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Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Sedan 2021 Review

Rob Fraser

Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Front

Genesis G80 joins the small but important group of luxury sedans that hold up a strong barrier to the ever increasing march of SUVs.Launched late in 2020 in Australia, the Genesis G80 is the pinnacle of the Genesis range sitting alongside the GV80

What does the Genesis G80 look like?

It’s actually quite elegant and attractive. Plenty of people commented on its looks while I had it. There are some similarities to the Maserati Quattroporte. It has a large grill flanked by twin stripe quad LED headlamps.

Profile shows minimal overhang from the wheels and a sleek appearance. Filing the wheel arches are 20 inch alloy wheels running Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (245/40 | 275/35) f/r and massive brake calipers.

From the rear the boot lip accentuates the rear LED lights and the twin tail pipes finish the look.

Overall it’s quite appealing, doing nothing spectacular but draws people’s attention.

So is the Genesis G80 comfortable inside?

Sit inside the G80 and you enter a world of luxury, comfort and elegance.

Firstly the colour combination of dark exterior with Vanilla Beige Nappa Leather seats and open pore Eucalyptus wood highlights is stunning.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable with multiple electronic adjustments and a massage function, called Ergo Motion, for the driver. They also have a squab extender for longer legged occupants.

In addition there are side and pelvic bolsters that adjust with drive select mode and the length of time you have been driving. Front seats are air conditioned, which was appreciated on the 43 degree days we had in the week I drove the G80.

In front of the driver is a stylish Nappa leather steering wheel that has an unusual design but carries the usual controls on them including transmission paddles and a 12 inch HUD that is also configurable.

The instrument binnacle is a 12.3” 3D colour TFT-LCD instrument cluster that is again configurable and changes with different drive modes are selected. It’s well laid out, has excellent clarity and easy to read.

Centre console is a large dual lid storage bin, with the transmission dial in front. It takes a little while to get used to it but is great once you do. In front of that is the Genesis integrated controller with knurled edges and a circular motion/ push centre and edges for commands.

I have to admit I’m not a fan of it. A raised knurled dial would be easier to use.

Above that is the 6 inch haptic touch screen for A/C control, seat air conditioning etc. Above that again is a massive 14.5 inch touch screen (part of the option pack). It still feels like the tablet stuck on the dash though, like so many.

Continuing the elegant ambience is the interior ambient lighting and a superb 21 speaker Lexicon premium audio system with stainless steel speakers.

Rear seat occupants are treated to the luxury experience as well with individualised power adjustable, heated/ventilated outboard seats, 40/20/40 seats with a central ski port, rear A/C controls with rear vents and floor ducts, and rear 9.5 inch entertainment screens with controls on the centre arm rest.

There are also twin cup holders and door pockets, coat hooks and seat rear map pockets, rear door power sunshades as well as rear window shade.

There isn’t a lot of rear leg room if the front seats are all the way back, but for normal sized drivers the rear is a comfortable place for passengers.

The Genesis is a typical sedan with boot area that has a capacity of 424L. I usually prefer the executive lift back design as it gives more practicality along with the sedan style. Like the Audi A5 Sportback or the KIA Stinger.

What features does the Genesis G80 have?

There an array of standard features but some of the highlights are

Optional $13,000 Luxury Package Key Specifications & Features:

Genesis G80 drive and engine

G80 comes with two engines, we drove the 3.5T version. This is a high performing Euro 5 twin turbocharged 3.5 litre V6 engine that produces power of 279 kW of power @ 5,800 rpm and 530 Nm of torque between a low 1,300 ~ 4,500 rpm. An 8 speed automatic transmission drives all four wheels through a sophisticated AWD system.

It will run on 95 RON premium fuel and we got around 10.5L/100K average on our test which is pretty dam close to the official ADR figure. We got around 8.0L/100k on the freeway and around 12.5l/100k around town.

Of course of you make use of the excellent acceleration of 0-100kmh in 5.1 seconds the fuel use will jump dramatically. This is sporty not exceptionally quick.

However it’s the ability of the engine to respond in everyday driving that is more a feature of the engine that is appreciated.

G80 provides relaxed, comfortable handling. It isn’t in the same class as say an Audi S5, more like an old school luxury saloon that will cocoon the occupants for endless kilometres.

G80 is equipped with a multi-link front and rear suspension (4-link) with High Performance Dampers as standard. In addition, the 3.5T AWD variant features Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension (GACS) as standard. GACS includes Road Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Preview ECS) and Dynamic Stability Damping Control (DSDC).

The Genesis All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is an advanced rear wheel drive biased system that automatically allocates optimal front and rear drive torque distribution as necessary. This is achieved through its multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles.

In addition to all this the G80 has selective drive mode which includes four modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport & Custom. This system can control engine throttle response, transmission shift pattern, steering response, active engine sound level, electronic suspension settings and all-wheel drive settings, dependant on the mode selected.

On top of all that, the G80 has an Active Sound Design to select the dynamic throatiness of the engine sound.

Genesis G80 Safety

While the G80 doesn’t have an official ANCAP rating yet it is full of safety features such as:

Genesis Owner benefits

Genesis is going to extra lengths to ingratiate themselves to clients. Benefits include

Genesis G80 Final thoughts

First up I really like the G80. It rivals the Audi S5 as one of my favourites.

It exudes stylish elegance, is supremely comfortable inside, is packed with safety and luxury features and has presence.

I can see myself taking the G80 for long trips, a true Grand Tourer. It is a driver’s car cocooned in luxury that will lift its skirt and run hard when asked. It has a sporty edge without being an outright sport saloon and that just fine.

Genesis can rightly sit alongside the likes of Audi, Lexus and BMW as a luxury saloon,

The question for buyers is, will they forsake their brand snobbery and buy a car equally as good for a lot less money.

What is good?

What is not so good?

Also Look at:

Model: Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Sedan

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Overall Rating 88/100

 

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