BMW 330i v Genesis G70 2020 Comparison Review

The new-generation BMW 3 Series has barely put a foot wrong since its introduction in 2019.

On the way to taking out the carsales Car of the Year gong last year, the new G20-generation sedan and G21-generation Touring have been unchallenged in comparison tests and lauded in our week-to-week reviews.

But that doesn’t mean the BMW 3 Series is immune to challenge. In fact, a plucky Korean upstart poses a realistic threat to the 330i sedan – at least on paper. The Hyundai-backed Genesis G70 range touched down in Australia last year, available in four-cylinder and twin-turbo V6 forms.

It’s the bent-six that has piqued our curiosity most, blending hearty rear-drive performance with strong equipment levels and aftersales prospects.

So how does the G70 fare against the all-conquering 3 Series in the real world, on real roads? We put both cars together on some challenging black-top to find out.

The V6-powered Genesis G70 and the four-cylinder BMW 330i come in at a similar price.

You can have an entry-level turbo-six G70 for $72,450 (plus on-road costs), while the turbocharged four-pot 330i M Sport is priced at $70,900 (plus on-road costs), and the entry-level 320i is cheaper again at $65,900.

To ensure a comparable playing field, we’ve opted for the $79,950 (plus on-road costs) G70 Ultimate Sport, which trumps the 330i with standard fitment of heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and the fitment of Android Auto (BMW only offers Apple CarPlay), among other items.

Meanwhile the 330i on test, finished in a striking Sunset Orange Metallic hue, comes in at a slightly lower price of $79,230 (plus on-road costs) with the addition of obligatory optional packages: a $5070 Visibility Package (metallic paint, glass sunroof, Laser headlights, ambient lighting), $2400 Sports differential, $300 aluminium interior highlights and $560 M seat belts.

The executive set is the target market for these offerings, but the sporty, rear-drive dynamics of each car on test do appeal to enthusiasts as well. Think of either car as a low-carb, junior M3, for about half the price.

The Genesis G70 covers the all-important nought to 100km/h dash in 4.7 seconds on account of its 272kW/510Nm outputs and standard limited-slip diff, while the 190kW/400Nm credentials for the 330i variant in the BMW 3 Series range translate to a 5.8-second sprint (limited-slip diff is a $2400 option). Both cars employ an eight-speed automatic transmission replete with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Each cabin is furnished in quality leather and materials, though the 330i takes on an added element of sophistication courtesy of its digital instrument display and more advanced infotainment interface. That’s not to say the Genesis’ isn’t effective; in fact we’d argue its switchgear and dashboard layouts are the more user-friendly of the two… it just feels a little more mainstream than the BMW.

Both offerings feature autonomous emergency braking and a full safety suite.

The BMW 3 Series is a consummate all-rounder. It offers a slightly more padded ride, even on 19-inch wheels, with well-weighted steering and excellent body control.

The 330i’s engine is a surprising highlight, with adequate low-down torque and a willingness to explore the upper reaches of the dial. Despite the relatively small displacement, the engine's soundtrack is on point, without threatening the shrieking soundtracks of the German manufacturer’s legendary inline sixes.

Pressing on during our test in beautiful Jamberoo, on the NSW South Coast, the 330i feels lithe and agile, using its electronics to instil driver confidence but not over-inflate it. Through faster corners the BMW moves around comfortably on Bridgestone Turanza tyres with a level of composure more akin to a bona fide M car, not a junior executive. A 200kg weight advantage over the Genesis is the BMW's ace up its sleeve, lending the 330i faster changes in direction and a general lightness that enhances the car's dynamic ability and makes it easier to drive too.

Over in the blue camp, the Genesis G70 is also a cinch to drive fast, with a positive rear-drive feeling that bubbles to the surface as soon as the driver applies throttle with the barest whiff of enthusiasm.

The twin-turbo V6 is a highlight, offering the kind of effortless go-forward that tends to be absent in engines with smaller cylinder counts. While the limited-slip differential does its job, there remains enough torque to overpower the traction available from the Michelin Pilot Sport rubber.

The V6 flagship is incredibly confident at speed, sitting flat through long, fast corners and controlling its weight admirably during faster changes in direction. As already mentioned, the G70's circa 1750kg kerb weight is always of consequence, especially in the company of the lighter 330i.

The Genesis is surprisingly efficient, too, although its circa 9.5L/100km fuel read out on test wasn’t as good as the BMW’s 6.5L/100km figure.

The ride and handling tune of the G70 is commendable, straddling comfort and performance duties with aplomb. The cabin is well insulated from the outside elements too, even on Australia’s coarse-chip road network – proof that a well-honed Australian ride and handling tuning program is worth its weight in gold.

Credit where credit is due here, too: The inclusive five-year free servicing program, five-year roadside assist and five-year warranty of the G70 simply leaves the 330i in the shade. BMW’s warranty covers three years/100,000km, while servicing will set buyers back $1565 ($4110 including brakes and wipers) for the first five years/80,000km of ownership.

The  principal drawback immediately apparent in the Genesis G70 is its cramped rear seat space and tiny boot. Both areas are accessed via relatively small openings, too, which only accentuates the problem. You could fit a six-foot person in the rear, to be fair, but you wouldn’t want to subject them to a Sydney to Melbourne trip.

The BMW 3 Series fares marginally better for rear seat passengers, capable of accommodating a couple of full-size adults on longer journeys. Like the Genesis, there are rear air vents with separate temperature settings, along with access to USB port and 12-volt charging outlets, however, the Bimmer trumps its rival with a much larger boot (480 litres versus 330).

The BMW’s biggest shortcomings relate to its luxury origins: more expensive ownership prospects, limited warranty, the lack of Android Auto and other standard equipment.

That’s where the Genesis experience tends to diverge.

We also took issue with the 3 Series’ large A-pillar, which combined with the low-set seat and high-set instrument cluster, tends to obscure forward vision. On the flip side, sitting so low in the car cultivates feel and, in turn, confidence.

In some respects, the Genesis G70 is a victim of its own timing, because had it launched two years earlier, it would have likely had the better of the previous generation BMW 3 Series.

However, the G20’s arrival brings a huge improvement over at Camp BMW, thanks to the return of segment-leading dynamics, technology and refinement.

Therefore BMW wins this comparison, though it must be said the G70’s combination of V6 power and generous equipment at this price point makes it a legitimate adversary.

How much does the 2020 Genesis G70 Ultimate Sport cost?
Price: $79,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.3-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-petrol
Output: 272kW/510Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 238g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2018)

How much does the 2020 BMW 330i cost?
Price: $70,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 190kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 147g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2019 Year)