2022 BMW 5 Series vs. 2022 Genesis G80: Which Does Luxury Best?
2022 Genesis G80 vs. 2022 BMW 5 Series comparison highlights:
- Both the Genesis G80 and BMW 5 Series received minor updates for 2022 after being refreshed in 2021
- The 2022 Genesis G80 has fewer performance and powertrain options than the 5 Series but has more standard features at a lower base price
- The 2022 5 Series is the sportier luxury sedan, but you’ll pay for extra safety and luxury features
When Genesis introduced the refreshed G80 for the 2021 model year, it looked like it had the right stuff to rattle the luxury sedan segment. We specifically said that the BMW 5 Series had reason to worry. Since then, the 5 Series got a few updates—but then, so did the G80. So, in their current forms, which luxury sedan strikes the most premium note: the 2022 Genesis G80 or the 2022 5 Series?
| 2022 BMW 5 Series | 2022 Genesis G80 | |
| Price Range | $54,200-$103,500 | $48,000-$70,250 |
| Engine Options | 530i, 530i xDrive: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 530e, 530e xDrive: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with integrated electric motor 540i, 540i xDrive: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance M550i xDrive: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 M5: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 | 2.5T RWD, 2.5T AWD: 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 3.5T AWD Sport: 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 530i: 248 hp 530e: 288 hp 540i: 335 hp M550i: 523 hp M5: 600 hp (617 hp with Competition Package) | 2.5T: 300 hp 3.5T: 375 hp |
| Torque | 530i: 257 lb-ft 530e: 258 lb-ft 540i: 331 lb-ft M550i, M5: 553 lb-ft | 2.5T: 311 lb-ft 3.5T: 391 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
| MPG Rating | 530i: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway 530i xDrive: 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway 530e: 21 miles of battery range; 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway (Autotrader) 530e xDrive: 19 miles of battery range; 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway (Autotrader) 540i: 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway 540i xDrive: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway M550i: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway M5: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway | 2.5T RWD: 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway 2.5T AWD: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway 3.5T: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway |
| IIHS Safety Rating | Crashworthiness: Good Child seat anchors: Acceptable | 2021 Top Safety Pick+ Crashworthiness: Good Crash avoidance & mitigation: Acceptable and superior Child seat anchors: Acceptable |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Not yet rated | 5 stars |
2022 BMW 5 Series
- Pros: More engine options, hybrid model, sportier handling, high-performance M5 models
- Cons: More expensive, fewer standard safety features, some luxury options cost extra, performance models less efficient, high maintenance costs
The BMW 5 Series has long been a hallmark for the luxury sedan segment. Case in point, the 2022 model is MotorTrend’s #3 best midsize luxury sedan. Admittedly, the latest versions, M models notwithstanding, have traded some of their sporty behavior for more luxuries. But depending on who you ask, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
BMW last refreshed the 5 Series in 2021, which is when the hybrid 530e model joined the lineup. For 2022, the sedan’s updates are fairly minor for the most part, Autotrader reports. The M550i xDrive now has standard remote start while the 530e cars get standard 19” alloy wheels.
On the downside, the M5 is now the only one with WiFi and wireless charging. And if you want optional parking assist, you must step up to at least the M550i. But if the M5 Competition simply isn’t powerful enough, there’s now the limited-edition 627-hp M5 CS. However, as it’s a limited-edition model, it’s not included in the above price-range guide.
2022 Genesis G80
- Pros: Cheaper, more standard features overall, higher safety ratings, better warranty, stylish and spacious interior, electric G80 coming
- Cons: Not as fast, no hybrid model, slightly less efficient, could use more power
Upon its introduction, the second-gen G80 drew comparisons to the Mercedes E-Class and, yes, the BMW 5 Series. And we at MotorBiscuit found plenty of evidence to support those claims. But like BMW, Genesis isn’t resting on its laurels. So, for 2022, the Genesis G80 gets a few extra tricks up its stylish sleeves.
Firstly, the all-electric G80 is scheduled to arrive by the end of 2022. Secondly, the G80 3.5T model has a new name—3.5T Sport—and standard AWD. And if you get the Sport Prestige Package, the G80 gains stiffer adaptive dampers, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, and rear-wheel steering. In addition, the 2022 Genesis G80 gets more standard features, including optional Remote Smart Parking Assist.
2022 BMW 5 Series vs. 2022 Genesis G80: Trim levels and features
Speaking of features, the 2022 Genesis G80 and 2022 BMW 5 Series offer similar gadgets and luxury pieces. However, while the 5 Series has more engine options, the G80 has more standard tech. Yes, you can equip a 2022 G80 3.5T Sport until it costs the same as a base 530i or 540i. But even so, the Genesis sedan will have more features, MT says. In other words, if you’re not worried about performance, the G8 offers more value for money.
In 2.5T trim, the 2022 Genesis G80 is available in base, Advanced, and Prestige form. The 3.5T AWD Sport also offers three forms: base and Sport Prestige with or without summer tires. But you don’t need to spring for the 3.5T Sport Prestige to get a luxurious experience. Even the base 2.5T RWD has an extensive advanced driver-assistance suite, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, an 8” digital gauge cluster, a 14.5” center touchscreen, and adjustable ambient lighting.
The best value, though, is the 2.5T Advanced, Car and Driver says; I’d add AWD to that. No, you don’t get leather upholstery: that’s on the Prestige. But the Advanced Package gives you ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, a power trunk, matte-finish wood trim, a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, and power rear and manual side window shades. Plus, adding AWD gives you a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. However, if you splurge on a 3.5T Sport Prestige, you also get a heads-up display, a 360° camera system, active noise cancellation, and a 12.3” 3D digital gauge cluster.
On the tech side, the 2022 BMW 5 Series has a few advantages. For example, even the 530i has a 12.3” digital gauge cluster, Autotrader notes. The 530i also has a standard moonroof—that’s a 2.5T Advanced feature—and its standard power seats are more adjustable.
However, if you want adaptive cruise control, that costs extra even on the 2022 M5. So do heated front seats and a power trunk lid. Car and Driver considers the 540i the best value in the 2022 BMW 5 Series lineup. But once you equip it to 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Sport levels, it costs over $10,000 more. Also, it has fewer USB ports.
2022 BMW 5 Series vs. 2022 Genesis G80: Safety features
Although some of the 2022 Genesis G80’s ADAS features are optional, most of them come standard even on the base 2.5T. In contrast, while the base 2022 BMW 5 Series has some standard ADAS features, getting into G80 levels requires ticking option boxes.
Both luxury sedans have some safety similarities. Besides stability and traction control, both have standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, and lane-departure warning.
However, the 2022 Genesis G80 2.5T comes standard with highway driving assist—essentially a Level 2 semi-autonomous mode—and adaptive cruise control. Both are optional on the BMW 5 Series. Also, no 2022 5 Series model appears to offer a 360° camera system like the G80 3.5T Prestige.
2022 BMW 5 Series vs. 2022 Genesis G80: Driving
As noted earlier, while the 2022 Genesis G80 has the luxury value advantage, the BMW 5 Series takes the lead on performance. But this doesn’t just apply to the top-shelf M5 models.
To be fair, the G80 doesn’t necessarily handle poorly. Particularly with the 3.5T’s adaptive suspension, the Korean luxury sedan has a comfortable ride. And the new Sport Prestige’s features make it noticeably nimbler, stabler, and pitch less, MotorTrend notes. Plus, it now has launch control. However, while the G80 3.5T Sport is a sportier G80, it’s not a true sports sedan, MotorTrend adds.
The 2022 BMW 5 Series, meanwhile, is still a sports sedan. Yes, it lacks its predecessors’ steering feedback and it rides noticeably more firmly than the G80. But even the 530e feels “taut, agile, and engaging,” Car and Driver says. The 5 Series also has a better initial brake bite, and the 540i is more efficient than the G80 3.5T yet faster to 60 mph. And you don’t necessarily need the M5; in the real world, the M550i is the better all-arounder, Roadshow reports.
2022 BMW 5 Series advantages
In short, the 2022 BMW 5 Series is the luxury sedan that caters to the performance-minded. It’s more expensive and not as well-equipped as the 2022 Genesis G80, but it offers more speed and better handling. Also, while the electric G80 isn’t here yet, you can buy a hybrid 5 Series today. And apart from the M5, the 5 Series is more efficient than the Genesis sedan.
2022 Genesis G80 advantages
Although the 2022 Genesis G80 isn’t as fast or as sporty as the 5 Series, it has more standard luxury and safety features for the same price. Also, it rides more comfortably and has a higher safety rating and better warranty.
Which luxury sedan feels more premium?
Ultimately, both cars are solid luxury sedans. But picking which one is more luxurious depends on which qualities you prefer. The 2022 BMW 5 Series does sporty luxury better, while the Genesis G80 does tech luxury better.
However, if luxury to you means material quality, design, and comfort, the G80 does it better than the 5 Series, Roadshow says. Yes, MotorTrend ranks the 5 Series higher overall, but Car and Driver puts the Genesis over the BMW. And even MT says that the G80’s interior arguably outshines the equivalent E-Class’s cabin. Though to be fair, style doesn’t exactly keep up with speed.
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