Genesis is hell-bent on turning itself into a correct luxurious model, lastly capable of compete with the German stalwarts. The G80 is without doubt one of the first examples of New Genesis, a sedan that is totally able to going toe to toe with the Teutonics. Said one other method, it is Genesis’ finest product but.

Elegant inside and outsideThe previous G80 was a carryover from when a Genesis wore Hyundai badges, and thus, its luxurious wasn’t totally realized. The 2021 mannequin, nonetheless, is a clean-sheet strategy, and what an strategy. In only a couple years, Genesis discovered its stylistic area of interest that separates it from the likes of the Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series. Its fastback silhouette offers it a sportier look with out requiring a full hatchback, and the distinctive look of its operating lights — and the way their traces proceed rearward by way of the fender’s turn-signal indicators — grants the G80 a cohesiveness that turns a complete lot o’ heads on the street. Yeah, positive, the grille is likely to be just a little giant, however taken as a complete, I feel the G80 seems to be phenomenal.The inside’s consideration to element is equally spectacular. In reality, I’d say the G80’s innards are proper up there with the likes of Audi and Mercedes-Benz — hell, I’d put the Korean newcomer forward of BMW on this regard. The rising door trim meets the dashboard at a number of factors, giving it a seamless look that does not overdo it by way of competing angles. It’s engaging in its simplicity; the full-leather dashboard is elegant, whereas a tastefully restricted quantity of matte-finish wooden splits the sprint and adorns the middle console. Every place my hand goes is met with both leather-based or thick carpeting. Each management, whether or not it is the knurled ends of the wiper and switch sign stalks or the infotainment controller on the middle console, feels higher than the final. Even the massaging entrance seats on my Prestige tester sport a novel design and are supremely comfy.

This inside is absolutely the enterprise.
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The rear bench seat presents oodles of legroom and headroom for passengers, with a deployable heart armrest that comprises extra controls for the infotainment system and the seats. Even with out being particularly for chauffeured house owners, I’d haven’t any downside relinquishing the controls and absorbing some leather-lined peace within the again seat. Venture even additional aft and there is a trunk with a commendable quantity of house, sufficient for a pair units of golf golf equipment or a protracted journey’s value of bags.Quantum-leap tech upgradesSome luxurious automakers — cough, Lexus, cough — do their automobiles a disservice by counting on previous, hard-to-use tech. Genesis at all times had a little bit of a bonus on this area by sticking with Hyundai’s glorious infotainment software program, however for this new era of automobiles, the in-car tech feels each bit as flashy and new because the G80 itself.

The large, 14.5-inch show is beautiful and the tech inside is simple to make use of.
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The new infotainment system lives in a 14.5-inch display that dominates the highest half of the dashboard, though a smaller 8-incher is commonplace on decrease trims. A reskinned model of Hyundai’s Blue Link this ain’t; the graphics are among the many crispest within the business, and whereas the touchscreen is inside attain, there’s additionally a dial on the middle console with built-in handwriting recognition to maneuver between menus.

The system itself is fast as well, fast to reply and positively loaded with intelligent methods. The Sounds of Nature function fills the cabin with the atmosphere of a crackling hearth or a stroll by way of a snowy village, full with the satisfying crunch sound of ft pushing by way of recent powder. Weather and gas costs arrive by the use of the HD Radio antenna, and in the event you desire a simple aesthetic, you may cover all that stuff by swiping to a house display that exhibits you a map, the climate and what’s presently taking part in by way of the Lexicon audio system. The aesthetics alone put MBUX, iDrive and each different luxurious automaker system to disgrace. Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are alongside for the trip, however for as soon as, it’s possible you’ll need to follow inventory simply to benefit from the view.The consideration to element in right here is beautiful.
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The Prestige trim of G80 additionally features a digital gauge cluster. While it is neat that it will possibly present me nearly any piece of data I want on the adjustable bit nestled between the digital dials, the cluster packs a function that no different automaker has: A depth impact. The gauges will be configured to show in a layered, three-dimensional look that places completely different components of the cluster at seemingly completely different depths. Sure, it is a parlor trick (one that may be turned off if it is an excessive amount of in your eyes), however sizzling rattling, it is in regards to the coolest gimmick I’ve seen in a while.My G80 additionally comes with quite a few superior driver aids. The Highway Driving Assistant suite combines commonplace adaptive cruise management with lane-keeping help and lively lane-change help to assist scale back the tedium of freeway driving. While I feel the lane-centering is probably a bit too aggressive in the way it applies torque to the steering wheel, the entire shebang is easy as silk, preferring steadiness in its acceleration and deceleration over outright hustle. When all of the programs are engaged, the gauge cluster will show not solely the G80 itself, however the curvature of the street and the situation of each car inside vary of its radar and cameras.The 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 makes 375 horsepower.
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Soft and easy on the streetMy top-trim tester packs a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 producing a adequate 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. It’s a potent powerplant, shoving the G80 ahead whatever the present velocity or the tachometer needle’s location. It even makes a cool sound within the course of, though I like to recommend turning off the built-in sound enhancement, since it will possibly get just a little obnoxious in any of its modes. There’s a 2.5-liter turbo I4 supplied throughout the G80’s lineup, as properly; keep tuned for a evaluate of that setup quickly.Sure, driving force is necessary, however what actually helps the G80 stand out from the competitors is how easy your complete expertise is. Every chunk of the driving expertise is tailor-made for consolation. Gear adjustments from the eight-speed computerized transmission are fast and virtually imperceptible. Leave the G80 in its default Comfort mode, and the non-compulsory adaptive suspension does such an excellent job at softening the street that I initially thought it was air-based. Road and wind noise barely permeates the cabin, making for fairly the serene expertise.Sure, there is a Sport mode, and it does an excellent job of tightening the reins and flattening the automobile’s commonplace nautical nature, however… why? Just depart or not it’s and indulge in a trip high quality that feels cushier than what BMW or Audi can muster with costlier and extra complicated preparations. It’s really easy to drive the G80 easily that you’re going to really feel like a grasp chauffeur very quickly.The Genesis G80 ought to put different luxurious rivals on discover.
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Down to brass tacksI would not blame you for assuming that is one costly automobile, nevertheless it actually is not. The 2021 G80 begins at $48,725 together with vacation spot, stretching to a still-sensible $68,675 for my totally loaded 3.5T AWD Prestige trim.The midsize government luxurious sedan phase is crammed to the brim with celebrities. Half a decade in the past, you may assume me loopy for saying the G80 (née Hyundai Genesis) may mount a correct offensive towards stalwarts just like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But 2020 is a 12 months of surprises, and the 2021 Genesis G80 gives a full luxurious expertise that immediately launches it into the thick of a aggressive set. Whether consumers shall be keen to surrender the cachet that comes with, say, a three-pointed star on the hood stays to be seen, but when somebody would not at the least put the Genesis up for consideration towards these rivals, they’d be doing themselves a disservice.