. Resale values are typically above average. Similarities Trunk size; standard safety features; standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. 2021 Genesis G80 Advantages Much lower starting price; longer warranty; sharper looks. 2021 BMW 5 Series Advantages Optional hybrid; optional V8; fuel economy; luxury cachet. Final Recommendation In the competitive luxury sport sedan segment, the 2021 Genesis G80 is a great car, with a starting price more than $7,000 below that of the 2021 BMW 5 Series. For that alone, it could win this comparison. But there’s no mistaking that the 2021 5 Series has earned its place as one of the best midsize luxury sedans, and continues to improve and refine itself. If it’s in your budget, you’ll know where that extra money went.
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