BMW i5 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 i5 starts from $155,900 before on-road costs, while the Genesis G80 opens at $132,000. That makes the Genesis G80 the more affordable entry point by $23,900.
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 $171,490 and $145,200 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
Both the BMW i5 and Genesis G80 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW i5 and 91% for the Genesis G80.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 7 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW i5 and 10 in the Genesis G80.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Genesis G80 gets a 27-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i5 stands out with panoramic roof and 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 i5 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 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 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (BMW i5) vs 94.5kWh (Genesis G80), giving WLTP ranges of 557km and 570km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i5) vs 350kW (Genesis G80).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i5 measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 75mm 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 500L in the BMW i5 and 334L in the Genesis G80, giving the BMW i5 a 166L advantage.
For towing, the Genesis G80 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m 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 i5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Genesis G80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i5 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Genesis G80 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Genesis G80 takes 8 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW i5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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