2021 BMW 530E vs 2024 Genesis G80

What's the difference?

Anyone unfortunate enough to hear me banging on about electric cars - or perhaps more accurately, electrified cars - will be aware of my undying love for the existence of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). 

I love them because they offer a drama-free step into electrification. You don't need a big box on the wall to make sure you're charged overnight and because there's a petrol engine under the bonnet, as long as you've got fuel in the tank, your range anxiety disappears.

You can get around town in electrified silence and emissions-free smugness while still planning that around-Australia trip you'll never go on. It's absolutely the best of both worlds for those reluctant to take the next step. A genuine win-win, if you like.

Except that very few people buy them. Their existence in the catalogues of a number of car companies feels like a weary, "We should at least do something" from product planners. BMW has been trying with PHEVs for a while, with selected offerings in the 3, 5 and X5 range. Given the 5 Series has had its mid-life facelift, what BMW calls the LCI, it's time for another look.

The Genesis Electrified G80 is a large electric sedan that’s managed to slide in under the radar compared to its competition; the Audi e-tron GT, BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.

In fact, on first glance, many people assumed I was driving some sort of Bentley (it’s the winged badge!) and some were surprised that Genesis was even a brand. Genesis – take note here! Which is unfortunate because this stately-looking beast gives it’s rivals a run for their luxury and handling money.

I’ve been driving it for the last week with my family of three to find out how competitive this sedan is.