Nearing the end of its first decade, the Genesis G80 remains among the South Korean manufacturer’s most unheralded vehicles. The mid-sized luxury sedan matches its rivals from Audi, BWW and Mercedes-Benz, but its brand recognition is abysmal and its annual sales are low.
But it shouldn’t be so. Genesis makes nine vehicles, including four sedans. Its tenure began in 2016 with the same scenario as Lexus emerging from Toyota and Acura as the top-end division of Honda. The Genesis emergence had one caveat. It was once the top-ending offering of Hyundai, its former immediate automotive family and thus a confusing name.
Genesis doesn’t do itself any justice with its vehicles’ simple names; with choice of G80 perhaps even a detriment to sales. Fewer than 5,000 of the top-line sedans sold in 2023, with its tally tumbling prompting Genesis to revise the 2025 models.
Part of the vehicle’s second generation introduced in 2021, the new G80 has a refreshed interior and exterior, a new 27-inch infotainment screen and several updated driver assist features.
The 2025 G80 is available with two engine configurations. The base engine is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 0-to-60 miles per hour acceleration in 5.8 seconds. The reviewed 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 has 375 horsepower. It advances from 0-to-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, a swift effort for a luxury sedan.
Presented somewhere between stately and sporty, the G80 fits well in the luxury category. It’s exceedingly comfortable and refined. Its acceleration provides plenty of clout without the need for any athletic showmanship. It’s a long haul dream machine.
The G80 features an eight-speed automatic transmission with smooth shifting and the option to use steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The drive mode selector knob provides choices — a more comfortable or sportier driving experience.
Standard features are plentiful and appropriate for a luxury sedan. The new 27-inch display has a touchscreen infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster set-up. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, an audio system with 12 speakers, Bluetooth, HD radio, satellite radio and Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB Type-C ports are all in the mix. The OLED display dominates the newly redesigned dashboard and features easy-to-read graphics.
Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, interior ambient lighting, and a 12-volt power outlet.
Options include a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, wireless device charging, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a power rear-window sunshade and manual rear side-window sunshades.
The top-line equipment list is complemented by elements that define luxury. Seating is comfortable for five adults, with the experience provided by synthetic leather upholstery in lower trims, Genuine leather and Nappa leather in upper trims. Heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats and a heated and power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel are also standard.
Further upscale are ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel, a power cushion extension, carbon-fiber trim, a heated front-center console armrest and a micro-suede headliner and pillars.
Only one issue lowers the G80’s appeal, poor fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates the sedan models equipped with the turbo-four engine with ratings of 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. Configured with its V6, the Genesis is rated at 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway. Premium fuel is recommended.
The 2025 Genesis G80 is an outlier. Its competitors offer tradition, name recognition and a perceived status of success.
The luxury sedan with the odd name is for buyers with about $80,000 (with all options) to spend and who are considering a break from status quo. The G80 and the rest of Genesis lineup provide good examples of why change is good.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist and author in Sacramento, also contributes sport, business, travel and lifestyle articles to several print and digital publications. Email: [email protected].
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