2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Genesis GV70 exhibited a design that drew inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70, particularly above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that curved from behind the rear window were notable features that visually connected it to the sedan. This chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV design without compromising versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic elements, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly rose from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls on the center console, offering a tactile experience superior to touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a styling that aged gracefully, though the M Sport treatment was less favored, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its visual appeal. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine. The xDrive50e M Sport specification, with its Brooklyn Grey paint and comprehensive equipment packages, was particularly noteworthy. The 2024 model introduced a BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior with a reduction in physical switchgear and new transmission controls, while retaining the quality of materials and construction that tied it to BMW's legacy.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two gas-powered trims: the 2.5T with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 appealed to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 balanced comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It had a range of 236 miles and supported DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The 19.2 kWh battery pack offered 38 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in efficiency, achieving 33.7 mpg on a test drive and 38.8 mpg during an evaluation drive. The adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, providing a comfortable ride. The X5's handling was impressive, with excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response, making it a delight to drive on challenging roads. The PHEV also demonstrated the ability to recuperate energy, adding miles of battery charge during spirited drives.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, which was above average for the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders in the center console, and a helpful tray with a retractable lid. The front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e provided 33.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split back seat folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also featured a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. It included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Optional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air software updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, often providing incorrect directions. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was a useful feature. The optional Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 included a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance Package on the 2.5T added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in dense, slow-moving traffic and at higher speeds in light traffic but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though the system occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.