5 Series vs G80
Both the 5 Series and the G80 sit in the midsize luxury car class, and BMW and Genesis are clearly watching each other. The choice here comes down to priorities: fuel economy & range favors the 5 Series, while engine & performance favors the G80.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance G80 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 5 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.2
- Engine & Performance1.5
- Fuel Economy & Range2.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 5 Series has better fuel economy
For fuel economy (combined), the 5 Series leads by a wide margin: 31 mpg versus 24 mpg. The 5 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The G80 has 45 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 300 hp to the 5 Series’s 255 hp, the G80 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 5 Series has better city fuel economy
Put simply, the 5 Series is far ahead here: 28 mpg compared with 20 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The 5 Series has better highway fuel economy
The 5 Series’s 35 mpg leaves the G80’s 29 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
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The G80 has 16 lb-ft more torque
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the G80 leads with 311 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft. The G80’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 5 Series | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 118.5 in |
Engine & Performance
G80 leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the G80 is comfortably ahead. The G80 delivers 45 hp more power. The G80’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. In short, the G80 is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
5 Series: 255 hp G80: 300 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
5 Series: 295 lb-ft G80: 311 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
5 Series leads
Here the 5 Series opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The 5 Series scores with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If this section decides it for you, choose the 5 Series.
Fuel economy (combined)
5 Series: 31 mpg G80: 24 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
5 Series: 28 mpg G80: 20 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 5 Series starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the 5 Series and the G80 differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 5 Series | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 300 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 5 Series | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 5 Series | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 13.1 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 5 Series | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 5 Series | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 5 Series | G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 118.5 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 5 Series if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (28 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (35 mpg vs 29 mpg)
Choose the G80 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (300 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (311 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Genesis and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 5 Series or the G80?
The 5 Series and the G80 split the comparison (fuel economy & range for the 5 Series, engine & performance for the G80), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
The 5 Series and the G80 come from rival camps, BMW and Genesis, but they’re chasing the same person: you. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the 5 Series has better fuel economy. And the 5 Series doesn’t stop there; it also offers better highway fuel economy. Don’t write off the G80 entirely: it has 45 hp more power.
The 5 Series is for you if fuel economy & range tops your list; the G80 is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: I’d go with the 5 Series if I cared most about fuel economy & range, and the G80 if engine & performance mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.