2024 Genesis G80 vs 2021 BMW 530E

What's the difference?

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.

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.