While its name may be familiar, the new 2021 Genesis G80 shouldn’t simply be considered a successor to the old car. In fact, it is so superior to the car it replaces that it needs to be viewed through a different lens entirely. It is a proper rival to the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but for much less money.
Immediately differentiating the new G80 from its predecessor are the bold new looks, headlined by the brand’s now-customary quad head- and taillights. It has such road presence that no less than three people told me it looked like a Bentley during my one-week test of the car. Given how similar the Genesis badge is to the badge used by Bentley, it’s easy to understand how the G80 fools other motorists. Further adding to its premium look are the massive front grille and the long, sleek silhouette.
A G80 to suit every taste
Two variants of the 2021 G80 are sold in Australia. The entry-level model that we tested has a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp (224 kW) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque. This engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Pricing starts at a very reasonable AU$84,900 (US$64,500) plus on-road costs, undercutting the most affordable E-Class by AU$16,000 (US$12,160).
Those seeking more power can also opt for the new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 374 hp (279 kW) and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm). This model also uses an eight-speed automatic but comes as standard with all-wheel drive and is available from AU$99,900 (US$75,900).
Loaded with tech
There is an abundance of standard features found in the 2021 G80, regardless of which engine is fitted. Customers get a 12-inch head-up display, panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control, 12-way adjustable front seats with heated and cooled functions, an excellent ambient lighting system, the automaker’s latest 14.5-inch infotainment screen, and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system.
There are also a plethora of passive and active safety features, including a 360-degree surround-view monitor with a 3D function, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist with car, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and a rear occupant alert to ensure no kids are left behind.
Customers can also opt for a Luxury Package that adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 3D function, Nappa leather, soft-close doors, an 18-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage functions, three-zone climate control, and suede across the roof and pillars. The pack also includes two 9.2-inch monitor for rear-seat passengers and costs AU$13,000 (US$9,880).
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As mentioned, our test car featured the 2.5-liter engine and lacked the Luxury Package. However, it did not feel short of luxury.
The interior of the new G80 is worlds beyond the old car and is a pleasure to spend time in, regardless of whether you’re in the front or the second row. The seats are incredibly supportive and much like the smaller G70, can be lowered by a considerable amount, resulting in a near-perfect driving position.
The obvious standout of the cabin is the infotainment screen. It can be operated through the touchscreen or via a controller in the center console, with the controller being the more convenient of the two. The new UI used by this system, as well as new Hyundai and Kia models, is a vast improvement over the old one and is very responsive to all inputs.
Elsewhere, the entry-level G80 lands with a semi-digital gauge cluster that is very clear, although at this price point, it would be nice if the all-digital one came as standard. Other key cabin highlights include the wooden accents and knurled metal knobs used to control functions like the HVAC and wing mirrors. It feels every bit as premium as an E-Class, although the plastic steering wheel buttons do feel a little cheap.
The second row is just as impressive as the front and in this base model includes sun shades. No doubt one of the selling points of the new G80 is the aforementioned 21-speaker audio system. While good, I wasn’t blown away by the sound quality. What I was blown away by, however, was the car’s augmented reality satellite navigation system that overlays directions on a live image provided by the sedan’s front-facing camera.
More dynamic, more refined
Driving the new 2021 Genesis G80 is an entirely different experience compared to the old car.
One of the most impressive features is the new 2.5-liter engine. While down on power from the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, the turbocharged four-cylinder provides the luxury sedan with more than enough grunt, resulting in a car that’s actually quite brisk and pulls through the gears very well. It feels significantly smoother and more responsive than the 2.0-liter turbo of the most affordable G70 variant.
Models equipped with the V6 come as standard with adaptive dampers and while the 2.5T has fixed dampers, it still delivers a very compliant and soft ride. The car is also well insulated and engine and tire noise are kept to a minimum.
Should you want to drive the G80 in a sportier manner, you can toggle through the different driving modes to change things like the weight of the steering. While the car handles when being pushed through sweeping turns, it never feels entirely at home doing so, instead encouraging you to slow things down and drive in a smoother, more relaxed manner. Should Genesis decide to create a Sport variant of the new G80, it will no doubt be more at home along mountain roads.
Fills the luxury sedan brief to a tee
I walked away from my week with the 2021 Genesis G80 2.5T very impressed. The automaker claims the 2.5-liter returns 8.6 l/100 km (27.35 US MPG) over the combined cycle and I wasn’t far off hitting that number, despite primarily driving the car in urban, start-stop traffic.
However, it is not the fuel efficiency over the 3.8-liter V6 of the previous-generation model that is the most impressive aspect of the new car. Instead, it is how much more luxurious it is. Genesis has clearly acknowledged the fact that to rival the Germans, as well as Lexus, it needed to start from scratch and design a cabin that doesn’t feel like a Hyundai interior that has been spruced up with some nice leather. That’s exactly what it has done.
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