Genesis may be the newcomer on the automotive market, but their crossovers and sedans are already making inroads in buyer popularity.
In case you don’t know, Genesis is the luxury car division of Hyundai, like Acura is to Honda and Lexus is to Toyota.
Genesis crossovers, in particular, have been top sellers and garnering top awards. And their G80 AWD sedan has also become a compelling contender in the luxury midsize market that’s been dominated by BMW and Mercedes. And with AWD, the Genesis G80 is a good compromise to an SUV, particularly here in the Snowbelt as G80 buyers will get a luxury sedan with all-weather traction capability.
G80 is offered in RWD and AWD and with a 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder or tested, 3.5-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder.
The first feature to grab your eyes upon slipping onto the heated/cooled leather seats of the G80 after the doors automatically unlock upon approaching the sedan, is the huge 14.5-inch touchscreen that serves the premium audio, satellite radio, apps, alerts, HVAC, driving modes and rearview camera with frontal and revolving views.
Then you’ll notice there’s no transmission gear selector but merely a rotary dial on the console with a push button in the middle for “Park” gear. In front of it is the controller for various touchscreen functions but it’s very sensitive and should only be used while the car is stationary.
Peruse the cabin and you’ll see that the pillars and ceiling are covered with classy sueded material. As an added touch, faux carbon fiber trim adorns the console and dash.
Push a button on the side of the front passenger seat and it reclines. Switch to Sport mode and both comfy front seats’ lumbar sides power in to hug the torso for spirited driving maneuvers.
Speaking of drive modes, the G80 offers Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Custom, the latter for those who like to individualize their driving pleasure.
HVAC controls are vivid and touch screen selectable with choices displayed on the infotainment screen. Below them is a wireless phone charger.
The digital instrument cluster contains a driver information display for alerts, features and functions. But Genesis took it a bit further by including side view cameras that display when activating left and right turn signals. A nice safety feature that shows if a vehicle is sneaking up on either blind side.
Heated back seats are almost limo-like for two adults or three youngsters. Wide opening doors offer easy ingress/egress – like a limo.
Trunk space, with its power opening trunk lid, is rated at 13.1 cubic feet that has a front-rear cargo depth of 42 inches. Unfortunately, the rear seat backs don’t fold but there is a pass-through to carry long items like a curtain rod or skis. Beneath the trunk floor is a space saver spare tire but there’s no space around it to stow small items.
G80 rides like it’s on a cushion of air as it’s shod with high-end Pirelli 20-inch all season tires. Select Sport mode and the sport-tuned adaptive suspension on the 3.5T turns the sedan into a sporty machine with some extra tautness that’s not punishing. Handling too is responsive and the car parks easily. Even more so if opting for the optional rear-wheel steering.
But G80 can park itself via the keyfob whether you’re in or out of the car. There’s also a steering assist system that maintains the car between the roadway lines.
The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 generates 375-hp and 391 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 17 city 26-highway mpg when coupled to the standard 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. There’s certainly no want for power for when the twin-turbo’s kick in, the torque pushes you back in the seat. It’s an awesome explosion of raw power.
With a long list of most wanted safety features and functions, and since the test car did not have a window sticker (called a Monroney), we can only provide MSRP prices per the company’s media site that lists the AWD Sport at $63,450. With the 2.5L turbo engine and AWD, the base price is $51,150.
The AWD G80 is available in Advanced, Prestige, Sport and Sport Prestige trim packages. All come with a long list of standard features and substantial warranties, like all Hyundai vehicles.
If you’re considering an AWD sedan, check out the G80. You’ll be very impressed when comparing it to the similarly priced competition.
