Genesis’ G80 has long been an unsung hero amongst Asian luxury sedans. Sleek of look, luxurious of interior, it offers good (but no longer excellent) value, decent performance and, if you opt for the Electrified version — yes, built on the same chassis — even zero emissions. Were it not for North America’s antipathy for sedans — even coupe-like four-doors — the G80 would be a best seller.
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It’s also a bit of an old school luxury sedan. Despite Genesis offering a Sport version, the emphasis is on comfort and ride, not BMW-like corner carving. The G80 then may be perfect for the terrible roads that pass for thoroughfares in Ontario and Quebec these days even if it isn’t the ideal weapon for autobahns and Alpine roads.
Three powertrains are available for the G80. There’s a 2.5-litre turbocharged that boasts 300 horsepower, a 375-hp 3.5-litre Turbo V6 and, in the Electrified, twin electric motors that total 365 hp.
Of the gas engines, the bigger V6 is very much recommended. You’re already saving beaucoup bucks compared with a Mercedes-Benz so why not move up to the silky smoothness of the powerful V6. It’s an excellent powerplant, my sole complaint the eight-speed automatic transmission not being as eager to downshift as the V6 is to rev. That said, there’s plenty of torque — 391 pound-feet in all — so you don’t need those eager downshifts all that often. It’s worth noting all versions of the G80, including the base 2.5L four, power all four wheels. The gas-fed G80s’ major powertrain flaw is that there’s no hybrid versions available which means that its fuel economy — 10.0 L/100 km for the 2.5L and 13.1 L/100 km for the 3.5T — is not exemplary.
Of course, even the 3.5T can’t hold a candle to the instant torque available in the G80 Electrified. Oh, its 365-hp is not quite a match for the V6’s output, but its 516 pound-feet of torque is more than up to the task. And thanks to that maximum torque being available right from zero rpm, throttle response is instantaneous. The G80 Electrified is one of the mostly efficient EVs we’ve tested and boasted excellent range in our Range Finder tests. Were it not for the slowness of charging, the Electrified would be the best sedan in Genesis’ lineup.
What’s new with the Genesis G80 for 2025?
For 2025, the G80 gets a mild facelift. On the outside, that means a new front grille — think Lexus large, but slightly more demure in appearance — and some really cool dimpled wheels. I know that sedans are out of fashion, but the G80 is a really attractive example of the breed. Compliments of its looks were frequent, which, I think, should be as satisfying as acknowledgement of the brand.
Inside, the changes are more noticeable. There’s decidedly more leather and the appointments, especially the new HVAC controls, are classier. The infotainment and gauge cluster now make one giant 27-inch OLED screen which really adds a sense of high-tech to what is otherwise a classic interior. My one complaint was the physical controller — a rotary knob in the centre console — wasn’t always a reliable servant when trying to operate CarPlay. Using the touchscreen solved that problem, but I think Genesis might want to iron out a few bugs in its CarPlay/Android Auto integration. One thing to note is that only gas-fed G80s get these mid-model refreshes for 2025; the G80 Electrified will have to wait until 2026 for its upgrades, but it does get a longer wheelbase as well as the grille and screen changes.
The G80, as I have said, is now as luxurious as the best of its competition — and more opulent than some — but, unfortunately, it now costs almost as much as its German competitors. My tester, a 3.5T with the Sport Plus package starts at $89,000, destination and delivery included Nothing, not even in Asian luxury sedans, comes for free.
What competes with the Genesis G80?
If you really need a badge…
BMW’s 5-Series is the G80’s most obvious competitor. It too, has four- and six-cylinder engines as well as relatively tight rear seating. Surprisingly, it is, at least in the base four-banger versions, less powerful than the Genesis, its 2.0-litre four boasting but 255-hp versus the G80’s 300-hp. The 550e xDrive version, on the other hand, boasts 483-hp and is a plug-in hybrid that less ($84,200 without destination and delivery) than the G80 3.5T. It also manages superior gas mileage along with 55 kilometres of battery-only autonomy. Overall, Natural Resources Canada says the 550e would cost $2,038 in running costs annually, less than half of what the G80 3.5T demands.
Now, to be fair the BMW weighs more and its interior is not quite as opulent (yes, I am actually saying the Genesis out-luxuries the BMW). The BMW also handles a built better, but does not enjoy nearly the advantage it might have once boasted. Essentially, the Genesis has the better ride and interior, the BMW, fuel economy and price. This is as competitive a matchup as you’ll find in this segment. The advantage, however slight, might go to the Bimmer, thanks to its badge.
If you want the same sleek styling…
Audi’s A7 is the next most stylish four-door coupe in this segment. Actually, there’s probably more than few of you that think it’s more comely. And, not only does it look good from a distance, that visual appeal is carried on inside, the A7’s interior both plush and incredibly well put together. Not only that, its infotainment system is easier — at least for this Luddite — to operate.
All those compliments aside, the A7 runs on an older platform. The engine is probably its weakest point. Oh, thanks to it 48V mild hybrid system, the turbocharged 3.0-litre has decent throttle response as well as Genesis beating fuel economy, the Audi V6’s 9.6 L/100 km overall consumption less than even what the four-cylinder G80 sucks back. On the other hand, it boasts just 335-horses and Audi’s V6 is not nearly as creamy smooth as the Genesis 3.5T. It, like the other Germans competitors, is in the same price range as the G80. The A7 is the only one of Genesis’ European competitors with an even more opulent interior, but its powertrain is getting a little tired. That said, at $91,500 including freight and delivery, it costs about the same as the Genesis.
Another Genesis with “G” and “80” in its badging…
If you add a V onto the rear decklid, you end up with the GV80, Genesis’s mid-sized SUV that share the same two engines, similar styling motif and about the same price tag. It even gets the same 27-inch touchscreen update and aggressive grill.
There’s more room in the cabin, especially in the rear seats. The trunk is likewise more commodious than the G80 sedan. On the other hand, the thing is pretty porky and its 2,300 kilograms weigh heavily on the 2.5T and even a little on the 3.5-litre Twin Turbo. Interestingly, Genesis only wants $1,000 more for GV80 Advanced 2.5T than for the equivalent G80 sedan, a smaller uptick than most manufacturers demand for “graduating” to an SUV.
Nonetheless, if I were shopping an SUV in this segment, I would opt for BMW’s plug-in hybrid, the X5 XDrive50e. Besides, this is one of those times the sedan is markedly superior to the SUV, so my overall recommendation is to stick with the four-door G80.
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