2023 BMW X7 vs Genesis GV80

What's the difference?

When lined up against its direct rivals, the expensive X7 xDrive40d represents reasonable value for money.

It has a unique and bold look and a sumptuous, visually striking and well-appointed interior that has acres of space for family, friends, or for ferrying frequent flyers to the airport. 

That wallop of performance from the big beefy diesel is the cherry on the top. This is how you do a mid-life update. 

A low six-figure price tag is not to be sneezed at, but in terms of its performance, standard features, safety and cost of ownership, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Lux Matte 6-seat is a hugely impressive luxury SUV bargain.  

There’s quite a bit that’s interesting about the X7’s design. Especially looking at it front on.

BMW certainly took a bold step when it introduced its toothy grille design for the X7 and the 4 Series range. 

But the Bavarian brand has made some even braver design moves recently by introducing a blocky front-end with split headlights on its new-gen 7 Series flagship sedan. That look has now found its way onto the face of the updated X7.

As with the 7 Series, it won’t be to everyone’s taste. But you can’t deny it has a lot of presence. 

The tail-lights have been tweaked and look good, but the sheer size of the X7 - it’s 5.2 metres long and 1.8 metres tall - means there’s no disguising the fact that it is a big, boxy SUV.

Inside the update ushers in significant design changes. The old dash and cowl is gone in favour of the ‘Curved Display’ that connects the instrument cluster and multimedia. 

New slimline air vents, LED backlit ‘X7’ graphics on the passenger side of the dash, and a new gear shift toggle that replaces the old shifter elevate the cabin and give it a much more modern vibe than the old X7 - one that’s in keeping with the excellent iX electric SUV.

As mentioned in previous reviews, Genesis models moving through the CarsGuide garage are most often mistaken for Bentleys. Not a bad misattribution for a relatively new and still low-key brand.

The big chrome-accented grille and winged logo are Bentley-esque, but the distinctive two-tier headlight (and tail-light) treatment stands this substantial SUV apart.

Our test car’s optional ‘Brunswick Green’ matt paint adds an extra air of sophistication and the GV80 3.5T’s huge satin-finish 22-inch alloy wheels dial up the premium presentation and take-no-prisoners attitude.   

Inside, the look and feel is top-shelf thanks to quilted leather upholstery, multiple (large) screens, polished metal trim pieces and genuine wood details on the front and rear centre consoles, as well as the doors.

The test example’s ‘Smokey Green’ leather and reddish brown dash and door trim colour combination isn’t my cup of tea, but that’s a subjective opinion, and you may love it.

Regardless of the price point, a three-row SUV needs to be super practical and capable of family duties. 

And if you want a BMW X5 but need a lot more space, this is the next logical step.

Let’s start in the front row. As mentioned, the new X7 gains the screen and tech set-up from other new BMW models like the iX and updated 3 Series. The Curved Display combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with digital speedo and a 14.9-inch multimedia screen.

You can customise the cluster layout and move things around on the multimedia screen, too. The latter is a touchscreen but you can also find what you need via the 'iDrive' controller in the console.

I have had some experience with this system in the iX and while it’s not without its flaws, it is a top notch system. There’s a lot to wrap your head around, but the use of app icons helps. And you can swipe through to your chosen screen.

It took far too long to work out how to find the trip computer, something that should be much easier to access, as well as a couple of other functions. And the climate controls are housed in the digital screen. I would always prefer a separate space with buttons for air-con.  

But the graphics and displays - including the excellent head-up display - are excellent. 

Other tech you get with the X7 includes the BMW’s 'Digital Key', which is an app that allows iPhone users to lock and unlock their car remotely, and BMW ID driver profile.

If you buy this car, just allow yourself some time to familiarise yourself with all that tech.

Elsewhere up front there’s a lovely new three-spoke steering wheel, and cute touches like the metal air vent toggles, black and metal touches and the choice of inserts.

The front seats are luxurious and comfortable and offer loads of side and thigh support. They have memory functions, too. There’s no shortage of headroom up front, either.

Storage-wise, the door will fit the largest of bottles, as well as other items thanks to generous door bins, while the central lidded box is also sizeable. 

What about that second row?

The X7 xDrive40d usually comes standard with seven seats, but our test car was fitted with the $1500 captain’s chair option which drops seating capacity down to six people.

If you need the extra seating this is not the option for you, but it is great for families with bigger kids, and it would make for an excellent airport transfer car. 

The seats are unbelievably comfortable and can be adjusted to suit your preference. They also have ISOFIX points and armrests. 

Rear seat occupants have access to their own climate controls, air vents, USB ports, cupholders and ample door storage.

There is a massive amount of occupant space as well - stretch those legs out and enjoy it!

One of the X7’s selling points is that it is a genuine three-row SUV. That third row is not just for occasional use for very small children, like so many seven-seat SUVs. That row can be used every day. 

Even with my six foot stature, I could easily climb in and out of the third row. That’s made even easier thanks to the mechanical seat functions.

Just hit the lever at the top of the second row seat and the motor moves the seat forward and up to ensure there’s a big enough aperture to get in and out of the rear seats. 

You can also raise and lower the third row electronically via buttons on the boot wall - and they stow flush into the boot floor. Neat!

Once in the third row, there’s air vents, USB ports, bottle holders and storage and quite comfortable seats with more than enough leg and head room.

There’s even a third row section of the sunroof, operated from the second row. Lots of clever touches that people who use the third row will appreciate.

The boot has a few cool features, too, including a split tailgate.

You can even sit on the lower section - it can handle a load of up to 250kg - a perfect place to sit and watch the polo.

You can lower the suspension to aid loading larger items, and the X7 comes with a space-saver spare wheel.

Capacity is 300 litres with all seats in place, and I easily fit a pair of smaller suitcases in with that configuration. It increases to 2120L with the two rear rows folded. 

At close to 5.0m long, a fraction under 2.0m wide, and just over 1.7m tall the Genesis GV80 is a sizeable machine.

And with a wheelbase (the distance between the axles) edging up towards three metres there’s plenty of space inside, with lots of breathing room for the driver and front seat passenger.

Move to the back, and as they say, space is luxury, and there’s limo-like head and legroom for the two passengers slipping into their individual reclinable, heated and ventilated seats. Handy too that the driver has access to electric controls on the inboard side of the front passenger seat backrest so they can adjust for legroom behind it.

Even the third row is pretty good, although access is a bit of a scramble. Grown ups will be okay for medium to mid-length trips and the kids will be loving it.

As you might expect, boot space is limited with the 50/50 split and electronically folding third row seat upright. But it’s enough for a modest amount of groceries or some school bags, and we were able to sneak in the smallest (36L) suitcase from our three-piece demo set, with room to spare.

Drop that third row and and you have a generous 727 litres at your disposal, which grows to a whopping 2139L with the second row down. 

At $109,500, before on-road costs, the base GV80 3.5T plays in the same luxury SUV sandpit as BMW’s X5 xDrive25d ($109,900) and the Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury ($109,800).

But our test example featured a couple of tasty options in the form of the ‘6-Seat Luxury Package’ ($13,500) and ‘Matte Paint’ in Brunswick Green ($2000), for an as-tested MLP of $125,000.

That kicks it up into the same territory as the BMW X5 xDrive40i ($130,900), Lexus RX 500h ($126,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 ($135,200).

As you might expect, the GV80 3.5T is loaded with standard features that help it match, and at times exceed, the competition. Prepare yourself.

Aside from the safety and performance tech covered separately in this review, it includes, three-zone climate control, leather trim on the seats (partial), dash, doors and centre console, active cruise control (with stop-go function), ‘Surround View Monitor’ (360-degree 3D view, reverse view, parking distance warning, and more), a 14.4-inch multimedia touchscreen, 21-speaker ‘Lexicon by Harman’ audio (with 1050W 14 channel amp and digital radio) and 12-way power-adjustable (heated and ventilated) front seats (with two memory positions on the driver’s side).

Then you can add wireless phone charging, a panorama glass sunroof, a hands-free power tailgate (height and speed adjustable), 8.0-inch configurable digital instrument display, a 12.0-inch multi-function colour head-up display, genuine open pore wood trim on the doors and front centre console, LED headlights (auto-levelling), LED daytime running lights and tail-lights, 64-colour ambient interior lighting, and 22-inch alloy rims. Phew!

You’d think there wouldn’t be room for anything else, but where there’s a will there’s a way, and our test car’s 6-Seat Luxury Package adds even more swag.

How about ‘Remote Smart Parking Assist’, 18-way power fronts seats (with all kinds of additional electronic adjustments), power-adjustable second and third-row seats, a bigger 12.3-inch instrument display, dual 9.2-inch HD media touchscreens for back seaters, heated and ventilated second row seats, a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather trim, suede headlining, and the open pore wood trim is extended to the second row centre console. This is getting ridiculous…

If you want to go down to the next level of detail there’s even more standard kit, but you get the idea. This is a genuinely luxurious SUV with an amazing amount of included features for the money.

The Genesis official fuel economy number for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 11.7L/100km, the twin-turbo V6 emitting 273g/km of CO2 in the process.

Over a week of city, suburban, and some freeway running we averaged 13.3L/100km, which is thirsty, but not outrageous for a 2.2-tonne twin-turbo V6 SUV.

Minimum fuel requirement is 95 RON premium unleaded and you’ll need 80 litres of it to fill the tank.

Using the official number, that translates to a range of around 680km, which drops to just over 600km using our real-world figure.

The Genesis GV80 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (now the norm in the luxury segment), with paint application defects (overspray, runs, mismatch, etc) covered for 12 months/unlimited km.

You can also factor in 10-year, 24/7 roadside assistance and complimentary nav map updates for the same period.

Then, under the umbrella of ‘Genesis Service Concierge’ you’ll receive five years complimentary servicing with the choice of a valet pick-up and return, or a courtesy vehicle. Nice.

With a big plush SUV like this, you’d expect a comfortable ride. And for the most part, the X7 delivers that, while offering more than a bit of grunt, as well.

The X7’s height ensures a high driving position, and there’s plenty of glass for decent visibility. 

Propelling a 2.5-tonne SUV could be a struggle for a lesser engine, but the meaty diesel offers ample torque and the mild hybrid set-up helps to reduce initial turbo lag significantly - that means it is responsive from a standing start.

I wouldn't have thought a vehicle of this size and shape was capable of a 5.9-second 0-100km/h time, but here we are.

As a result of all that torque and power, overtaking is a breeze - providing there is enough room on the other side of the road for both cars to fit.

That size and heft have an impact on cornering and dynamics. You simply can’t carve through tight corners in this car, but with that said, it’s more entertaining than you’d think. 

Steering feel is weighted on the heavier side and it’s as sharp as it needs to be in a car like this. It would be weird if the steering was too pointy. 

Ride quality is top notch - as it should be - and while the massive optional 23-inch wheels and low profile tyres mean you’ll notice potholes and the like, it largely soaks up imperfections with ease.

That level of refinement extends to the hushed ride, too. The cabin is a quiet and serene place to spend time - but not quite to the same degree as a 7 Series. 

Parking in tight spots is a challenge, and manoeuvring in narrow streets could take a while, too. But you could tell that just by looking at the X7.

Despite its substantial (2258kg) kerb weight the GV80 3.3T is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds, and that’s quick.

Pulling power is immense, the twin-turbo V6 engine surging off the line with heaps of mid-range power once up and running for safe overtaking and relaxed freeway cruising.

But it’s never raucous, thanks in part to an acoustic laminated windscreen and front door glass, as well as active ‘anti-phase’ noise-cancelling tech minimising road rumble and mechanical noise in the cabin.

The eight-speed auto transmission is super-smooth, and there are paddle shifters on the wheel for when you want to call the shots.

The ride is plush but this big SUV feels well buttoned down thanks in no small part to an adaptive suspension with a preview function that’s able to read the road ahead and rapidly change settings accordingly.

It remains balanced and stable on twisting sections with fat Michelin high-performance SUV tyres wrapped around the car’s big 22-inch rims and a limited-slip differential ensuring drive goes to the wheels that can make best use of it. 

The steering is agreeably light for parking, but weights up nicely as speed increases. Road feel is good, too. Bear in mind, though, a 12.0m turning circle means you’ll have to pick your spots for U- or three-point turns. 

Braking is professional grade thanks to big ventilated discs all around, with tricky four-piston calipers at the front. They feel progressive and powerful, which is no bad thing when you consider the GV80 3.5T is rated to tow a braked trailer up to 2.7 tonnes.  

The GV80 received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment is 2021 and active (crash-avoidance) tech is impressive, including ‘Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist’ (incorporating AEB with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning and crossing function and ‘Evasive Steering Assist’), blind-spot assist, driver attention warning, high-beam assist, lane-keeping and following assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

There’s also active cruise control, a 3D surround view, a rear-view monitor, multi-sensor front and rear parking distance warnings, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

If, despite all that, a sheet metal interface is unavoidable there are no less than 10 airbags on board (driver and passenger front and side), driver’s knee, a front centre bag (to minimise head clash injuries), second row side and full-length side curtains. 

Multi-collision brake reduces the chance of a secondary crash after an initial impact, and there are top tether points for baby capsules or child seats and ISOFIX anchors for each second row seat. There’s even a first aid kit, hazard triangle and roadside assistance kit.