u/spyder994

The G70 has just come onto my radar in the last few days and I had to test drive a couple to see what they're all about. I admit that I have some bias against Hyundai/Kia with all of their highly publicized issues in the last 10 years, but wanted to give the G70 a fair shot. I'm also growing tired of finding nice deals on BMWs only to learn that they are totally stripped down and have fewer niceties than a loaded Honda Accord.

Other cars I've test driven recently: BMW I4, BMW 430i, Alfa Romeo Giulia

What I drive now: Volvo V60 T5

I drove a 2.5T RWD first. It was remarkably smooth and quiet for a larger 4-cylinder engine. Power came easily and there is plenty of torque for everyday driving. It has a lot more punch than the 2.0 turbo in my Volvo, the BMW, and the Alfa Romeo. Merging onto the highway was relatively effortless and it seemed to have plenty of power. Maybe it was the particular car I drove, but the rear view mirror seemed to vibrate on the highway. Anyone else experience this? Otherwise, the car felt plenty agile and I could see it being very easy to live with on a daily basis.

Next up was a 3.3TT RWD. It was noticeably more throaty and coarse upon startup. I know it's the sporty option, but I wasn't quite expecting that. We took it out on the same route as the 2.5T. I punched it getting on to the highway and did a couple 60-80 runs once on the highway. This is a properly fast car. Not just quick-ish or zippy, but properly fast. I am officially middle-aged and am a pretty boring driver most of the time. This car would get me into trouble and I don't really have a good reason to get the V6. I still want one though. If nothing else, it would get me a HUD and the 360 cameras, which are great. Anyone else get the V6 even if they didn't need it?

Other thoughts:

• The backseat is hilariously small. Will a car seat fit back there?
• The brakes didn't give a lot of feedback. Both cars had the sport package calipers. Anyone tried different pads for better feedback?
• If people ever get over the brand snobbery associated with BMW/Mercedes, Genesis is a serious competitor to the Germans. The G70 does many things better and for less money! BMW still builds good cars, and the 4-series is particularly good-looking, but Genesis is giving them a serious run for their money.

Car # 1

Car # 1 seems very average with regard to the price considering the mileage and options. BMW's white is fine and I have nothing against it, but it's not super exciting or unique either. This car is not CPO.

Car # 2

Car # 2 seems like a steal for the options and mileage, but it shows a minor collision on the carfax. The dealer says that the bumper was scuffed and that it was repaired at the BMW body shop nearby. He sent me video and close-up photos that show perfect alignment of everything up front. Is it insane to consider a 3-year old car at this price that has had body work? This car is BMW CPO. San Remo Green Metallic is a beautiful color, but I know it's going to be more work to keep it looking clean.

Is there anything else that stands out as a huge difference between these two?

The I4 is one of two cars I'm strongly considering. The other is an Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce, which is an ICE car renowned for excellent handling and Italian flair. It's a weird comparison, I know.

I'm the perfect candidate for an EV on paper. My job is hybrid and when I go into the office, it's 4 miles away. Otherwise, I don't drive a whole lot. I might put 5-6k miles on my personal car every year. I'm not really worried about range. If we decide to roadtrip, we'll do it in my wife's Mazda CX-5 just to make things easier.

I love the way the I4 and EVs drive in general. You all get it. Instant torque, no vibration, and smoothness all around. My current car (Volvo V60) is not super exciting and all I'm really doing in it is commuting and running errands. The engine just sounds it's complaining every time it's asked to accelerate.

Enough blabbering... on to my main question: Are there any gearheads in the group that get some joy out of wrenching on cars from time to time? Do you find that you miss that aspect of car ownership with the I4? As a car guy at heart, my heart says Alfa Romeo. My brain says BMW I4.