BMW 3 Series vs Genesis G80
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$94,700RRP
- no option data for this car
$104,200RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW 3 Series starts from $94,700 before on-road costs, while the Genesis G80 opens at $104,200. That makes the BMW 3 Series the more affordable entry point by $9,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $104,170 and $114,620 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 3 Series by roughly $3,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
BMW 3 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006667 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may be able to enter the starter motor causing corrosion and result in the engine not starting.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2020
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- 6 more on the model page.
Genesis G80
- REC-006682 · published 24 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pipe connecting fuel rails may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006332 · published 8 Apr 2025Due to a software issue, the instrument panel cluster may fail to display the visual seat belt warnings, vehicle speed, fuel level, engine status and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006055 · published 12 Aug 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pump impeller may become deformed under certain environmental conditions, interrupting the fuel supply.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 1 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Genesis G80. The Genesis G80 counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Genesis G80 responds with a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder (T-GDi) making 224kW and 422Nm, paired to a 8at - electronic controlled 8 speed automatic transmission with cpa (centrifugal pendulum absorber) lock-up torque converter driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The Genesis G80 has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 190kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW 3 Series is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,713mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 292mm shorter than the Genesis G80 at 5,005mm (3,010mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Genesis G80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 424L in the Genesis G80, giving the BMW 3 Series a 56L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series and $2,565/year for the Genesis G80. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 5 years (Genesis G80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Genesis G80 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Genesis G80: Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 68, but the BMW 3 Series is $9,500 cheaper
The Genesis G80 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 68), taking 1 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Genesis G80 ahead by 33), fuel economy (BMW 3 Series ahead by 22), value (BMW 3 Series ahead by 8). The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $712 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 3 Series has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 3 Series and Genesis G80?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Genesis G80 by $9,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Genesis G80 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for BMW 3 Series, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 3 Series has the largest boot at 480L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Genesis G80 makes the most power at 224kW. The BMW 3 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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