2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that wasn't constrained by a long legacy of design language. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish its signature look, which included a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and large wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch widescreen display, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a bridge-like center console with minimal controls.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, had a more established design language. It resembled a downsized BMW X5, with a cold, mechanical interior styling typical of BMW. The X3's exterior updates in 2020 included a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The interior was functional, with real buttons and dials complementing the touchscreen, making it user-friendly. The X3 offered trims like sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with options for leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's 2.5T models had a curb weight between 4,506 and 4,850 lbs, while the 3.5T models weighed between 4,907 and 5,104 lbs. The 3.5T offered a smoother ride with active noise cancellation and an electronically-controlled suspension.

The 2021 BMW X3's sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid produced 288 hp and had a 17-mile electric-only range. The M40i trim boasted a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The X3 M performance model offered 473 hp for those seeking a high-performance driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row was spacious for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was not available on other trims. The third-row seats had a power-fold function and were split 50/50.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with them in use. A power liftgate was standard, with an optional hands-free version. The X3's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers. The front row offered a commanding driving position, and the rear seats were comfortable for adults on long trips. The X3's controls included real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was connected to the cloud for over-the-air updates and allowed individual user profiles. Android users could use a digital key function, while the GV80 offered three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system included a 12-speaker setup, with an optional 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2021 BMW X3 came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto was optional. The X3 offered wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. Optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who gestured frequently.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a head-up display.