It takes two issues to develop into a universally accepted maker of luxurious automobiles: compelling merchandise—naturally—and time. Though Hyundai has been promoting automobiles in america with the Genesis title since 2008, Genesis solely turned a separate model in 2015. That is a mere eyeblink in comparison with the storied histories of established upper-crust manufacturers corresponding to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. It will likely be some time earlier than Genesis turns into a family title in America’s well-off enclaves. However the brand new Genesis G80 exhibits that Hyundai’s aspiring luxurious division already is aware of construct the best form of automobiles.
The redesigned G80 sedan is a really completely different car than it was in its earlier era. It reminds us of the gangly teenager who, seemingly in a single day, grows from a gawky child right into a mature, younger grownup. The G80’s transformation begins with its well-tailored sheetmetal, which is rife with cautious detailing. Notice the wraparound headlamps and matching front-fender strip lighting. Its strains are glossy however not spinoff, and its proportions give it presence. Sadly, Genesis has embraced the posh design pattern for comically outsized grilles, however apart from that we expect the G80 nails the upscale look.
Constructed on Genesis’s new M3 rear-wheel-drive structure, its wheelbase, total size, and width are one to 2 inches larger than these of its key mid-size rivals: the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, and Mercedes E-class. That won’t sound like a lot of a distinction, however Genesis used these further inches to carve out spectacular inside room within the G80. It feels half a size-class bigger than the German trio.
Much more spectacular is the cabin’s luxurious atmosphere. The G80’s inside is trendy, elegant, and fantastically crafted from premium supplies. The instrument panel sweeps throughout the cabin and is adorned with fetching matte-finished wooden accents, and it is topped with a 14.5-inch infotainment display that appears a half dimension bigger. The front-door upholstery is sewn in a cool wave sample that is repeated on the plush seats. As within the new GV80 SUV with which the G80 shares its structure and design, the sedan’s metallic rotary shifter knob and infotainment controller dial are knurled. Different ancillary controls have a lovely brushed-metal end.
The G80 lineup provides a alternative of two engines—a 300-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four or a 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6—plus the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive and three trim ranges. Our rear-drive take a look at automotive was outfitted with the four-cylinder and the top-spec Status trim package deal, which loaded it with all the pieces you’d anticipate in a luxurious sedan—from a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system to a number of energetic security assistants to the flexibility to play quite a lot of calming nature sounds by the infotainment system. We particularly favored the comfy pitter-patter of the rainfall soundtrack.
The Status package deal additionally contains Genesis’s Ergo Movement multi-adjustable entrance seats, which function a lightweight massaging functionality. However their weak pulsating motion appears like an unenthusiastic again rub out of your important different who’d quite be binge-watching “Succession.”
Seat-massage performance would be the solely place the place the German competitors has a major benefit over the G80. The Genesis drives about in addition to the bottom four-cylinder variations of its rivals. Its turbo-four is muted at low speeds and gives more-than-ample thrust, accelerating the 4143-pound sedan to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The usual eight-speed automated transmission’s shifts are well-coordinated. Trip high quality is appropriately supple, the dealing with is agile sufficient to be borderline participating, and the G80 whispers solely 66 decibels of inside noise at 70 mph—the identical as a Bentley Flying Spur.
Whereas its title does not carry gold-star model fairness, the Genesis G80 remains to be compelling for its excellent worth. Its base worth is $48,725, and even our well-equipped take a look at automotive’s $58,025 sticker handsomely undercuts the worth of equally outfitted rivals. Lexus proved that this technique works given sufficient time. The G80 is a effective luxurious automotive simply ready for its popularity to catch up.
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