Luxurious sedans definitely aren’t what they was within the automotive pantheon, largely supplanted within the shopping for public’s eyes by SUVs. Nevertheless, a glossy and chic sedan can nonetheless flip heads, and with the 2021 Genesis G80, we predict that some swiveling is certain to happen. Although its form is definitely evocative of the Audi A7, that is probably not a foul factor, and there are greater than sufficient distinctive particulars to make it one thing aside from a copycat. It is also the primary G80 you may’t describe as bland, because it presents extra causes than only a low value and lengthy guarantee for folk to contemplate it as a substitute of established segments entries just like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Sequence and Mercedes E-Class.
That is notably the case inside, the place Genesis has actually stepped issues up when it comes to high quality, expertise and a novel design that ought to positively stand out throughout back-to-back check drives of varied luxurious sedans. It appears and feels particular inside. The massive, commonplace 14.5-inch touchscreen with iPod-like secondary controller stands out specifically for being feature-rich and user-friendly, which is a rarity in luxurious automobiles. There’s additionally tons of area within the comfortable again seat, which is an enormous a part of shopping for an enormous luxurious sedan. As for the driving force, they will be handled to highly effective engine selections in addition to a complicated suspension (particularly on the three.5T) that impressively filters out street imperfections whereas nonetheless delivering a taut, managed really feel. You recognize, identical to these sedans from Germany. It is time to take the G80 severely.
What’s new for 2021?
The G80 is totally redesigned for 2021 and represents the third era of a automobile that started life because the Hyundai Genesis.
What is the inside and in-car expertise like?
Whereas we come away impressed with each model of the G80 we have examined, it was the top-of-the-line 3.5T Status mannequin with its deep blue leather-based accented in chocolate brown and wealthy matte-finish wooden trim that basically made us go “wow.” It actually appears sensational. Distinctive, too, which is unquestionably one thing that issues on this high-priced section. There are totally different two-tone schemes out there (see picture gallery on the high of the web page), which will not be as distinctive, however are nonetheless fairly stylish and memorable.
High quality all through is great, with many surfaces coated in a convincing leather-based substitute, plus that opulent stretch of wooden throughout the sprint and on the middle console. New switchgear is unique to Genesis (no extra Hyundai bits and items) and all the things appears and feels prefer it belongs in a correct luxurious automobile.
Normal is the brand new Genesis infotainment system that consists of an immense 14.5-inch touchscreen supported by a middle console controller that principally acts like an previous iPod thumbwheel. This mixture of new-and-old Apple-style management interfaces positive made sense throughout our exams – a touchscreen is nice for a lot of features, however the wheel makes scrolling by means of songs, contacts or radio stations a lot simpler. We additionally like that Genesis maintains bodily controls for quantity, tuning and numerous menu shortcuts. To be honest, there’s an argument {that a} knob like BMW’s iDrive can be higher than the flat wheel.
As for what all of it controls, the characteristic content material is immense however the format is straightforward. If there was any space the place the G80 is clearly associated to a Hyundai it is right here, and it is a good factor. Although a tad fancier in look (a defused picture of nighttime Seoul sits within the background of menus, as an illustration), its performance is simply as wonderful as what you get within the top-of-the-line Sonata. Truly, it is only a bit higher because of its two additional inches of display width.
How massive is it?
The G80 is nearly the identical size because the BMW 5 Sequence and Audi A6, and an inch longer than the Mercedes E-Class. The specs say its 3 to 4 inches wider than that lot, however Genesis didn’t point out if its dimensions embody the mirrors or not. Genesis additionally did not point out inside dimensions, however we are able to report positively that there’s loads of backseat legroom, as your 6-foot-3 creator was in a position to comfortably sit behind his personal driving place. There was additionally enough headroom regardless of that sloping roofline.
As for the seats themselves, they’re surprisingly contoured and decidedly un-bench-like. You must be capable to experience comfortably again there for lengthy stretches of time. The entrance seats, in the meantime, may be heated, ventilated and provide a variety of changes, together with an influence cushion extender and adjustable facet bolsters that may automated push out and in relying on drive mode.
We do not have an official cargo quantity, however we managed to deliver alongside our baggage check baggage for our first look of the 2021 G80. We might match all the things besides the most important curler bag inside, however there was nonetheless loads of area left over. In complete, it is not fairly nearly as good as a midsize sedan like a Hyundai Sonata, however that is really regular for this luxurious section that sacrifices area for styling and rear-wheel-drive structure.
What is the efficiency and gas economic system?
The 2021 G80 comes commonplace with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automated is commonplace, and there will be a alternative of ordinary rear-wheel drive or non-compulsory all-wheel drive. The two.5T RWD is rated at 23 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 26 mixed, whereas the two.5T AWD will get 22/30/25 mpg.
The improve engine is a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It has the identical transmission and drivetrain choices as the two.5T. No 0-60 efficiency information have been offered on the time of this writing. Gasoline economic system drops to 19/27/22 with RWD and 18/26/21 with AWD.
What’s it prefer to drive?
For those who’re searching for a silent runabout, the two.5T must be your engine of alternative, because it nary makes a peep in regular driving. There may be some hesitation when flooring the accelerator and the engine responding, however that is virtually definitely the results of the automobile stopping ham-footed drivers from inadvertently spinning the rear wheels and fascinating traction management. We additionally describe its acceleration as “enough” for a big luxurious sedan.
To exceed that, the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is the way in which to go. It doesn’t hesitate like the two.5 to get underway, and pulls easily up the revs. It additionally is aware of when to make its voice heard. Mainly beneath onerous acceleration, its easy baritone soundtrack filters its approach into the cabin, then recedes into the background as soon as at cruising velocity. With the additional energy, we additionally discovered ourselves extra apt to achieve for the paddle shifters to benefit from the fast, easy shifts of the G80’s eight-speed transmission. The three.5T additionally comes with an electronically managed suspension guided by a road-scanning digicam (a expertise first seen on the present Mercedes S-Class). Whereas we wouldn’t say you want the additional energy, responsiveness and suspension prowess, we wouldn’t attempt to steer you away from spending the additional $11,400 to maneuver as much as the V6 and all the things it brings with it.
No matter powertrain, the experience is compliant with out being bouncy or floaty, however the 3.5T’s extra superior suspension does add a wholesome dose of refinement. The chassis’ means to kind out the imperfections and the noise from the street is admirable, at the same time as surfaces change from easy tarmac to pocked pavement to free gravel. There’s nonetheless sufficient tautness within the suspension to offer it a way of musculature as weight shifts by means of the corners, and although the steering weight feels synthetic, it nonetheless communicates lateral grip from the tires. The all-wheel drive and stability management assist hold issues calm, too, guiding the nostril round gravelly bends out on the colourful nation roads of our route.
What extra can I learn concerning the Genesis G80?
2021 Genesis G80 First Drive | A dashing debutant comes into its personal
Our first time really driving the brand new G80. Although not as spectacular as the inside design and ending, the driving expertise nonetheless checks the precise luxurious packing containers.
What options can be found and what is the value?
Pricing begins at $47,700, together with the $1,025 vacation spot cost, for the bottom, rear-wheel-drive G80 2.5T. The all-wheel-drive 2.5T begins at $51,875.
Normal gear contains 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sophisticated adaptive cruise management and a full suite of driver help tech (see Security part beneath), heated eight-way energy entrance seats, leatherette upholstery, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the 14.5-inch touchscreen.
The Superior package deal ($4,600) provides 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, an influence trunk, three-zone auto local weather management, ventilated entrance seats, matte end wooden trim, rear sunshades and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system.
The three.5T begins at $60,125 for RWD and $63,275 for AWD. It principally comes commonplace with the Superior package deal however provides upgraded brakes and an adaptive suspension that anticipates street imperfections, plus leather-based upholstery, wi-fi charging, soft-close doorways and a near-field communication digital key.
These inside extras are additionally added within the 2.5T’s Status package deal ($8,300) together with additional driver help techniques (see beneath) and an enhanced driver seat. The three.5T Status package deal ($6,000) goes even additional by including Nappa leather-based seats, a microfiber suede headliner, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a head-up show and an upgraded all-digital instrument panel.
What are its security gear and crash rankings?
Each 2021 Genesis G80 comes with the newest and biggest in Hyundai Group’s substantial security system arsenal. The usual ahead collision warning system with automated emergency braking not solely detects pedestrians, however site visitors coming from the left and proper at intersections. Lane-keeping help, blind-spot warning and a driver inattention warning system are all commonplace, as is a sophisticated adaptive cruise management system with automated lane adjustments, freeway steering help and a novel AI-based system that apparently learns the driving force’s driving traits and adapts its automated driving to be related. We’re very curious to check that.
Non-obligatory techniques embody Hyundai’s Sensible Park help, a surround-view parking digicam and an enhanced blind-spot warning system with cameras that ship pictures from either side of the automobile into the digital instrument cluster. The latter is an enhanced model of Autoblog’s 2020 Tech of the 12 months.
The G80 has not been crash examined by a 3rd celebration.
