2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet in length. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it added to the SUV's elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor flaw in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a well-aged styling, though the M Sport treatment was less appealing, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. Our test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels with staggered-width summer tires, adding to its allure. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder, a turbo-six PHEV, and a turbocharged V8, with various trim packages and options. The xDrive50e M Sport specification, with Brooklyn Grey paint and all available equipment packages, modernized the interior with BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, reducing physical switchgear while maintaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive, offering a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene freeway commute.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid system with a more powerful electric motor and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in hybrid mode. The xDrive50e delivered 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV's adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, providing excellent ride quality despite the large 21-inch wheels. The X5 excelled in various driving conditions, from city streets to winding country roads, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during evaluation.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, while Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous interior. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 boasted a large cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded. Towing capacity was a robust 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e provided room for five in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, with optional 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats offering heating and ventilation. The Climate Comfort Package added four-zone climate control, heated armrests, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing passenger comfort. A third-row seat was no longer available, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating the menu structure required a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 also offered remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

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. Running BMW Operating System 8.5, the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, often misinterpreting commands. Despite this, the head-up display and augmented video navigation functioned well, providing valuable driver information.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though headlights and LATCH system ratings were slightly lower.

The 2024 BMW X5 added Highway Assistant, a hands-free driving assistance system, effective in dense traffic and at high speeds. However, it occasionally engaged brakes unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though the system misinterpreted obstacles at times. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA awarded the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.