Anyone considering a new midsize luxury sedan would be wise to put the 2025 Genesis G80 and 2025 BMW 5 Series on their list of test drives. They’re both packed with comfort and safety features, plus they have a higher degree of agility than larger, heavier luxury SUVs. This generation of G80 hails from the 2021 model year, though Genesis has made a number of improvements since then. For example, rear-wheel steering became optional on the 2022 model to further sharpen overall maneuverability. And there’s been another revamp for 2025.
Meanwhile, this generation of 5 Series was all-new for the 2024 model year. It sports a chiseled exterior, a cutting-edge dashboard design, and even its own gaming system called AirConsole.
To get to know them better, let’s explore the highlights of the Genesis G80 and BMW 5 Series.
2025 Genesis G80
Pricing for the 2025 Genesis G80 starts at $58,350, including the destination charge. This second generation of G80 launched for 2021, so it was time for a mid-cycle refresh. The exterior design has been spruced up, along with a few changes in the cabin — the most dramatic being the super-large 27-inch OLED display. The headlights, grille and front air intakes receive minor tweaks. Crucially, Genesis has reinstated physical controls in the center console for volume, tuning, and temperature adjustment. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto becomes standard, the infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates, USB-C ports replace USB-A, the Digital Key feature is now compatible with Apple iPhones, a fingerprint reader becomes available, and the 360-degree camera system (in Sport Prestige trim) has a screen capture function — owners can access this remotely to check on their car’s surroundings. The previous Lexicon audio system is replaced by a Bang & Olufsen setup. The cabin also gains 64-color ambient lighting set into more places.
Genesis G80 Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: Every G80 comes with traction-enhancing all-wheel drive.
Class-leading warranty: This could be the deciding factor for luxury car shoppers who don’t want luxury-level repair bills down the road. The G80 has a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, along with 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Genesis also includes three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance (which, we should point out, is matched by BMW).
Highway Driving Assist 2: This partially automated highway driving assistance system is in all Genesis G80 models. It employs adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to maintain a safe distance to vehicles ahead and the vehicle’s position in a given lane. While it’s not an entirely hands-free system like some others, we’ve found it great for long trips.
Roasty, toasty interior: If you’re extremely susceptible to the cold, this car’s for you. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats are standard.
Read our Genesis G80 Expert Review or see 2025 Genesis G80 models for sale near you.
2025 BMW 5 Series
2024 model shown
The 2025 5 Series starts at $59,375, including the destination charge. Trim levels are 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, 550e xDrive (plug-in hybrid), plus high-performance M5 versions of the sedan and a wagon (the M5 Touring). An all-electric version called the i5 is also available, which we review separately. This is the eighth generation of BMW’s long-running midsize sedan, a sharp contrast to the relatively new Genesis G80. Heated front seats become standard this year.
BMW 5 Series Highlights
Curved infotainment display: One peek inside the 2025 5 Series, and it’s clear BMW was serious about crafting a sleek and futuristic interior. The dashboard features a digital instrument cluster and a 14.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offers intuitive voice commands, wireless smartphone connectivity, and over-the-air updates.
Efficient engine choices: A strong and fuel-efficient 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, plus an 8-speed automatic transmission, serve as the drivetrain in the base 530i. Rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional. While the 530i doesn’t have headline-grabbing horsepower, acceleration is impressive, and fuel economy is a laudable 31 mpg combined — 7 mpg better than the Genesis G80’s best. To be fair, the 375-hp turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 found in the 540i xDrive is extremely entertaining. All-wheel drive is standard here, and this posh sedan needs only 4.4 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph.
AirConsole: Yes, you can go gaming in a new 5 Series. The AirConsole gaming system projects a display on the infotainment screen, and occupants use their smartphones as controllers. At least 20 titles are available, with more on the way. Don’t worry — AirConsole can only be used when the car is parked.
Trunk space: The 5 Series is the better pick for buyers who need a big trunk. It has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, about five cubic feet more than the Genesis G80.
Read our BMW 5 Series Expert Review or see 2025 BMW 5 Series models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Genesis G80 and BMW 5 Series are closely matched in terms of their driving dynamics, well-executed interiors, and great all-weather capability thanks to the availability of all-wheel drive.
Pricing
New 2025 Genesis G80 Prices
New 2025 BMW 5 Series Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Genesis G80 | 2025 BMW 5 Series | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cyl. | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl. |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 255 hp @ 4,700 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/29 highway/24 combined | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | Turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 118.5 inches | 117.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.7 inches | 199.2 inches |
| Width | 75.8 inches | 74.8 inches |
| Height | 57.7 inches | 59.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.2 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 37.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.3 inches | 59.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.1 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 13.1 cubic feet | 18.4 cubic feet |
Conclusion
We’re big fans of how the Genesis G80 looks and drives. It also has a lower base price and more extensive warranty coverage.
Yet this new 5 Series has raised the bar in terms of technology, performance, efficiency, and advanced driver aids. We think it’s smart to test-drive each.