The Genesis G80, once known as the Hyundai Genesis, has evolved into its third generation with a bold new exterior, updated powertrains, and advanced safety and multimedia features. It competes in the midsize luxury sedan market alongside the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6.
Our Perspective The redesigned G80 stands out as a commendable choice in the midsize luxury sedan category, though it’s not without its drawbacks. The car’s design is a major strength, showcasing distinctive styling and a luxurious, technology-rich interior. When equipped with the Prestige package, the G80 offers a truly premium experience with features like a powerful audio system, innovative 16-way adjustable seats, and acoustic glass that enhances cabin quietness. The 14.5-inch infotainment display and 3-D gauges are eye-catching, though some users may find the infotainment scroll wheel challenging to use.
However, the 2.5-liter turbo-four engine underwhelms in terms of power, feeling insufficient for the G80’s weight, and its coarse sound seems out of place in a luxury car market that typically emphasizes smooth, quiet engines. Additionally, the G80’s chassis and steering don’t match the precision of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This was particularly evident in our comparison, where the G80 showed noticeable body roll and understeer, and its braking performance was described as lackluster. Despite these issues, the G80 remains an appealing, luxurious alternative to the usual German offerings, and we anticipate improvements in future iterations.
Performance The 2021 Genesis G80 offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). In testing, the AWD four-cylinder model reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the six-cylinder RWD and AWD versions achieved 0-60 mph times of 5.0 and 5.2 seconds, respectively.
Safety The 2021 G80 has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, the highest award from the Institute. All G80 models come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking for both front and rear, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, lane-keeping assist with centering function, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, automatic high beams, and highway driving assist, which enhances lane-keeping assist when adaptive cruise control is activated. Higher trims offer an upgraded blind-spot monitoring system that displays what’s in your blind spot on the instrument cluster or digital gauge cluster, if equipped.
Technology The G80 comes standard with Genesis’ latest infotainment system, featuring a 14.5-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8.0-inch gauge cluster display, built-in navigation, and a 12-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer additional tech features, including a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
- 2021 Genesis G80 Standard
- Exterior: Full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free trunk release, rearview camera, panoramic sunroof (3.5T), soft-close doors (3.5T)
- Interior: Leatherette upholstery, heated 12-way power front seats with memory, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, keyless entry/start, power steering wheel adjustment, 14.5-inch screen, built-in navigation, 8.0-inch gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 12-speaker audio system, heated rear seats (2.5T AWD and 3.5T AWD), heated steering wheel (2.5T AWD and 3.5T AWD), smartphone-based digital key system (3.5T), ventilated front seats (3.5T), three-zone climate control (3.5T), leather upholstery (3.5T), matte wood interior trim (3.5T), wireless charging (3.5T)
- Safety: Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist with centering function, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, evasive steering assist, highway driving assist
- Performance: Electronically controlled suspension (3.5T), upgraded front brake pads (3.5T)
- 2021 Genesis G80 Advanced
- Exterior: Panoramic sunroof, hands-free power trunk, 19-inch alloy wheels
- Interior: Ventilated front seats, matte wood trim, three-zone climate control, 21-speaker Lexicon audio system
- 2021 Genesis G80 Prestige
- Exterior: Soft-close doors, 360-degree view parking camera system, remote parking system, 20-inch alloy wheels (3.5T)
- Interior: Leather upholstery, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, smartphone-based digital key system, power driver’s side bolster and cushion extension adjustments, Nappa leather upholstery (3.5T), 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (3.5T), head-up display (3.5T)
- Safety: Blind-spot monitoring with camera view capability
