Review - Genesis G80

It’s a Korean car maker owned by Hyundai that aims to snatch buyers away from the luxury establishment like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW, while offering a car with more power and standard equipment than the price-equivalent European offerings. 

The question is, what, if any sacrifices are buying making when opting for a luxury car that significantly undercuts the competitors, and just how well does the G80 perform as a comfortable, luxurious and refined sedan on Australian roads? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $84,900

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Genesis G80 (2.5T) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Genesis G80 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Genesis G80 lineup kicks off from $84,900 for the G80 2.5T fitted with a petrol engine, while the diesel-powered G80 2.2D is priced from $87,900. The range-topping Genesis G80 3.5T all-wheel drive comes with a price tag of $99,900. Genesis’ optional luxury package can be optioned to all three variants for a price of $13,000. Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

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What Features Does the Genesis G80 Have?

Both the entry-level Genesis G80 2.5T and 2.2D come riding on a set of 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, and are fitted with key features like a 14.5-inch infotainment system with DAB+ radio, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as adaptive LED headlights, a 12-inch heads-up display, leather interior finishings with genuine wood trim, hands-free boot lift, adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry and start, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control with temperature control for the rear seats, 21-speaker premium sound system from Harman Kardon and a surround view camera with parking sensors. 

Moving to the Genesis G80 3.5T adds a significantly more powerful engine, as well as an adaptive suspension system and larger 20-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. 

All three variants can be optioned with Genesis’ Luxury Package, which adds matrix LED headlights, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, suede headliner, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, smart parking assistance, massaging driver’s seat, heated and ventilated rear seats, heated steering wheel and a set of two 9.2-inch touchscreen displays for the rear of the cabin. 

Range Features: 

• 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres 

• 14.5-inch infotainment system with DAB+ radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto & Satnav 

• Leather upholstery 

• Genuine interior wood trim

• Adaptive LED headlights 

• Surround view camera 

• Heated & ventilated seats 

• Adaptive cruise control

• 21-speaker Lexicon by Harman sound system 

• Wireless smartphone charging 

• Adaptive suspension (3.5T) 

• 20-inch alloys (3.5T) 

• Quilted Nappa leather upholstery (optional luxury package) 

• Heated & ventilated rear seats (optional luxury package) 

• Dual 9.2-inch screens for rear passengers (optional luxury package) 

Genesis G80 Colours

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

Genesis’ entry-level 2.5T and 2.2D are powered by a pair of engines that produce an extremely impressive power figure, which is delivered in an extremely smooth and sophisticated manner, thanks to their eight-speed automatic transmissions. Typically, entry-level variants of a luxury model can be underwhelming to drive, and act as a constant reminder that you probably should have moved higher up the range into something more powerful. 

The G80 is a refreshing take on this model, providing buyers with more than enough power for everyday driving and even some spirited weekend driving straight out of the box- even in the cheapest models. A great example of this in action is the fact that the equivalent-powered Mercedes-Benz, the E350, is around $30,000 more expensive than the Genesis G80 2.5T.  

The Genesis G80 provides buyers with a fabulous platform that is perfectly suited to the best and worst of Australia’s road conditions. Hyundai is known for tuning its vehicles for Australian roads, and the entry-level 2.5T and 2.2D both prove that Hyundai’s investments in revising their suspension for Australian conditions was a wise choice. Around town, the G80 glides over bumps and provides the driver with a silky smooth ride quality.

Things get even better in this regard if you opt for the higher-spec 3.5T, which receives adaptive suspension that actively irons out bumps as you’re driving along, and makes the G80 a supremely comfortable and relaxing car to drive. The 3.5T also receives a significant power bump over the entry-level models, as well as an all-wheel drive platform and eight-speed transmission that makes every drive or commute a smooth, relaxing affair. 

Overall, the G80 is a particularly difficult car to fault when it comes to driving comfort, performance and its sophisticated dynamics. The sheer size of the body can make some tight corners and parking a bit of an exercise, but as a complete package, the G80 is truly a pleasure to drive. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

It should come as no surprise that the G80 is a lovely and spacious cabin, however, those new to the Genesis brand will be shocked at the sheer amount of equipment on offer, as well as the interior design and quality finish. The front of the cabin features a huge touchscreen display, topping some real wood inserts flanked by leather upholstery, and a large central console finished in wood and leather. The design is simple, clean and refined, allowing the driver and front passenger to enjoy the view, rather than crowd their field of vision with flashy design elements. In terms of practicality, there’s large door bins for water bottles, a folding central storage bin lined in leather and more than a handful of areas for loose items. 

Typically, the best of a car’s cabin is on show in the front, while the rear passengers are a mere afterthought. With the G80, it looks as though rear passenger comfort was a top priority for the cabin’s designers. There’s a massive amount of legroom on offer, with passengers in the rear enjoying a set of soft, supple leather seats that somehow get more comfortable on longer journeys. There are no doubt premium transport services using the Genesis G80 for shuttling VIPs to and from, and we can’t blame them considering just how much value for money and comfort is on offer. 

In terms of cargo storage, the Genesis G80 has 424L worth of space in the boot, which is perhaps its weakest point, trailing its main rivals like the Mercedes E350 by 100L. Some would argue that the G80 is not the type of car to be ferrying around large amounts of cargo, however, it remains an important part of a vehicle as an all-round practical offering. For those with children, Genesis packages the G80 with two easily accessible ISOFIX anchor points on the outer seats of the second row, with top tether mounting points across all three seats. The process of installing child seats is made even easier by the large door openings, and even the largest of rear-facing child seats can fit behind a tall driver. 

Is it Safe?

The Genesis G80 lineup has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five star safety rating, scoring 91% for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant protection. As standard, all G80 models come fitted with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic avoidance, lane-keep assistance, 10 airbags, an active bonnet, blind-spot monitoring with side and rear collision avoidance, attention and safe exit warnings. Opting for the luxury package adds a reverse parking system that can stop the vehicle from hitting another while parking. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The Genesis G80 lineup returns three separate economy figures, due to the fact there are three engines available. The entry-level petrol model returns a combined cycle figure of 8.6L per 100km, while the diesel-powered 2.2D is rated at just 6.6L per 100km. Opting for the range-topping 3.5T brings the economy figure up to 10.7L per 100km, which in real-world driving brings the figure into the realm of 11-12L per 100km, depending on the conditions and your driving style. 

Our Verdict: Is the Genesis Worth it? 

In a relatively short period of time, the Genesis G80 has been faced with the unenviable task of catching up with, and competing against the world’s best luxury sedans that have had decades-long head starts. We’re glad to report that not only has it achieved this design brief, the G80 has truly carved out its own unique spot in the luxury sedan market, while significantly undercutting its rivals on price. The entry-level variants, the 2.2D and 2.5T prove that you don’t need to spend six-digits to have a truly special driving experience, either behind the wheel or in the comfort of the back seats. 

If you’re looking for a premium sedan with genuine performance, but don’t want to break the bank, we highly recommend the G80 as a cheaper alternative to the European establishment. On that note, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty 

2. Five-year roadside assistance with concierge service for scheduled maintenance 

3. Three engine options

4. Adaptive suspension standard on 3.5T variant 

5. Service intervals of 12-months/10,000km 

Pros 

• Exceptional value for money proposition in the premium sedan market

• Sublime ride quality 

• Powerful engine lineup

• Packed with entertainment and safety equipment 

Cons

• Lacks brand recognition and servicing network in regional areas 

• Polarising exterior styling 

• Short service intervals 

OnlineAuto Rating: 8.5/10

Genesis G80 Competition