2021 Genesis G80

The 2021 G80 gets a new 2.5L turbocharged engine as standard which also does its duty in the new GV70 and GV80 SUVs. It is priced at an MSRP of $48,745 and comes with a lot of standard features and options to justify that. The G80 sits below the full-size G90 sedan in the lineup and competes with other midsize executive cars like the Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6. 

The 2021 Genesis G80 is available in 5 trim levels: 2.5T, 2.5T Advanced, 2.5T Prestige, 3.5T, and 3.5T Prestige. Even the base 2.5T model is well equipped with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustability, a 14.5-inch infotainment system with built-in navigation, dual-zone climate control, and more.

Which trim should you buy?

Out of all the trims, the 2.5T Advanced adds plenty of luxury features to the mix like a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, power trunk lid, and a 21-speaker audio system, all for just $4,580 over the standard car, making it the best value. Other than for people feeling a lack of punch with this powertrain, this car should be the best bet.

The Genesis G80 gets two new engine options for 2021. The standard models get a 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing a modest 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, while customers looking for even more performance can opt for the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine which bumps the output up to 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines send power to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission which gets paddle shifters and different drive modes. Both the 2.5T and 3.5T models are available with an optional all-wheel-drive system for $3,150. 

Like most luxury vehicles, the Genesis G80 wafts along smoothly with no drama. For quick overtakes on the highway, the engine does wake up and offer plenty of performance but the powertrain doesn’t feel as refined as some of its rivals. All of this said, 0-60 MPH is dealt with in just 5.9 seconds and it crosses the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds, which is impressive for its class, and faster than most of its rivals. Upgrading to the 3.5L V6 engine shaves nearly a second off the 0-60 MPH time, and dips into the sub-14 second quarter mile range with a time of 13.7 seconds. 

The first thing that comes to one’s attention is that the Genesis manages to undercut the price of its rivals by a significant amount. It also offers a more powerful engine than the rivals even with its base engine. The new Genesis G80 manages to outperform all of its rivals to 60 MPH as well. Both the BMW 530i and Audi A6 offer similar performance, while the Mercedes-Benz E 350 is a fraction of a second slower. 

How well does the 2021 Genesis G80 handle?

Based on an updated rear-drive platform, the new G80 sits lower than the outgoing model with a stiffer and lighter chassis. But sticking to its luxury roots, the G80 focuses more on comfort and ride quality than performance. A multi-link suspension setup is used at both ends which handles undulations well, but some imperfections can catch it off guard at highway speeds. The steering feels light and effortless at city speeds but weighs up well as the needle climbs. Higher trims also get adaptive dampers that can adjust the firmness to match conditions. 

Like most executive cars, the Genesis G80 does get the ubiquitous sport mode which puts the engine on high alert, improves shift times, and firms up the suspension. Although the G80 remains composed over corners, it still isn’t as fast or as capable as its German rivals. The G80 performs best in comfort mode where it truly excels. Opting for the all-wheel-drive system is mandatory when living in the northern states, allowing you to handle tricky situations and snow a lot better.

Braking Performance

With some big hardware to work with, the G80 sheds speed surprisingly well for a vehicle of its size and weight. The front gets huge 13.6-inch rotors, while the rear is limited to just 12.8-inches. 

Braking is progressive with plenty of feedback, and you’re never left guessing how much pressure to apply. Despite the heavy 4156 lbs weight, Genesis has provided plenty of braking performance to offset the weight. 

Despite having the biggest braking hardware in its class, the Genesis G80 is let down by its heavy chassis compared to rivals. Both the BMW 530i and Audi A6 managed to out-brake the G80, stopping from 60 MPH in under 110 feet. The Mercedes-Benz E 350 also performed reasonably well with the smallest braking hardware and managed to beat the G80 as well. 

With EPA-rated figures of 23 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, the Genesis G80 is surprisingly efficient. Highway range standard at an impressive 550 miles thanks to the 17.2-gallon fuel tank, which makes long journeys a breeze. The 3.5T models cut the ratings down to 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway., limiting its highway range to just 447 miles.

Compared to the Genesis G80, the BMW 530i manages the highest ratings with 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highways. While the Audi A6 offers similar figures to the G80, the Mercedes-Benz E 350 manages 1MPG less in urban conditions. However, one thing to note is that the Genesis G80 is a much more powerful car and deserves some leeway in terms of efficiency figures. 

With the new generation, the interiors received a significant update with plenty of new features and a completely new layout, similar to the new GV80 SUV. As expected in an executive sedan, there is plenty of space on offer with plush leather seats for all passengers. The G80 also manages class-leading space at the rear with 38.7-inches of legroom. The huge 14.5-inch infotainment display is neatly placed on the dashboard all by itself, away from the passengers. 

The quality of materials is top-notch and gives the cabin that unmistakable luxury feel. The odd-looking steering wheel may not be to everyone’s taste but feels great to hold with plenty of controls for quick access. Although there are some ergonomic flaws like the hard-to-reach infotainment and quirky gear lever, overall, Genesis have outdone themselves, and the G80 feels as luxurious as its rivals, if not more. The fastback design has liberated plenty of space in the trunk with 13.1 cubic feet on offer. A center pass-through is also provided for carrying longer items. 

The Genesis G80 offers class-leading space in both rows with an impressive 38.7-inches of rear legroom which sets the benchmark for the class. The Audi A6 takes the second spot with a generous amount of space, while both the Mercedes-Benz E 350 and BMW 530i are less spacious at the rear. This is an important parameter in this segment. 

Some notable interior features include the following:

• Nappa leather upholstery
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Head-up display
• Three-zone climate control
• Wireless charging
• Ambient lighting
• Heated front and rear seats

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 G80 finally gets Genesis’ more modern infotainment system with a huge 14.5-inch display as standard with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, built-in navigation, voice control, and a 12-speaker sound system. 

Higher trims also include a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display for convenience. Although the touchscreen display is hard to reach, Genesis has provided a circular controller on the center console near the compact gear knob for easier access. 

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• 14.5-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Built-in navigation
• 21-speaker Lexicon sound system
• Head-up display
• SiriusXM all access satellite radio
• Genesis connected services

The new Genesis G80 follows a completely different design language and looks similar to stablemates like the GV80 and G90. The fastback design is retained, and the G80 looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. 

The signature crest-shaped grille dominates the front end with unique LED headlights on both sides. Viewed from the side, the G80 looks more like a coupe than a sedan with a swooping roofline that neatly blends with the trunk. The standard model gets 18-inch alloys as standard, while higher trims get bigger 20-inch alloys, soft-close doors, and a panoramic sunroof. 

The new Genesis G80 looks and feels a lot bigger than its rivals with distinctive styling that stands out. The Audi A6 is the most compact, making it easier to live with. Both the BMW 530i and Mercedes-Benz E 350 are dimensionally similar but surprisingly, it’s the BMW that offers better interior space. The Genesis is also the heaviest car in its class.

Some of the notable exterior features include the following:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Soft-close doors
• Panoramic sunroof
• Hands-free power trunk
• Full LED headlights
• Signature crest-shaped grille

The new Genesis G80 is based on the modern Hyundai-Kia M3 platform which also underpins the new QV80 SUV. Although the NHTSA hasn’t tested the Genesis G80 yet, it secured the “Top Safety Pick+'' award from the IIHS after securing a “Good” score in most of the tests. Genesis offers plenty of active safety features as standard with the G80 including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims also get blind-spot monitoring with a camera view on the digital instrument cluster. 

Standard safety features include the following:

• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Front and rear automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane keep assist with lane-centering
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high-beams
• Evasive steering assist
• Highway driving assist

2021 Genesis G80 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350

Although the Genesis G80 offers a lot of value and features for the money, it is still not as refined as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in terms of ride quality, and technology.

The G80 does manage to outpace the E 350 in terms of acceleration even with the base 2.5T engine and offers more room on the inside. Overall, if you’re looking for luxury and ride quality above all else, the Mercedes-Benz E Class is still the way to go regardless of the higher price. 

2021 Genesis G80 vs 2021 Audi A6

Compared to the Genesis G80, the Audi A6 gets standard all-wheel-drive, plenty of powertrain options including the high-performance S6 and RS6 models. However, the new Genesis G80 comes close to the A6 in all aspects, all the while offering better performance with its base engine and an affordable price. 

If you’re looking for a well-accomplished brand, the Audi A6 is still a good choice. But, the Genesis G80 does everything a lot better for a much lower price, making it the pick of the two.

2021 Genesis G80 vs 2021 BMW 530i

Always known as one of the best midsize sedans on the market, the BMW 5 Series is still a driver’s delight even in the base 530i trim. The 5 Series also offers optional hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains for customers looking for an efficient luxury car.

 Compared to the 5 Series, the Genesis G80 is significantly cheaper and offers longer warranty packages. The new G80 also looks better than the 5 Series with a modern and elegant design. 

With the 2021 G80, Genesis finally has a genuinely good luxury midsize sedan on its hands with an elegant design, powerful engine options, and a long feature list. The competitive price point will also lure in a lot more customers. The G80 also gets plenty of active safety features as standard. Although there are no hybrid powertrains on offer, it makes up for it with an efficient and powerful base engine. The new updates have elevated the G80 to another level, and it’s a genuine contender in the midsize luxury sedan class. If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan, the Genesis G80 is highly recommended, especially at an affordable price point.