The BMW X5 is a car dedicated to being a well-rounded, sporty, and practical vehicle for those wanting a premium feel. A car with heritage, impressive specifications, and the sense of pride that comes with a BMW badge sitting on a huge SUV. A strong formula it is, and one that BMW has been chipping away at since the X5’s debut in 1999. In that time, though, smaller companies fighting for market share are putting all of their cards on the table when trying to compete. These passionate attempts have exposed a weakness in the X5, the weakest part of the otherwise strong and serious X5 portfolio — its value proposition.
People are willing to pay more for a similar experience but with a more proven, mainstream brand. However, where is the cut-off point? $2,000? $5000? Maybe $10,000 at a push? We will explore a very tempting contender battling it out in the sphere of the luxury SUV segment, one that many people have not heard of — but one that is slowly making its name for itself through sheer quality and value.
Welcome To The Genesis GV80 Show
In November 2015, Hyundai introduced “Genesis” as a standalone luxury brand. Before this point, the Genesis was a model name for a Hyundai sedan which was released in 2008, and occupied a more refined and comfort-oriented segment compared to more basic models, aimed at competing with brands like Lexus. Fast-forward 10 years, and the hard work, brand identity, and increasing acclaim are paying off — The Genesis GV80 is not only competing with the BMW X5, in several ways, it is also beating it.
First impressions are significant. If a lesser-known brand releases a car that looks too ordinary, it will often not have much of a chance of sticking in potential consumers’ minds. On first glimpse of the GV80, this isn’t the case. Though South Korean, it combines a sense of flair often found in high-end Japanese cars, but with a whiff of Bentley and British opulence to it — a design that oozes class, wealth, and is genuinely stylish. The X5 is a tried and tested design, changing delicately over the years, but the 2026 GV80 is bold, classy, and looks like a more expensive piece of kit.
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What Makes The Genesis A Relative Steal?
The 2026 GV80 starts at $57,700. That is a considerable $10,000+ saving on the base X5, surely enough to sway anyone but the most dedicated BMW fans to at least consider the GV80. The truly impressive part is that the Genesis isn’t sacrificing anything particular to get to that cheaper cost; the only differences come from the core elements that determine what type of experience the brand wants from their car. The X5 includes high-quality Merino leather and solid trim materials to create a pleasant place to command from, but as is common with German brands, it focuses on functionality rather than a sense of true lavishness. Key interior features include:
- Supreme quality stitched leather all across the interior
- Dazzling bespoke colors such as green leather
- Open-pore wood trim
- Optional Nappa leather and quilted seats
This doesn’t just match the entry-level $68,300 X5; it quite comprehensively bests it. With gorgeous interior craftsmanship, a posh and traditional look, and a true sense of modern ambiance, the Genesis is more on par with far more expensive rivals like the Bentayga and the Range Rover for pure interior beauty.
Like its exterior, the GV80’s cabin looks and feels richer than those of its German rivals, even though they generally cost more.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
Find 2026 Genesis GV80 and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Specifications And Priorities
Whilst the X5 and the GV80 are direct competitors, they attempt to capture different flavors of what a luxury SUV means. The BMW X5 has been perfecting that formula of functional, sporty, and precision-crazy refinement for decades, orienting its efforts more toward continuing that sporting luxury rather than outright prestige. The Bimmer is more focused on performance and driving dynamics, whilst the Genesis leans more towards achieving the highest interior quality and the most classy feel at the best price.
2026 Genesis GV80 Specs
|
Horsepower |
300 |
|
Torque |
311 Ib-ft |
|
0 – 60 mph |
6.1 seconds |
|
Weight |
4,850 pounds |
|
Economy |
21 mpg (combined) |
|
Price |
$57,700 |
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The X5’s Sporting Nature And Superb Refinement
There is no doubt, even at its higher price tag, that the X5 offers a stellar driving experience for an SUV, and time again proves to be one of the best in the business. With a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48V hybrid assist, acceleration is brisk and purposeful in the X5. Pairing that with a ZF eight-speed Steptronic Sports Auto, which is praised for creating smooth and purposeful shifts, you have a transmission and engine pairing that go together with such harmony, as if they have been designed together on purpose. The gearbox itself seamlessly adapts between the choice of sport mode and comfort mode, achieving BMW’s goal of a car that blends performance and luxury in unison.
2026 BMW X5 xDrive40i Specs
|
Horsepower |
375 |
|
Torque |
398 Ib-ft |
|
0 – 60 mph |
5.2 seconds |
|
Weight |
4,998 pounds |
|
Economy |
25 mpg (combined) |
|
Price |
$68,300 |
The X5’s And GV80 Go Head-To-Head On Innovative Equipment
Strap yourselves in and prepare for GV80 domination. Whilst BMWs are renowned for being a fairly luxurious brand, so many of the equipment options on the X5 are standard on the Genesis. And it isn’t even a couple of things: there is a plethora of high-end features that the Genesis offers on the base $57,700 car, proving their dedication to value and innovation.
Standard GV80 Equipment That Is Optional Or Missing On The X5
- Surround view / 360-degree camera
- Safe Exit Assist
- Blind spot monitor
- Fully remote smart park assist
These are high-end features that come standard on the GV80 that are optional on the more expensive X5. In fact, to match your X5 to the Genesis, expect to include additional packages, such as the premium package and parking assistance packages (amongst more), to get it more on par. With all the additional extras, expect to be paying an extra $20,000 on your kitted-out X5 compared to the comparable base-spec Genesis.
Jam-packed with tech, smart execution, and plush appointments, the GV70 feels a lot richer than its sticker price suggests.
The Uprise Of Genesis, And Should You Buy One?
The Genesis GV80 is by no stretch a cheap car, but it does something rather special. It proves that high-end luxury cars don’t have to be for people who have $150,000 and upwards; it displays a sense of bespoke attention to detail not seen in $100,000 or below vehicles. And the more people who can experience a sense of aspirational glory for a smaller price, the better. For many people with true ambitions of owning a brand-new, true luxury vehicle that makes them feel rich, this should be their beacon of hope. What makes that truly special is that you haven’t bought this for its badge; it’s a genuinely beautifully crafted experience of a car. A lavish and serious contender for best value SUV on the market right now, and one that, for my money, has the X5 beat.
Of course, it doesn’t quite have the handling precision or driver-focused dynamics of the X5, but for the money you save by buying the Genesis, why not treat yourself to a $10,000 second-hand sports car? Then you have all the bases covered. For that smaller price tag, you get a still more than adequate engine, an exquisite interior, an elegant exterior, a slightly roomier vehicle, and one that includes a more extensive range of amenities.
Sources: Genesis, BMW, The EPA