The 2025 Genesis G70 and 2025 BMW 3 Series are compact luxury sedans capable of mixing everyday usability with driver engagement. Each has quick reflexes that can turn a dull daily commute into a pleasurable jaunt.
Since they are both high scorers in our Best Luxury Compact Cars ranking, we decided to see how they compare in a head-to-head contest.
Let’s explore the highlights of the Genesis G70 and BMW 3 Series and determine whether there’s a clear winner.
2025 Genesis G70
The 2025 Genesis G70 starts at $43,850, including the destination charge. This is thousands below several rivals, including the 3 Series. The G70 has one of the most powerful base engines in the class, while Genesis also fits beefy Brembo brakes as standard to help ensure this sedan stops with confidence. The range-topping 3.3T Sport Prestige begins at $56,700.
Genesis G70 Highlights
Standard comfort features and driver aids: Genesis loads up the G70 with many standard comfort touches and driver aids. The entry-level version includes heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Safety items include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Punchy base drivetrain: The Genesis G70’s base engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit that sends a considerable 300 horsepower to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive: An even more powerful twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 producing 365 hp is available. Like the turbo 4-cylinder, this engine can be paired with rear- or all-wheel drive. Hit the gas pedal and hold on — this Genesis sedan needs less than five seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph.
Class-leading warranty: This luxury sedan won’t have luxury-size repair bills for a long while. The Genesis G70 has an unbeatable 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the G70 models near you.
2025 BMW 3 Series
2024 model shown
The 2025 BMW 3 Series starts at $47,125, including the destination charge. This is for a 330i with a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers an outstanding balance of performance and fuel economy. Changes this year bring improvements in suspensions, along with an even more user-friendly infotainment system. The high-performance M3 sits at the top of the lineup, starting at $77,875.
BMW 3 Series Highlights
Refinement: There’s a reason other manufacturers use the 3 Series as a benchmark when honing their small luxury sedans. The 3 Series has quick steering, a composed suspension, and strong brakes, all inspiring confidence for those lucky enough to sit behind the wheel.
Drivetrain choices: These are a turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (330i), a turbocharged inline-6 (M340i), and a twin-turbo inline-6 (M3). Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. BMW still offers purists a 6-speed manual transmission, although it’s limited to the super-sporty M3.
Curved instrument display: This sleek unit consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel alongside a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. We’ve come to enjoy the usability and ease of this system. Navigation commands are clear, while cool touches include opening or closing the sunroof using voice commands.
Harman Kardon audio: BMW buyers who are also audiophiles will want to consider the optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, which costs $875 — offered in the entry-level 330i and the next-up M340i.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the 3 Series models near you.
Similarities
The Genesis G70 and BMW 3 Series are incredibly close in several areas. They have similar headroom and legroom, optional all-wheel drive, and extra power. Better still, they’re sufficiently civilized for daily driving and will fit into smaller parking spots or cope with city traffic. We also find them equally attractive in their own classy yet understated ways.
Pricing
New 2025 Genesis G70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,850 |
$41,753 |
|||
$52,300 |
$50,134 |
New 2025 BMW 3 Series Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$47,125 |
$43,849 |
|||
$49,125 |
$46,152 |
|||
$61,375 |
$57,876 |
|||
$63,375 |
$60,060 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Genesis G70 vehicles and New 2025 BMW 3 Series vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Genesis G70 | 2025 BMW 3 Series | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 21 city/29 highway/24 combined | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6, AWD | Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, AWD, 6-speed manual |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.6 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.4 inches | 185.7 inches |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Height | 55.1 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.3 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.6 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.8 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.3 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.6 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.5 cubic feet | 15.6 cubic feet |
Conclusion
This comparison wasn’t easy. In the end, though, the numbers don’t lie, putting the Genesis G70 higher on our ranking of Best Luxury Compact Cars. Don’t get us wrong — the 3 Series is still an absolute treat to drive and comes with a larger trunk, plus superior fuel economy when comparing entry-level drivetrains.
That said, it’s hard to ignore the G70’s lower base price, better warranty coverage, and more extensive standard features. These give it the edge.
