I think so: GH2 Faster to Focus than Olympus E-PL5 Photo Gallery by Isabel Cutler at pbase.com I also find the lcd on the GH2 more responsive than that on the E-PL5. Isabel
When the OM-D E-M5 just came out and I was eyeing it, I did a comparison and the GH2 was faster than the E-M5. It also was more accurate; the E-M5 sometimes refused to focus on large, contrasty, static subjects.
So you are confirming my experience with the E PL5 which, admittedly may have a different focus system than the EM5. I have chosen to use the smallest focus box and that doesn't make a lot of difference.
X2 - actually, in every aspect - shutter lag, menu response, everything seems faster on the Panny bodies