The ultra-luxury 2021 Genesis G80 saloon is conceivably the pinnacle of the work from Genesis with its dazzling cross-pattern front grille, mesmerizing wheel design and its unique signature front LED strip headlamps. Since it is based off of the GV80 luxury-class cross-over SUV, the G80 also follows suit with premium comfort, convenience and technology without the luxury price tag that comes with German vehicles.
The luxury inspired exterior design of the 2021 G80 turned a lot of heads during our one week test drive, with many people stopping to ask questions and comment about the beautiful exterior. A massive cross patterned grille sits between the LED headlights encased in two narrow and wide strips. The raised hood with accent lines and the wing shaped Genesis badge complete the front end look of luxury.
The side view showcases the narrow fender vents as an extension of the headlight design, a chrome side skirt, large wheels and a pleasing overall profile. Around back the sleek and narrow taillights complete the refined look, while the wide stance and dual exhaust showcase a bit of performance.
The 2021 G80’s interior remains the highlight of the vehicle’s offering with a premium look and feel that will go above and beyond the expectations of what people originally expected. Soft-touch crafted leather is laid out in an overall rich dark tone theme with a mixture of mahogany wood panels, brushed aluminum trim and lacquered plastic. This combination makes for an elegant and refined cabin space that is sure to please the most discerning eye.
Digital alternative elements spices things up further such as the electronic rotary shift knob that retracts flush with the center console when the vehicle is off, an all-digital 12.3” instrument cluster display and a massive 14.5” widescreen infotainment spanning a large portion of the dashboard. The widescreen display is controlled either by touch or by a center control push-button knob located in the center console.
Android Auto and Apple Car Play are supported within the easy to navigate infotainment system. A worthy note worth mentioning is the powerful and crisp Lexicon 17-speaker premium audio system that was much enjoyed during our week long test drive.
Entry level trims come with a standard turbocharged 2.5L inline-four engine making a respectable 300 horsepower. A much more powerful turbocharged 3.5L V6 is offered which will up the horsepower output significantly to 375hp. Both engine options will get an 8-speed automatic transmission with options to configure the G80 in either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Added power from the V6 option will come at the expense of fuel economy posting 19 and 27 mpg city and highway rates respectively. More fuel-efficient conscious buyers can opt for the smaller 2.5L inline-four with EPA ratings improved to 23 and 32 mpg on the city and highway.
Genesis also offers its own variant of an Electronically Controlled Suspension that intelligently utilizes the front-camera to read road surfaces ahead to automatically adjust the suspension damping on the fly within fractions of a section to improve the overall ride quality.
Our initial drive revealed a lofty curb-weight with an overall stiff chassis that keeps the G80 firmly planted onto the ground with minimal flex. Despite its higher curb-weight, our tester’s 3.5L V-6 provided quick acceleration off the line with seamless gear shifts through the 8-speed automatic transmission.
City driving showcases the G80’s most pleasurable moments with exceptional cabin sound isolation and smooth acceleration, delivering a luxury saloon ride experience.
In terms of price, the Advanced trim equipped with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine can be had in all its luxury for $66,000 while the turbocharged 3.5L V-6 comes in at $76,000. That price point is set to compete against the Mercedes and BMW offerings priced much higher when feature parity is considered.
While German brands are still more favorable in the luxury segment because of their history, the 2021 Genesis G80 is sure to disrupt the market with its impressive performance and drivability and economically priced luxury. Despite Genesis’ Korean origins, it’s still heavily influenced by the careful eye of experienced German designers who have successfully helped the G80 earn a spot in the luxury segment while making it a very worthy contender.
