Head-to-head
BMW i5 vs Genesis G80 EV
The Genesis G80 EV starts $15,600 (10%) below the BMW i5. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Sedan
BMW i5
BMW's electric 5 Series sibling — sharing platform and body with the petrol 5er. The 581 km WLTP range puts it ahead of the Mercedes EQE; the AC charging at 22 kW is class-leading.
- From
- $155,900
- Range
- 581 km
- Battery
- 81.2 kWh
Option B · Sedan
Genesis G80 EV
Genesis's electric luxury sedan — same body as the petrol G80 but with a dedicated EV powertrain. 87.2 kWh battery, 800V architecture, and Genesis's flagship cabin tech.
- From
- $140,300
- Range
- 520 km
- Battery
- 87.2 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BMW i5 and Genesis G80 EV, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BMW i5
The BMW i5 goes 61 km further on a charge (581 vs 520 km WLTP).
- 2
DC charging · advantage Genesis G80 EV
The Genesis G80 EV accepts 35 kW more DC peak charging (240 vs 205 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Boot · advantage BMW i5
The BMW i5 swallows 140 L more cargo with the rear seats up (490 vs 350 L).
- 4
Battery · advantage Genesis G80 EV
The Genesis G80 EV carries a 6.0 kWh larger battery (87.2 vs 81.2 kWh).
- 5
Price · advantage Genesis G80 EV
The Genesis G80 EV undercuts the BMW i5 by $15,600 (10%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BMW i5 wins
- ▸ 61 km longer WLTP range
Where the Genesis G80 EV wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $15,600
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.9s vs 6s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (240 kW vs 205 kW)
BMW i5
What we like
- ✓ Strong 581 km WLTP range
- ✓ 22 kW three-phase AC charging is class-leading
- ✓ Cabin shares 5 Series quality and refinement
What we don't
- ✕ Heavy kerb weight hurts handling vs ICE 5er
- ✕ Premium pricing climbs fast with options
- ✕ Boot is sedan-shaped (no hatch opening)
Genesis G80 EV
What we like
- ✓ Flagship luxury cabin and refinement
- ✓ 240 kW DC charging via 800V architecture
- ✓ 10-year battery warranty
What we don't
- ✕ Range modest for the price (520 km WLTP)
- ✕ Boot smaller than Ioniq 6 (battery placement)
- ✕ Genesis service network limited
Frequently asked: BMW i5 vs Genesis G80 EV
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BMW i5 or the Genesis G80 EV?
- The Genesis G80 EV is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $140,300 versus $155,900 for the BMW i5, a $15,600 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BMW i5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 581 km, 61 km further than the Genesis G80 EV's 520 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Genesis G80 EV accepts a peak DC charging rate of 240 kW versus 205 kW for the BMW i5. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Genesis G80 EV does 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds — 1.1 s quicker than the BMW i5's 6.0 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Genesis G80 EV better value than the BMW i5?
- On paper the Genesis G80 EV is $15,600 cheaper AND beats the BMW i5 on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BMW i5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (61 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (140 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: premium sedan buyers
Choose the
Genesis G80 EV
if…
- ✓ you want to save $15,600 on the sticker
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you match the profile: luxury sedan buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.