2022 Genesis G80 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige
06/13/2023
Shahed Hussain
Luxury sedans are increasingly rare as their SUV counterparts have become significantly more popular. Hyundai's Genesis brand has been primarily focused on luxury sedans until the recent additions of several SUVs to the model range. Introduced in 2020, the G80 sedan fits in the middle above the entry G70 and below the flagship G90. Genesis also offers the G80 Electrified, the only EV sedan in the lineup.
We tested a 2022 G80, but the essentially identical 2023 G80 pricing starts at $50,000 (2.5T RWD), or $53,150 for the 2.5T AWD. The 3.5T Sport AWD we drove is priced substantially higher at $65,750. Adding the Sport Prestige package ($6,000), Makalu Gray/Sevilla Red interior ($575), and the $1,125 freight charge totals up $73,450. Significant standard equipment includes: 20-in. alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, Lexicon(R) audio system, panoramic sunroof, power door closure, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Apple CarPlay(R), Android Auto(TM), navigation, 14.5-in touchscreen, and heated steering wheel. Active safety technologies such as smart cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and surround view monitor are standard.
Two powertrains are available: a 2.5L turbo inline-4 (300-hp @ 5,800 RPM and 311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 RPM) and a 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 (375-hp @5,800 RPM and 391 lb.-ft. @ 1,300 RPM). Only the 2.5T is available in RWD and AWD variants, but the 3.5T is AWD only. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic driving the rear or all four wheels. The 2.5T RWD achieves a 22/32 MPG (city/hwy.) rating, while the 3.5T AWD is substantially less fuel-efficient at 16/25 MPG (city/hwy.). In the tested G80 3.5T AWD we averaged 20 MPG in mixed urban and highway driving.
The G80 uses a multilink front and rear suspension design. Steering is a power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup. Brakes are all-discs: 14.2-in. dia. (front) and 13.6-in. dia. (rear) rotors. The Sport Prestige package adds 20-in. alloy wheels and Pirelli PZero all-season tires: 245/40R20 (front) 275/35R20 (rear). Curb weight is a substantial 4,453 lbs. for the G80 3.5T.
The G80 interior design, material and build quality is exceptional. A configurable digital gauge cluster has crisp graphics. The front seats offer superb support and comfort, especially with the massaging function. Rear seat passengers are also accommodated in supportive seats. Front and rear headroom is acceptable for occupants up to 6 ft. tall.
Opting for the turbo V-6 is an expensive upgrade, but the extra power and torque transform the G80 into a sport sedan. The turbos spool up rapidly to deliver ample acceleration above 2,000 RPM. Midrange throttle response enables quick passing on the highway. Of the multiple drive modes, we mostly used Sport mode, which offered the best balance of throttle response and drivability in urban traffic. Sport+ eliminates coasting and will downshift into lower gears during braking. For highway driving, the Normal mode is optimized relaxed cruising and lower fuel consumption. Braking performance is superb, with firm pedal feel and progressive actuation. The steering has excellent turn-in response, aided by the low-profile Pirelli tires. Genesis engineers tuned the suspension for a compliant ride, but the 20-in. wheel and tire combination are not ideal for patched and potholed roads.
As the middle sedan in the Genesis model range, the G80 delivers a balance of luxury and performance at a competitive price. The base G80 2.5T is the best value in the lineup, intended for customers more interested in luxury than performance. We prefer the 3.5T for its superb powertrain, but it's priced in direct competition with the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Against these sedans, making a compelling case for the G80 is difficult, but it's a measure of progress that Genesis engineered a sedan that can be seriously compared to its German competition.
