BMW i3 vs Genesis G80
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW i3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Genesis G80 opens at $155,000. That makes the BMW i3 the more affordable entry point by $45,100.
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 $120,890 and $170,500 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Genesis G80 gets a 14.5-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i3 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Genesis G80. The Genesis G80 counters with ventilated seats, V2L, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i3 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Genesis G80 responds with a Electric making 272kW and 700Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds.
The Genesis G80 has the clear power advantage at 272kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Genesis G80 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 83kWh (BMW i3) vs 94.5kWh (Genesis G80), giving WLTP ranges of 460km and 570km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (BMW i3) vs 350kW (Genesis G80).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i3 measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 426mm shorter than the Genesis G80 at 5,135mm (3,140mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Genesis G80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the BMW i3 and 334L in the Genesis G80, giving the Genesis G80 a 74L advantage.
For towing, the Genesis G80 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.7m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Genesis G80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Genesis G80 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Genesis G80 takes 9 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Genesis G80 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 i3 and Genesis G80?
The BMW i3 is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Genesis G80 by $45,100.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Genesis G80 has the most range at 570km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Genesis G80 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 350kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Genesis G80 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Genesis G80 has the largest boot at 334L.
Which can tow the most?
The Genesis G80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Genesis G80 makes the most power at 272kW. The Genesis G80 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.1s.
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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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