How the Genesis G70 Stole the New BMW 3 Series’ Thunder

The launch of the all-new and really rather good G20 3 Series coincided with the launch of a rival model from Hyundai’s new luxury division, Genesis. It’s called the Genesis G70 and it actually debuted in 2018, but it was in 2019 when it really caught both buyers’ and journalists’ attention.

Before you read on any further, let me tell you the latest 3 Series, now in its seventh generation, is a solid, accomplished car. It looks better than its predecessor both inside and out and it’s better to drive too. It is jam-packed with some of the most advanced automotive technologies available and that blue and white propeller badge on its hood is instantly recognizable and highly coveted.

People know what a 3 Series is and even if not all brand connotations are positive, the fact that it is a nameplate that traces its roots back to 1975 means it’s had over 40 years to cement itself as a major player in the industry. It also has undeniable qualities of being great to drive and generally a good car (regardless of whichever generation you’re looking at), so it’s no wonder it’s the top seller in its class on many markets.

The most recent G20 incarnation has won its fair share of awards: Auto Zeitung named it “World’s Best Car“ in the midsize segment in 2018 and it was also Auto Bild Allrad’s “AWD Car of the Year up to €40,000” for 2018. And it didn’t just impress the press in its native Germany - it was also on Car Magazine’s “Best Buys” in the premium midsize category for 2018 and What Car? said it was its “Best Executive Car” for 2019.

The 3 Series lives in a fairly crowded sector where it’s not that easy to penetrate - Jaguar has tried with the XE and so far it hasn’t really succeeded, while Cadillac also tried with the ATS, but since it mostly sold in the U.S., it doesn’t really count on a global scale. The Lexus IS is more unique and popular and it has gained its own followers (a feat which the Jag and Cadillac can’t match).

Then there’s the Alfa Romeo which out-BMW’d BMW by making the Giulia the best car to drive in its class. The Giulia also has a remarkably good Quadrifoglio performance version that is at least as good as the haloed M3 (if not better).