The Genesis GV70 made its arrival for the 2022 model year, aiming to disrupt the status quo as a more affordable alternative to the German luxury compact SUV stalwarts, including the BMW X3. The GV70 has certainly made a strong debut with stylish looks, a luxe interior, a choice of sprightly powertrains, real-world pragmaticism, and plenty of value prospects. It may not yet be as popular — or as prestigious in the county club parking lot — as the X3, but the GV70 is certainly a worthy contender. To boot, it has two distinct advantages over the Beemer.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offers more power for less money over the X3

BMW has long touted its products as the “ultimate” driving machines, which of course, entails far more than outright horsepower. But in the duel for power supremacy, the GV70 has a notable edge over the X3.

The GV70’s standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The setup is good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, according to Car and Driver testing.

The BMW X3, meanwhile, is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic. The base X3 is rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available.

The GV70’s additional 52 hp pays dividends on the stopwatch. It beats out the AWD-equipped X3’s 0-60 mph by 0.6 seconds.

The Genesis’ extra power and standard AWD are even more notable as the GV70 undercuts the X3 in price. Excluding destination cost, the 2024 GV70 starts at $44,900 MSRP, while the RWD X3 sDrive30i commands $46,900. The AWD xDrive30i starts at $4,000 more than the standard GV70.

Despite the GV70 having some significant advantages, both models are solid choices in their class.

The GV70 and X3 are both strong luxury compact SUVs

The 2024 Genesis GV70 has done well to make its mark in the segment. Its handsome exterior styling and bold interior help it to stand out against some more mundanely styled offerings of the segment, and it’s just as premium as its more established competition.

More impressive, the GV70 is undeniably a value-oriented choice. The GV70 has a long list of upscale amenities, even its base trim; its standard driver aids include many features that are optional extras in some rivals, and Genesis’ warranty coverage is industry-leading.

The BMW X3, meanwhile, has been a venerable sales champ in the segment for about as long as it’s been around for good reason. The X3 delivers the anticipated luxe of a BMW product, and while it’s down on power to the GV70, it delivers a prowess for handling often missing from its competitors.

Both models also offer nearly 30 cubic feet of cargo space, and while neither is the most spacious offering in the class, both have respectable passenger space for hauling around a small family.

Of course, those willing to pay more can get a surfeit of power and luxe amenities.

The GV70 is available with a 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 cranking out 375 hp, and the X3 M40i model delivers 382 hp from a 3.0-liter inline-six. If that’s enough, the X3 M delivers between 473 to 503 hp that can zip it from 0-60 mph in just over three seconds.

The GV70 may lead the X3 in a few important categories, but both the 2024 GV70 and 2024 X3 are attractive options for those seeking a small luxury SUV.