BMW M3 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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Genesis G80 opens at $155,000. That makes the Genesis G80 the more affordable entry point by $8,700.
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 $180,070 and $170,500 respectively.
The Genesis G80 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW M3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M3 and Genesis G80 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW M3 and 91% for the Genesis G80.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Genesis G80 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW M3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M3 and 10 in the Genesis G80. The Genesis G80 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW M3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M3 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 M3 stands out with panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Genesis G80. The Genesis G80 counters with wireless charging, V2L and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Genesis G80 offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW M3 and 3-zone in the Genesis G80.
Drivetrain
The BMW M3 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 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 BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 272kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M3 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 480L in the BMW M3 and 334L in the Genesis G80, giving the BMW M3 a 146L advantage.
For towing, the Genesis G80 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.7m
Based on 11.0m 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 M3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Genesis G80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, 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, need stronger towing, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW M3 and Genesis G80 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the BMW M3 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 M3 and Genesis G80?
The Genesis G80 is the cheapest at $155,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M3 by $8,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M3 uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M3 and 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 BMW M3 has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The Genesis G80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M3 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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