2018 Genesis G80 Review

Overview:

Like the Japanese, the South Koreans have even started to bring up their luxury cars under a separate badge. Well, Hyundai is the first ever Korean to come up with a separate brand for its luxury cars. And in the same way like the Japanese, these cars are mainly meant for the North American markets. And the Russian markets are the second option for these cars.

It was 2004 when Hyundai introduced the Genesis as its leading luxury car. After a continuous success of a decade, Hyundai converted Genesis into a company rather than a car model. It was 2015 was Genesis was introduced as a separate automobile entity, that would manufacture luxury cars. And the G80 is its first-ever production.

Though it is not a first luxury car from Hyundai. But in a way, it is a first-ever in-house rebadged version. Well, in 2016 the G80 was introduced for the first time during the American International Auto Show. Although the introduction of this car was not that much spectacular, it was still launched amid the beauties from Germany.

Well, the Genesis G80 gets a very comprehensive drivetrain with numerous powertrain options. And all of its models are distinguished on the basis of the powertrain. Till 2017, there had been 7 models available for the North American market. But since 2018, there would be 9 models, including the recently introduced Sports version.

The starting for the Genesis G80 with standard specs is $41,750. While the ultimate V8 package with all-wheel-drive costs $59,950. Well, for the sake of marketing, Hyundai gifted Genesis G80 to the Most Valuable Players of the 2017 NFL Pro Bowl.

Let’s go ahead and explore the Genesis G80.

See Also: What is Front-Wheel-Drive

Specifications:

Engine	Transmission	HP	Torque
2.0 – 5.0 L	8 – speed automatic	245 – 420 hp	222 – 383 lb – ft
0 – 62 MPH	Top Speed	Body Style	MPG
5.2s	150 mph	Sedan	17 city/ 25 highway

Performance:

While describing a new automobile company it is obvious that the first ever editions should have versatile performance capability. Well, Hyundai has evenly tried to bring in the utmost performance schedules. And it did provide a lot of variation. But it lacked at some positions.

The Genesis G80 begins from the 2.0 L inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine with all-wheel-drive as the only available configuration. This powertrain is mainly designed for the Russian market. Well, it has 245 horses galloping at 222 lb-ft of torque. The next to follow is the 3.3 L V6 engine with 278 hp of power and 256 lb-ft of torque.

The American version begins with the 3.3 L twin-turbo V6 engine. This powertrain offers 365 hp of power with 376 lb-ft of torque. The next to jump in is the 3.8 L naturally aspirated V6 engine. Well, this powertrain produces 311 hp of power at 293 lb-ft of torque. And finally, we get the 5.0 L all natural V8 engine. Though it is a monster, it does not have any monstrous characteristics. It has 407 horses with 372 lb-ft of torque. Well, those are the specs available for the regular fuel V8 G80. But if you go for the premium, the G80 would offer 420 hp of power with 383 lb-ft of torque. Certainly, that is some good differentiation between the different types of fuel.

In our tests, the G80 launched from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds. And she recorded her track best at 150 mph. Indeed, these are some good sporty specs. But the only available 8-speed automatic transmission feels a bit hefty.

The Genesis G80 gets the rear-wheel-drive as the standard configuration for the American market. While in addition to that an all-wheel-drive configuration is also available.

Exterior:

The Genesis G80 seems like an SUV dressed up as a sedan. In the front, it gets the huge muscular grille that certainly separates it from the conventional luxury sedans. The cosmetics are new, but the way they are appointed is quite a vintage. It looks much like the outdated German luxury sedans with prolonged structure and enormous design.

Hyundai has certainly amalgamated the designs from various luxury sedans. It does not really seem to be an independent design of Hyundai itself. And the available add-ons are not sharp to enhance the beauty of this car.

It just another old-school living in the world of today.

Interior:

Hyundai has put some serious effort into the interior design of the Genesis G80. Once you enter this car, you will certainly forget the outer structure. The rich leather ingredient, carbon fiber trim and the splendid spread of enchanting colors upgrade the comfort level of this car.

The Genesis G80 is quite spacious as well. The front row is indeed a blast of luxury. While the rear is blessed with the aroma of comfort and pleasure. And when it comes to the cargo, G80 is pretty open-hearted for that. It offers a convenient trunk for the cargo. Particularly, she is good enough to run your errands.

Features:

The Genesis G80 comes with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Well, this system includes the Android Auto and the Apple CarPlay. In addition to that, the navigation is standard for this car.

Further, you get the heads-up display and the integrated memory for memorizing your seat setting priorities. The Lexicon Sound System with 17 speakers is yet another enhancement for the luxury. And Wi-Fi is really the fuel of joy.

Well, most of these features are available for the North American market. While the other markets get these features based on the interest of demography.

Safety:

The Genesis G80 has everything that a car should have a safe driving. It has too many airbags in almost every corner of the car. In addition to that, the seatbelts are even quite fine for a long journey.

While the list of active safety features is quite long. It begins with the adaptive cruise control and ends up on the driver attention alert system. Further, emergency braking, high beam assist, lane keeping monitor and some other features are also available.

Competitors:

The comprehensiveness of a car depends on its performance. Though the exterior and interior are evenly important. But if there is a weaker performance, the car loses its value. The Volvo S90 ranks higher than the Genesis G80. And this is because of its sheer performance capabilities.

Well, the Genesis G80 is a pretty decent introduction from Hyundai. A bit more improvement could help it grab a better position.