Genesis has come a long way since its inception. From being a wannabe player to a proper premium brand, Hyundai’s subsidiary has done its part in wooing the general public. However, the brand has yet to appeal to someone who, for instance, owns a Mercedes-Benz. Arguably, one could say the outlook portrayed is more “proper luxury” when you drive a Mercedes. Although to be fair, Genesis is every bit as posh as a Mercedes, or any German luxe brand, for that matter. It’s just that people have to accept it as a premium label.
One such underrated car in the Genesis fleet is the G80 midsize sedan. It comes with a pair of potent four-cylinder and V6 engines, has sumptuous interiors, and gets a strikingly attractive design. Exterior looks can be subjective, but the interior, on the other hand, gives its German rivals a proper run for their money.
What’s more, it’s tech-rich, and Genesis is also readying an all-electric G80 for the 2023 model year. That aside, let’s look at the gasoline-powered G80 and see why it’s a proper Mercedes-killing luxury item.
2023 Genesis G80 Is Enthusiastic
Genesis offers a choice of two engines for the G80; a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Both these engines are not as buttery as the ones you’d see in any German saloon. However, the Genesis is way more affordable. The 2023 Genesis G80 starts from $49,500, while a base model 2023 Mercedes E-Class would set you back $55,750. The G80 range kicks off with the base four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the V6 will get you 375 horsepower with 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines get an 8-speed automatic with standard rear-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive.
Although power on paper seems competitive, refinement is perhaps not as good as its German counterparts. The Genesis G80 V6 manages to hit the 60 mph mark in 5.2 seconds which is respectable for a car of such proportions. However, dynamically, the G80 is a bit too soft. For example, the G80’s comfort mode resembles that of a Mercedes E-Class in Sport mode. Chassis response in the G80 is average, but the 3.5T Sport does improve things slightly. Mercs, Audis, and BMWs have been pioneering the fine balance between performance and luxury, and by the looks of things, Genesis still has room for improvement. Don’t get us wrong, in terms of value for money, there are not many cars in the midsize segment that rivals the G80.
Interior Design Shouts Luxury
If you’re gunning at the A-list players in the midsize luxury segment, you got to come prepared. Genesis has done their homework in the interior department as the luxury on offer is hard to fault. Everything you touch and feel is high-quality materials, and the level of dedication it took is praise-worthy. Wood veneers inside, coupled with the leather upholstery amplify the upscale feel you are offered. Seats are plush and offer all sorts of adjustability common to vehicles of this class. One gripe we found would be the infotainment.
You get a 14.5-inch display that isn’t as sharp as Audi’s MMI or BMW’s iDrive—a minor inconvenience in an otherwise flawless interior. Step inside a BMW, and the iDrive is sure to catch your attention for how intuitive it can be. Complementing the G80's infotainment is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with loads of information ranging from the basics to attention assist and whatnot. Additionally, the G80 comes loaded with safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, collision-mitigation system, and Smart park—wherein—clever electronics help maneuver the car in and out of tricky parking spots.
2023 Genesis G80’s Exterior Design Is An Eye-catcher
This is where the G80 has a lot in common with its elder sibling, the G90. While the exterior design, especially the massive grille can hardly go unnoticed, it goes well with the rest of the design. Bear in mind, the G80 is based on the same platform as the GV80 SUV. Styling remains relatively similar to the GV80, with a symmetrical design, meaning the rear mimics the front. As you can tell, the front headlamps, side blinkers, and rear taillamps together form a cohesive mix that is rarely seen in the industry nowadays.
Also interesting is the way Genesis has designed the G80 to look like a coupe instead of a sedan. While the design induces sporting credentials, the dynamics are less encouraging than it might seem. As standard, you get 18-inch rims; 19’s can be had once you climb the trim ladder. Both designs look appropriate for the car and improve the luxe appeal further. The rear is less cluttered and has dual-exhaust tips to bring about character. Further adding to the drama is the sheer size of the car. We won’t be surprised if you mistake the G80 for a full-size luxury sedan.
Sources: Genesis