The Hyundai Genesis sedan has been around since 2009 (I bought one then and still have it – a great ride). In 2017, Hyundai re-brand the Genesis sedan into what we now know as the G80 and G90.
For 2018, the G80 received some cosmetic enhancements to the front grill, bumper and headlamps, improved interior gauges, a second USB port and a real analog clock that sits in the center of the dash. More exciting was the addition of the “Sport” trim with a stronger engine and sportier styling.
Technical Details (for the enthusiast):
The new G80 Sport is a four door all-wheel-drive sedan that comes with the 3.3L twin turbo engine borrowed from the G90, providing 365 hp @6,000 rpm and 376 lb-ft torque matched with an 8-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive lock-up torque converter and manual mode with wheel-mounted shift paddles.
4-piston front and single piston rear (painted red) calipers show off the Brembo braking system with large (360mm x 30mm front and 330mm x 20 mm rear) ventilated rotors providing the stopping power. 19" staggered-width aluminum alloy wheels with top of the line Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires (P245/40R19 front, P275/35R19 rear) give the basic grip.
The 5-link independent suspension, limited slip differential on the rear axle and adaptive suspension system help to keep the car properly planted.
Finally, the car is equipped with rack-and-pinion variable gear ratio power steering. The car’s front suspension is made up of MacPherson strut with coil springs and gas-charged dampers. The rear is a 5-link independent suspension with coil springs and gas-charged dampers. For those that need to know – the car can do 0-100km/hr under 5 seconds.
G80 four trims:
- Luxury with 311 hp V6
- Technology with a 311 hp V6 and larger touch screen along with heads-up display and a better sound system
- Ultimate with a 5L 420 hp engine along with continuous damping
- Sport with a 3.3L twin turbo engine and lots of “sport” features
Driving and Handling Characteristics
Quite similar to the G70 that I reviewed earlier, this is a slightly larger but still a wonderful and responsive car to drive. In addition to its great looks, the car’s engine is very responsive with a great sound when you drive it with enthusiasm.
Genesis G70 Sport AWD - a superb driving machine
The G80 Sport comes with Drive Mode Select (DMS) controlling response of steering, engine, transmission, and suspension. You can choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport and even a driver customizable mode.
Although a bit of a stiffer ride, I typically chose the Sport mode for driving the more challenging side roads and enjoyed the larger side bolsters auto adjusting. For open highway driving, the “comfort” setting would be the choice because of the softer suspension setting. Another pleasant feature of the G80 Sport is the responsiveness of the paddle shifters for both acceleration and deceleration. As with most of the Genesis models and trims, you will find this well handling car quite enjoyable to drive.
Comfort and Styling
The G80 Sport will appeal to those looking for a bit more interior space for both river and passengers. Like the G70 Sport, this G80 Sport has all the right exterior and interior good looks.
On the outside, the car has a definite sleek and aggressive looking sport style complete with quad exhaust outlets, sport rocker moldings, sharp-looking wheels and lots of dark finishes. Mirrors are powered, folding, heated, and display blind spot warning.
Quilted Nappa leather seats with diamond stitch quilting, copper stitching, aluminum alloy pedals, leather wrapped steering wheel with copper stitching, black suede headliner and lots of finishing features all around contribute to a stunning interior.
The driver’s seat is 16-way power adjustable with adjustable side bolsters, cushion extension and 4-way lumbar adjustment. The front passenger is not left out – and gets a 12-way power adjustable seat with 4-way lumbar adjustment. Rear seats are 60/40 and folding.
The driver has the option of turning on the heads-up display to keep an eye on speed, and the various driving options and responses selected (I prefer heads-up display). A 9.2” touch screen display for an audio, navigation and system setting sits high on the dash in easy view.
This is supplemented by well-labeled controls throughout the steering wheel, center console and dash. The audio system consists of a 900 watt Lexicon AM/FM/XM/MP3 surround sound audio system with 17 speakers. Also included are Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Bluetooth hands free phone systems. The audio command system functions acceptably well.
The car is equipped with most of the “convenience features” that one expects these days from higher end vehicles. Of notable mention are the wireless charging pad, auto vehicle hold and proximity trunk opening.
Safety
The Genesis has always received superior safety ratings including the top 2018 rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In addition to the basic structural design of the car and the usual array of airbags, the car is equipped with the latest of what is known as “driver assistance features” including:
- Electronic stability with traction control
- Anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
- Blind spot collision warning with lane change assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic collision warning
- Driver attention warning
- Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
- Forward collision avoidance-assist with pedestrian detection
Things to Consider
The G80 is available at a price ranging from $55,000 for the 3.8L to the $65,000 5.0L Ultimate. Realistically, it would not make sense to choose the base “Luxury” trim when for $3,000 more, the “Technology” trim gives you a lot more features. Of note, the “Luxury” trim has been dropped from the 2019 line-up. Both the “Luxury” and “Technology” trims may leave you wishing for just a bit more power. Prior to 2018, your only option was to select the “Ultimate” trim to get 420 hp but at a much higher cost and the need to move to premium fuel. The G80 Sport now becomes the right choice with the more powerful and fuel-efficient 3.3L turbo and a $62,000 price point.
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