Alternatives to G70?

[Steve Nor Cal]

On impulse, took a 2019 C0rvette Grand Sport 2LT for a test drive today. Oh my freakin' word! A claimed 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. 6.2 liter V8 producing 460 HP in a car weighing 3428 pounds. It costs $67,370 with probably a bit of room for further negotiating. A new 2018 Stingray (the base model) could be had for pretty close to the same price as a G70 3.3 Sport AWD.

Car was an absolute blast to drive but really impractical. Ground clearance was minimal with all the aero components. Tires are probably good for about 25K. But oh was it a glorious experience to take that baby down a twisty road and open it up. Pretty much all of the tech the G70 has, plus a few nice touches like a drop-down, in-dash 8" infotainment display that reveals a storage cubby where you can keep your phone out of sight while connected to the system. Could fit more stuff in there as well -- a great place to keep valuables out of sight but readily at hand.

Removable roof panels, gorgeous styling, LED lights, all sorts of cool stuff. Customizable digital dash with performance data displays available. Configurable drive modes that substantially alter steering, suspension, exhaust tone, and throttle response. Just a great drive for a performance-oriented driver.

20" aluminum wheels on amazingly sticky Michelin Pilot tires.

An amazing car but really not a daily driver, even for someone like me who likes true performance cars and doesn't need to worry about a daily commute or toting kids around. I could maybe see this as a 3rd car if I had the money for such things. But as a way to get to the grocery store, run errands, go out for luch or dinner, etc., it's just to dedicated to performance at the expense of practicality.

It did make the Mustang GT (same horsepower but more weight) look like a really practical alternative, though.

If Genesis keeps delaying North Carolina availability, I might succumb at some point. But I'll hang on a bit longer.

I'm in the same boat looking at the Grand Sport. As an ex Vette owner my Vette was my weekend car and the Genesis Coupe was my daily driver. I now work out of home with an Uber trip to the airport once or twice a month so I drive very few miles. Have you researched the rim crack issues with the Grand Sport? It may be blown out of proportion like many forum topics but it does appear to be an issue. The rear tires being 335 25 20s don't leave much room for pot hole or highway imperfections to be soaked up. Also the Magnetic shocks may stiffen up to handle the issue and then leave the tire and wheel trying to absorb the shock. You’re correct though a 2018 or even slightly used 2017 GS is tempting.

 

[Ed Okin]

Well, this past Thursday, I bought the Mustang. GT Premium (configurable digital display, heated/cooled leather seats, SYNC3 infotainmetnt/navigation, etc.) in ruby red metallic with 10-speed automatic transmission, GT Performance Package (Brembo brakes, bigger wheels, Michelin Sport P2's, larger radiator, etc.), Magne-Ride suspension damping system, Safe & Smart Package (advanced cruise control, lane assist, etc.), Enhanced Security Package, Active Valve Performance Exhaust, Fordpass Connect (app, remote start/lock/unlock, WIFI hotspot, etc.) and 1000 watt B&O premium sound system. I'm absolutely loving it! Breathtakingly fast, handles like a dream, very comfortable and attractive interior, great looks.

I'm sure that, for many of you, the G70 will provide a similar level of enjoyment. I wish all of you well.

Over and out.

Congratulations. My first car was a Mustang (64 1/2). A nice choice. If I did not need 4 doors it would be on the list. Best to you!

 

[TBurns]

Well, this past Thursday, I bought the Mustang. GT Premium (configurable digital display, heated/cooled leather seats, SYNC3 infotainmetnt/navigation, etc.) in ruby red metallic with 10-speed automatic transmission, GT Performance Package (Brembo brakes, bigger wheels, Michelin Sport P2's, larger radiator, etc.), Magne-Ride suspension damping system, Safe & Smart Package (advanced cruise control, lane assist, etc.), Enhanced Security Package, Active Valve Performance Exhaust, Fordpass Connect (app, remote start/lock/unlock, WIFI hotspot, etc.) and 1000 watt B&O premium sound system. I'm absolutely loving it! Breathtakingly fast, handles like a dream, very comfortable and attractive interior, great looks.

I'm sure that, for many of you, the G70 will provide a similar level of enjoyment. I wish all of you well.

Over and out.

Sounds awesome! How much did that set you back? Show us a picture if you get a chance.
Enjoy the ride!!

 

[50jae]

Straightpipes review of the 330/m340i

In the reddit thread Jacob responded saying that the new M340i drove better than the G70, although it's been a while since he drove the G70 and it was cold that time. I'm slowly growing warmer towards the kidney grille and the interior looks more upscale, although lack of android auto is a huge problem.

Hoping I hold out long enough on the G70 to be able to cross shop this next year and be able to choose. The drifting with traction control on is a bit wild but overall looks like a return to form dynamics wise for bmw with the G20 platform.

 

[Ed Okin]

Straightpipes review of the 330/m340i

In the reddit thread Jacob responded saying that the new M340i drove better than the G70, although it's been a while since he drove the G70 and it was cold that time. I'm slowly growing warmer towards the kidney grille and the interior looks more upscale, although lack of android auto is a huge problem.

Hoping I hold out long enough on the G70 to be able to cross shop this next year and be able to choose. The drifting with traction control on is a bit wild but overall looks like a return to form dynamics wise for bmw with the G20 platform.

Unfortunately neither are available to drive in California. I really dislike that curvy disgital dash display, though. Can one item really be a deal killer? Maybe?

 

[50jae]

Unfortunately neither are available to drive in California. I really dislike that curvy disgital dash display, though. Can one item really be a deal killer? Maybe?View attachment 17075

It will be out probably summer of next year, in all 50 states at once () . I think 1 item really can make or break purchases. If they don't bring android auto over by then, that'd be my deal breaker. But the bigger back seat, lighter weight, potential better driving dynamics and better sound than the G70 make it a good alternative. You know they'll also lease way better than hyundai/genesis

 

[danygenesis]

Unfortunately neither are available to drive in California. I really dislike that curvy disgital dash display, though. Can one item really be a deal killer? Maybe?View attachment 17075

What I don't like in the dash is the counterclockwise movement of the tach gauge. Looks really weird to me.

 

[Toddasaurus]

How do you guys think it compares to the upcoming G70 digital dash?

 

[Beefer]

Both are brutal. The Audi blows them away.

Honestly...the current setup is fine. Nice physical guages...and the screen in between has really nice graphics, etc. All I look at is the HUD. Love it...will never own a car without it!!

 

[Slip_Angle]

Both are brutal. The Audi blows them away.

Honestly...the current setup is fine. Nice physical guages...and the screen in between has really nice graphics, etc. All I look at is the HUD. Love it...will never own a car without it!!

I agree, I don't really like either of them much at all.

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[Ed Okin]

I agree, I don't really like either of them much at all.

I’ll take all the tech on info screens and HUD, but I still want those analog gauages.

 

[Toddasaurus]

Straightpipes review of the 330/m340i

In the reddit thread Jacob responded saying that the new M340i drove better than the G70, although it's been a while since he drove the G70 and it was cold that time. I'm slowly growing warmer towards the kidney grille and the interior looks more upscale, although lack of android auto is a huge problem.

Hoping I hold out long enough on the G70 to be able to cross shop this next year and be able to choose. The drifting with traction control on is a bit wild but overall looks like a return to form dynamics wise for bmw with the G20 platform.

Finally got around to watching this - the M340i looks nice!! AWD drifts look awesome, just one of many things that draws me to the G70. But, I love straight 6's over v6's - so much easier to work on. Hmm...

I agree with you guys on the dislike for the digital gauges; however, I'm gonna have to look up some more details on the M340i vs the G70. That BMW seems like the first reasonable alternative to the G70 so far, for me.

 

[JayceM]

Finally got around to watching this - the M340i looks nice!! AWD drifts look awesome, just one of many things that draws me to the G70. But, I love straight 6's over v6's - so much easier to work on. Hmm...

I agree with you guys on the dislike for the digital gauges; however, I'm gonna have to look up some more details on the M340i vs the G70. That BMW seems like the first reasonable alternative to the G70 so far, for me.

At least the G70 digital dash can be changed to be more traditional looking. It sounds like the BMW cannot based on what they said in the straight pipes video. I'd give the win to Genesis in that case.

 

[Cowtown]

Some nice improvements in the new 3 series, certainly better looking than the previous gen. Not sure the interior has been improved enough and the cost for fully equipped will be quite dear. And man to match the output of the 3.3 T you still need the M3 and while yeah it will be a much sharper car, talk about $$$.

 

[50jae]

Some nice improvements in the new 3 series, certainly better looking than the previous gen. Not sure the interior has been improved enough and the cost for fully equipped will be quite dear. And man to match the output of the 3.3 T you still need the M3 and while yeah it will be a much sharper car, talk about $$$.

Not sure why the m3 would be needed as the m340i already has more hp with its new straight 6 turbo while also being 300 lbs lighter than the 3.3T. Looking at 0 to 60 times already tells you the m340i is the faster car, and BMW always underrates their hp figures/0-60.

Everyone compares MSRP but who truly pays Msrp this day and age? Especially if you are leasing, it's actually cheaper to lease the current base m340i which has a msrp that is higher than the base 3.3T G70. I know it's an outgoing model but historically speaking, bmw has far better lease incentives than Genesis since most BMW owners lease.

The G70 deserves all the praise as a car, but it's great that we get ongoing competition between brands to step up and outdo each other. It looks like BMW won't let the G70 bask in glory long, and with the atrocious rollout of the G70 in the US, Genesis only have themselves to blame for the eventual loss of sales to other competitors like BMW.

 

[Cowtown]

Not sure why the m3 would be needed as the m340i already has more hp with its new straight 6 turbo while also being 300 lbs lighter than the 3.3T. Looking at 0 to 60 times already tells you the m340i is the faster car, and BMW always underrates their hp figures/0-60.

Everyone compares MSRP but who truly pays Msrp this day and age? Especially if you are leasing, it's actually cheaper to lease the current base m340i which has a msrp that is higher than the base 3.3T G70. I know it's an outgoing model but historically speaking, bmw has far better lease incentives than Genesis since most BMW owners lease.

The G70 deserves all the praise as a car, but it's great that we get ongoing competition between brands to step up and outdo each other. It looks like BMW won't let the G70 bask in glory long, and with the atrocious rollout of the G70 in the US, Genesis only have themselves to blame for the eventual loss of sales to other competitors like BMW.

Not sure, but around here I couldn't get a lease price anywhere near what I got on my dynamic. Maybe a different lease market down south, there are no favours given up here.

 

[KusaKusa]

The BMW will be better for driving feel in general and interior space. But I think the G70 wins out in interior quality, exterior styling, price, and technology.

The BMW interior is simple, which isn't bad, but I can't help but feel it will fall in the same problem as the outgoing 3 series in that it's so simple that it can't compete as it ages. Plus the materials aren't up to snuff; the dash is soft touch plastic, not leather wrapped, and the patterned trim is plastic from what I hear. Exterior styling is sharp, but it will still just look like another BMW in a few years, and I think the side profile is bland compared to the sort of muscular form of the G70. Most of BMWs new tech is gimmicky, minus the automatic back up and digital cluster with navigation, but you'll be paying out of your ass to have all of them. And you still won't have vented seats or Android Auto.

 

[Cowtown]

The BMW will be better for driving feel in general and interior space. But I think the G70 wins out in interior quality, exterior styling, price, and technology.

The BMW interior is simple, which isn't bad, but I can't help but feel it will fall in the same problem as the outgoing 3 series in that it's so simple that it can't compete as it ages. Plus the materials aren't up to snuff; the dash is soft touch plastic, not leather wrapped, and the patterned trim is plastic from what I hear. Exterior styling is sharp, but it will still just look like another BMW in a few years, and I think the side profile is bland compared to the sort of muscular form of the G70. Most of BMWs new tech is gimmicky, minus the automatic back up and digital cluster with navigation, but you'll be paying out of your ass to have all of them. And you still won't have vented seats or Android Auto.

I mean you say that, and it's possible this new one will, but even then if you listen to the comments in the straight pipes video and the comparisons in the previous gen the assumption that the BMW is automatically a better driving car isn't going to necessarily always be the case. I know when I shopped a couple years back, still this current gen, of BMW 3 series and of the big 3 it was the least enjoyable to drive, for me and my wife. Like it wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as the C Class or A4.

I agree on the interior, I almost feel like they are barely above VW in some of their appointments and they certainly like to cut where they can there hoping people are blinded by the BMW ring. I do like the new styling, that's much more up my alley. Feature wise 100% agree. Ventilation is a perk for sure but no AA, or even rear seat heat if I recall.

 

[jailer]

The BMW will be better for driving feel in general and interior space. .

Will have to see.. if it is.. it will be that loaded M340 which will be how much more than a loaded G70?? 12-15K ? And MADE IN MEXICO.. will be an experiment to see what happens in the first year or two with issues. Should'nt they discount it big time if they are saving tons on mexican production ??

 

[Toddasaurus]

Will have to see.. if it is.. it will be that loaded M340 which will be how much more than a loaded G70?? 12-15K ? And MADE IN MEXICO.. will be an experiment to see what happens in the first year or two with issues. Should'nt they discount it big time if they are saving tons on mexican production ??

Seriously. I find it interesting that both Mercedes (a-class sedan) and BMW have moved some of their NA production to Mexico. Most people buy those brands because they want imported German engineering, and they expect top notch quality (and rightfully so).

Also agreed on the options making it cost ridiculously more than the G70. Sure, the M340i is 56k starting, but with even half the options of the G70 then you're looking at over 60k, easily.

Other than these things, and that silly digital guage cluster, I really do like the M340i. But, one last thing is the exterior.... It really will look like every other BMW on the road after even just a year or two. The G70 is unique, in addition to being an amazing value and performer. Those two things alone are really enough for me to go for it.

Still, I can't deny that the BMW is tempting, and so far it looks like it will be a solid car.