With its G80 2021 model year, Genesis is making its mark in a segment dominated by the Germans, that of mid-size luxury sedans. The company’s signature vehicle, now in its third generation, offers a lot for less. But in order to play in the major league, the lack of prestige associated with the brand could weigh against the Korean manufacturer.
Developed on the new M3 platform shared with the GV80 SUV, the sedan gets a makeover for 2021. It adopts the imposing and aggressive grille that dominates the fascia under the winged logo. At the front, LED headlights and the turn signals are positioned horizontally. The turn signals reappear on the side panels, and their design continues on the taillights.
With its sleek, flawless cut and tapered lines, the G80 exudes the class and stature associated with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. Unlike its rivals, it comes standard with a multitude of options at no extra cost, and only two versions are available to consumers, the Advanced and the Prestige. They differ mainly in terms of their engine, the addition of more luxurious materials in the interior and of course, their price. On the outside, they stand by the size of their aluminum wheels (19 and 20 inches) and the logo on their rear trunks (2.5 T and 3.5 T).
A Real Eye Catcher
With its rich and refined interior and its standard equipment, the G80 is a real eye catcher. On the menu are brushed or embossed metal accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with two levels of heating, leather upholstery with front seats that keep you warm or cool, depending on the season, and a panoramic sunroof. Although it doesn’t open completely, you’ll surely enjoy the smoked glass that filters out the sun’s intensity on bright days.
The Advanced version offers 12-way power seats for the driver, while its passenger has to contempt himself with only four. As for the Prestige, enhanced by the addition of Nappa leather, the number of adjustments increases from 12 to 16 for the driver and pimped with the ErgoMotion. The co-pilot seats’ adjustments rise from 4 to 12.
The rear passengers are also pampered with the softest upholstery. The central backrest can be lowered to serve as a console where they’ll find cup holders, storage space, seat heating and sunshade controls. In addition to the side sunshades that are manually put up and down, occupants can as well, deploy one on the back window. Note that it retracts when the reverse mode is selected.
An Arsenal of Technologies
When it comes to driving aids, Genesis offers a whole arsenal of cutting-edge technologies; from blind spot detection, to autonomous emergency braking, to lane-keeping assist, just to name a few. The combination of the panoramic camera and side cameras that are displayed on the instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated, contributes to safe maneuvering.
For audio enthusiasts, Genesis has equipped its G80 with 21 Lexicon speakers. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android. It’s accessed directly on the huge 14.5-inch screen or via a circular dial on the console between the front seats, where there’s also a rotating wheel for gear selection. The thumbwheel control is not instinctive, while the central screen presents its own challenges: It’s positioning, a little too far away from the driver and stuck a bit in a recess, makes it more complex to work on. Although many functions are performed from the touchpad on the dashboard, there are still a few old school physical buttons.
Limited Motorization
Genesis offers only two engine options for the G80. The Advanced we tested has a 2.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Prestige is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5 L V6 that delivers 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both versions feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, ventilated disc brakes and standard all-wheel drive for the Canadian market.
The G80’s driving pleasure makes you want to hit the road for the simple joy of being behind the wheel. With its multiple motoring modes (Sport, Eco, Comfort, Smart and Custom), everyone should find something to suit their taste. With its lively and linear acceleration, the G80 attacks curves with brio and tackles corners without hesitation. The smooth and agreeable suspension almost makes us forget the numerous potholes and other unevenness of the asphalt that abound on the roads of la Belle Province.
Bonus
The Prestige version is enhanced with navigation map data analysis that, combined with a frontal camera sensor, automatically adjusts the suspension damping according to the road and obstacles encountered. It also offers intelligent remote parking assistance. Soundproofing is taken to a higher level with the addition of laminated acoustic glass used for the windshield and front side windows.
The only downsides are the wide turning radius which makes some maneuvers more difficult and the low rear seat height might reduce passenger visibility. During my test drive with the Advanced version, the combined fuel consumption was 10.8 L/100 km, pretty close to the 9.5 L/100 km stated by the manufacturer.
Comfort and Safety
In conclusion, the G80 is an interesting model for motorists who prefer comfort and safety to sporty driving. With all its standard equipment and luxurious interior, it has a lot to offer, at a lower cost than its competitors. However, the brand hasn’t yet reached the level of prestige associated with German manufacturers, at least for now.
Its unique price per trim level, $66,000 and $76,000, combined with a good manufacturer’s warranty, makes the G80 a great choice for those looking at this segment of sedans. Its two consecutive nominations for Best Premium mid-size Car in J.D. Power’s U.S. Vehicle Reliability Study may help elevate its status and improve consumer awareness in the future.
