Genesis G80 vs BMW i3
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 Genesis G80 starts from $155,000 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. 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 $170,500 and $120,890 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 Genesis G80 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW i3 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Genesis G80 stands out with ventilated seats, V2L, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i3. The BMW i3 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Genesis G80 uses a Electric producing 272kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds.
The BMW i3 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 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: 94.5kWh (Genesis G80) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 570km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 350kW (Genesis G80) vs 50kW (BMW i3).
Space & Comfort
The Genesis G80 measures 5,135mm long on a 3,140mm wheelbase, 426mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Genesis G80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 334L in the Genesis G80 and 260L in the BMW i3, 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 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 (Genesis G80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the BMW i3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW'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, Genesis G80 and BMW i3?
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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