2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern, complemented by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The SUV's design was both elegant and bold, with big wheel arches and a rear that echoed the front's styling. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The interior was a testament to Genesis' commitment to luxury and technology.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 was a classic representation of BMW's established design language. Its exterior featured the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights, with options for sporty M Sport styling. The interior, while familiar, was crafted with high-quality materials, though it shared many design elements with other BMW models. The X5's cabin was comfortable, with spacious seating and a split liftgate for easy cargo access. Despite its sameness, the X5 maintained a luxurious feel, with features like heated seats and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its electronically-controlled suspension and active noise cancellation in the 3.5T models. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2021 BMW X5 provided a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower. The X5 M50i featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 horsepower, while the X5 M offered up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a six-cylinder engine with a battery for 389 horsepower and 30 miles of electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined and the xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller featuring a concave design. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and climate control, while the third row was available only on specific models. The GV80's cargo space was practical, though the third row was limited in availability.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with a well-organized center console and comfortable seating for short trips. The rear seats were suitable for adults, and the optional third row added versatility. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, though the doors' limited opening angle hindered access to the second row.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 also included Genesis Connected Services, a head-up display, and a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once mastered.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and a suite of driver-assistance features. It aimed for top safety ratings but had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time.

The 2021 BMW X5 included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, its lane-keeping system struggled in certain conditions. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.