Genesis G70 vs BMW 3 Series — Real World Example

I recently purchased a 2021 Genesis G70, Elite trim in Uyuni White (which is a sort of metallic pearl white) with Caramel Brown Leather. It’s a very nice pairing!

The vehicle comes with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-four engine pumping out 252 hp @ 6200 rpm and 260 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm. It has AWD and 8-speed automatic transmission. This car is very quick and powerful!

The choice of the G70 was made against the only other option: BMW 330i. My decision was based on two key factors:

1. Value
2. Reliability and Cost of Maintenance

While most people would’ve had a third factor, brand recognition, this was not key in my mind. Why? Because BMW is too ubiquitous. I see it everywhere on the road. There are so many Bimmers that I’ve become numb to their existence.

At least the Genesis brand stands out for its relative uniqueness; this makes it special. I prefer to be a leader than a follower.

I like that the Genesis emblem bears a strong resemblance to Aston Martin and Bentley. I like that the G70 grille resembles that of Bentley’s.

Side by side, there is no question in my mind that the G70 is the more handsome vehicle. Of course, this is a matter of individual taste.

Value

I live in Markham, Ontario, Canada. I priced the BMW 330i at CAD$53,395 (BMW Ultimate Year End Sales Event). This is for a configuration that closely matches my G70.

I paid $46,000 for my G70. That means I saved $8,356 over the 330i (taking sales tax into account)! This is one honking big chunk of change!

This difference can pay for 5 years of insurance (luxury car insurance is quite expensive). Or nearly 8 years of premium gas.

One thing I should point out, however: the BMW 330i has significantly better fuel economy.

Reliability and Cost of Maintenance

Both J.D. Power and Consumer Reports rank Genesis very high on reliability. It’s #1 on J.D. Power and #5 on Consumer Reports.

BMW’s reliability is middling on both rankings.

J.D. Power (2020):

1. Genesis
2. Lexus
3. Buick
4. Porsche
5. Toyota
6. Volkswagen
7. Lincoln
8. BMW
9. Chevrolet
10. Ford
11. Mazda
12. Cadillac
13. Hyundai
14. Kia
15. Audi
16. Nissan
17. Acura
18. Honda
19. Ram
20. Mitsubishi
21. MINI
22. Mercedes-Benz
23. Subaru
24. Infiniti
25. Dodge
26. Jeep
27. Fiat
28. GMC
29. Volvo
30. Jaguar
31. Chrysler
32. Land Rover

Consumer Reports (2020):

1. Lexus
2. Mazda
3. Toyota
4. Porsche
5. Genesis
6. Hyundai
7. Subaru
8. Dodge
9. Kia
10. Mini
11. Nissan
12. Honda
13. Infiniti
14. Audi
15. Lincoln
16. Ford
17. BMW
18. Buick
19. Chrysler
20. Mitsubishi
21. Mercedes-Benz
22. GMC
23. Tesla
24. Volvo
25. Chevrolet
26. Jeep
27. Volkswagen
28. Acura
29. Alfa Romeo
30. Cadillac

The problem with BMW is that, after its 4-year warranty expires, BMW will gouge you to death with the cost of maintenance and repairs. This is where BMW mostly makes its money.

Is brand recognition worth overspending on purchase price and maintenance? In my humble opinion, no. Just because you’re wealthy doesn’t mean you should be foolish and wasteful.