Discover how the GV70 conquers its mid-size luxury SUV rival.
2026 Genesis GV70 vs. 2026 BMW X3
Head-to-head review
Power is attractive. That's the undeniable truth in high-performance luxury vehicles as demonstrated by the ones you're seeing today. Among your choices, which is the most powerful, and which is the most luxurious? Unravel the truth as you journey through this comparative guide between the 2026 Genesis GV70 and the 2026 BMW X3. Explore peak sophistication on a sport-centric platform when you visit Genesis of Columbus for new Genesis luxury SUVs near you.
The all-around winner
Genesis knows how to make a grand entrance, and it's not all just for show. The new 2026 Genesis GV70 in Powell churns horsepower as well as it turns heads. Aside from being primed for peak performance, the latest GV70 is also swimming in modern tech options while looking as opulent inside as it does on the outside. Call it a well-balanced luxury SUV. The BMW X3 doesn't have as high an aptitude for performance, and it lacks in many other areas in exchange for the latest trends and gimmicks. Plus, the GV70's starting MSRP of $47,985 undercuts the X3 by about $2,900.
Superior Performance
The more you look into the details, it becomes apparent that the GV70 was always meant to overachieve as a luxury sports car with an emphasis on sport. Even as a base model, the 2026 Genesis GV70 starts you off with a standard 2.5L turbo GDI engine capable of 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque for a riveting drive through Groveport. That's incredible for the lowest trim level, and it only gets better. The available 3.5L twin-turbo V6 bumps that up to 375 HP and 391 lb-ft of torque. With standard all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the GV70 is geared up and ready to offer luxury with an exhilarating experience. Fine-tune your ride's handling with available Electronic Limited Slip Differential and Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview.
By default, the new BMW X3 only has one engine type for 255 horsepower. With no available upgrades, you have no choice but to accept a lesser 2.0L twin turbo. If we're talking about direct comparisons, choosing the X3 is like demoting yourself to only luxury without the sports-car spirit to blast through your day with stride and elegance. You'll only get such an experience with the GV70.
Top Safety
Choosing luxury should unlock a substantial bounty of additional standard features. Or, at least, enhanced versions of what's typically standard. The 2026 Genesis GV70 keeps Dublin drivers in touch with the latest driver-assist systems, like Highway Driving Assist with Hands-On Detection to actively manage your safety and awareness in freeway traffic. The selection of available systems in the GV70 is rather elite, with useful upgrades like Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, all of which touch on each of the most common concerns when out on the town.
BMW sticks to the basics for the new 2026 BMW X3. Coming as standard are your average systems, including collision warnings, lane assist, and blind spot detection. But by keeping things simple, X3 owners don't typically get the luxury of having add-ons to choose from if they want to increase their capacity for safety features. In a landscape where high-end vehicles are defined by modern advancements, the X3 is a few steps behind the rest.
Opulent Interior
Luxury is a critical component of every Genesis. Without it, you couldn't call it a Genesis. That's why every GV70 model in Columbus, OH, then and now, comes standard with stylistic elements like leatherette seating surfaces and ambient lighting alongside modern technology. The 2026 Genesis GV70 carries a lovely 27-inch OLED display to establish a personal connection with you as the driver. For the richest taste of luxury in this sporty SUV, the bolstered Ergo Motion driver seat offers the ultimate indulgence with a power cushion extension that serves as a welcome retreat in the midst of long and tiresome drives.
BMW prioritizes sport when deciding the standard, fitting the latest X3 with front sport seats. But for being a performance luxury SUV, that's not going above and beyond. That's just what's to be expected. In this case, everything "luxury" about the BMW X3 is consolidated into the 14.9-inch infotainment screen. It's as though we were meant to focus on this single screen and be ignorant of the lack of detail throughout the remainder of the cabin.
The bottom line
Genesis is a brand that knows how to multitask. Meet with your friendly Genesis dealer in Columbus to discover every way that the new 2026 Genesis GV70 delivers a hefty serving of both sport and luxury in a single SUV. BMW can learn a thing or two about spending equal time between constructing a decent powertrain and designing a sophisticated cabin layout.
Take the 2026 Genesis GV70 for a test drive
Witness the new era of Genesis excellence. Visit Genesis of Columbus today or call to learn more about the new 2026 Genesis GV70 and to schedule a test drive. We'll gladly show you around new luxury sports cars near you.
