2018 Genesis G80

Available in up to 9 trims, the 2018 Genesis G80 Sedan can be bought in any avatar ranging from a 3.8L V6 to a 3.3L twin turbo V6 and finally the range-topping 5.0L V6. For a starting price of $41,750, it is available at a bargain price considering what luxury sedans go for these days.

There are a total of 3 engines offered on the Genesis G80 sedan. The base 3.8 motor is available with both AWD and RWD. It can be bought in 3 configurations, standard, premium and ultimate.

Then, there is the newly introduced 3.3T V6 motor on the sports trim of the G80. It is also available as RWD or AWD and in the same premium and ultimate trims. Sporty features such as adaptive dampers and visual features such as sporty front and rear bumper help differentiate these trims from others.

Trims	Standard 3.8 RWD	3.8 Premium RWD	3.8 Ultimate RWD	Standard 3.8 AWD	3.8 Premium AWD	3.8 Ultimate AWD
MSRP	$41,750	$46,750	$51,850	$44,250	$49,250	$54,350
Features	Smart Cruise Control with stop/start Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Heated dual power side mirrors with turn-signal indicators Power folding auto-dimming side mirrors with Genesis logo approach lights Integrated Memory System for driver seat, side mirrors and steering column Leather wrapped power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel Haptic steering wheel/steering wheel audio, cruise and phone controls 4.3-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display 8-inch touchscreen navigation system Rearview camera with parking guidelines AM/FM/Sirius/HD Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 7 speakers Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Front: 1 USB data/charge + 1 USB charge only Bluetooth hands-free phone system Leather seating surfaces 12-way power heated front seats including power lumbar Power windows with front and rear auto-down/up with pinch protection Proximity Key with push-button start/Intelligent Drive Mode Dual automatic temperature control Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink Rain-sensing wipers with auto defogging windshield Hands-free smart trunk with auto open TPMS with individual tire pressure indicator Genesis Connected Services Telematics System with Connected Care, Remote & Guidance (3 years complimentary) Sirius Travel Link (3 years complimentary)	LED foglights Power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof Lexicon 14-speaker surround sound audio 7-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display Wireless Device Charging (front) Qi standard Front and rear parking sensors Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Power rear sunshade Manual rear side window shades	Full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) Premium leather seating surfaces Power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster Genuine matte-finish wood trim and aluminum trim Full-color Heads-up Display Multi-view Camera System 9.2” HD touchscreen Lexicon 17-speaker surround sound audio Power trunk lid Dual mode front vent control and CO2 Sensor	Smart Cruise Control with stop/start Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Heated dual power side mirrors with turn-signal indicators Power folding auto-dimming side mirrors with Genesis logo approach lights Integrated Memory System for driver seat, side mirrors and steering column Leather wrapped power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel Haptic steering wheel/steering wheel audio, cruise and phone controls 4.3-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display 8-inch touchscreen navigation system Rearview camera with parking guidelines AM/FM/Sirius/HD Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 7 speakers Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Front: 1 USB data/charge + 1 USB charge only Bluetooth hands-free phone system Leather seating surfaces 12-way power heated front seats including power lumbar Power windows with front and rear auto-down/up with pinch protection Proximity Key with push-button start/Intelligent Drive Mode Dual automatic temperature control Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink Rain-sensing wipers with auto defogging windshield Hands-free smart trunk with auto open TPMS with individual tire pressure indicator Genesis Connected Services Telematics System with Connected Care, Remote & Guidance (3 years complimentary) Sirius Travel Link (3 years complimentary)	LED foglights Power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof Lexicon 14-speaker surround sound audio 7-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display Wireless Device Charging (front) Qi standard Front and rear parking sensors Ventilated front seats Power rear sunshade Manual rear side window shades	Full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) Premium leather seating surfaces Power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster Genuine matte-finish wood trim and aluminum trim Full-color Heads-up Display Multi-view Camera System 9.2” HD touchscreen Lexicon 17-speaker surround sound audio Power trunk lid Dual mode front vent control and CO2 Sensor Heated steering wheel

At the top is a 5.0L V6 engine which is offered both in AWD and RWD. The trims on offer are again the same, premium and ultimate. 19-inch alloy wheels, 17 speaker Lexicon system, 9.2 inch HD screen are some of the features that are standard on these trims. All the trims are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

We Recommend

We recommend that you straight away go for the newly introduced sport trim with its 3.3L twin-turbo V6. The engine feels great and offers a perfect balance of sports and luxury. The extra visual appliques add to the overall character of the car. Importantly, It’s not too expensive over the standard 3.8L engined trim and is actually much more fun to drive as well.

"The 2018 Genesis G80 has three engines to choose from, including a powerful V8. It has a comfortable ride, and the new Sport model increases its athleticism. However, fuel estimates are low for the class."- cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

There is a range of engines available on the G80 starting from the naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine, 3.3L twin turbo V6 engine and the range-topping 5.0L V6 engine. All of them are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The standard 3.8L V6 engine is an okay-ish setup at max which satisfies the need of people who desire the only luxury from their vehicle. The new twin turbo, on the other hand, is a delight to drive while the range-topping 5.0L V6 is an out powerful engine that is an enthusiast’s darling.

Model	Genesis G80 Standard	Cadillac XTS	Lincoln Continental Premier	Lexus GS 350
MSRP	$41,750	$47,390	$45,160	$50,390
Engine	3.8L DOHC 24-valve V6	3.6L SIDI DOHC V6	3.7L Ti-VCT V6	3.5L V6 24V DOHC
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	311 hp	304 hp	305 hp	311 hp
Torque	293 lb-ft	264 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	280 lb-ft

On paper, the G80 is one of the better-powered cars amongst its rivals. The Lexus GS 350 features more or less the same power setup. The Cadillac XTS and the Lincoln Continental Premier while being thousands of dollars expensive than the G80, fall short in terms of performance.

Acceleration

The acceleration on the G80 Standard is laid back, to say the least. The car takes its own sweet time to build up some momentum. Even when it is in the process of building speed there is absolutely no drama from the chassis or the engine in terms of sound or performance.

Model	Genesis G80 Standard	Cadillac XTS	Lincoln Continental Premier	Lexus GS 350
0–60 mph	6.4 sec	6.9 sec	6.8 sec	6.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	15.3 sec	14.9 sec	13.8 sec
Engine	3.8L	3.6L	3.7L	3.5L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.0	8.0	8.8	7.7

In comparison with rivals, the G80 takes 6.4 sec to go from 0 to 60 mph and quarter of mile comes up in 14.7 sec. It is second to only the Lexus GS 350 which about 0.3 seconds faster in the 0-60 mph run and 0.9 seconds faster in the quarter mile run. The Lincoln is closely behind the G80 at 6.8 seconds for 0-60 mph and the Caddy falls at the back of the pack with 6.9 seconds for 0-60 mph run.

Braking

The braking aspect of the G80 sedan will not for one moment let you forget that you are driving a luxury sedan. The pedal in itself is spongy and the response is relaxed, to say the least. The car requires a decent push of the pedal for the brakes to become active.

Model	Genesis G80 Standard	Cadillac XTS	Lincoln Continental Premier	Lexus GS 350
60 – 0 mph	109	116	110	119
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4195	4021	4224	3726
Brake (Front)	13.6	13.6	13.9	13.1
Brake (Rear)	12.4	12.4	13.6	12.2

In comparison with the rivals, the Genesis comes out on the top with 109 ft stopping distance in a 60-0 mph halt even after sporting a curb weight of 4195 lbs. The Lincoln Continental is the second best at 110 ft while both the Lexus and the Caddy take over 5-10 feet more to stop than the G80.

Ride and Handling

The ride and handling of the G80 are calm and composed, to say the least. The car is tuned to be the best of luxury sedans and is not aiming at enthusiasts at all. The new 3.3T V6 engine does its bit to try to add a little sportiness to the persona of the car. But, all in all, the car suffers from being a hefty vehicle

The steering response is just a little over non-existent as is the case with most of the luxury cars of the present times. The suspension, however, is pretty sweet at what it does by swallowing potholes and bad roads like they are nothing.

Fuel economy on the Genesis G80 is nothing that the company would put under the spotlight. The engines on the G80 are fuel guzzlers as most of them return a substandard fuel economy figure. The twin-turbo V6, however, is much better at it than the other engines.

Model	Genesis G80 Standard	Cadillac XTS	Lincoln Continental Premier	Lexus GS 350
MPG (City)	19	19	17	20
MPG (Hwy)	27	28	26	28
MPG (Combined)	22	22	20	23

In direct comparison with the competition, the Lexus GS steals the crown with only 1 mpg combined more than the G80 at 23 mpg. The Caddy offers pretty much the same FE as the G80 while the Lincoln is at the back end of the line with only 20 mpg combined.

"With a wheelbase that's an inch or more longer than those of many other luxury sedans, the G80 offers generous cabin and passenger room. Rear legroom is comparable to that of other sedans, although tighter rear headroom is a knock against this otherwise stand-out cabin."-edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Thanks to heightened roofline there is not short of room in the back or the front. However, the front passengers have it best as there are a number of features such as heat, ventilation, power adjustment etc that are on offer to keep the plush-o-meter sticking to redline.

Model	Genesis G80 Standard	Cadillac XTS	Lincoln Continental Premier	Lexus GS 350
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (Ft.3)	107.7	104.2	106.4	99.0
Headroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	41.1/38.2	39.0/37.8	39.3/37.7	38.0/37.8
Legroom (Front/Rear) (in.)	45.7/35.0	42.1/40.0	44.4/41.3	42.3/36.8
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) (in.)	58.3/57.1	57.9/56.3	58.3/55.9	57.3/55.7

The Genesis G80 is the at the top in terms of passenger volume at 107 ft.cube. The headroom/legroom/shoulder room is best amongst the list of rivals. The Lexus GS 350 is least spacious car in the list of rivals.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system on the Genesis G80 is straight out of some geek’s basement. All the top of the line features such as Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, nav etc are standard throughout the line. The standard 8.0 inch HD screen is great to look at but the optional 9.2-inch screen is even better. The MMI system is similar to most tablets and smartphones of the day and provides fluid performance most of the times.

Interior Features

• Power adjusted heated or ventilated front seats
• 8.0 inch or 9.2 inch HD screen
• Analogue Clock
• Voice Command and Sat Nav
• Leather Upholstery

Cargo Capacity

The Genesis G80 is a notch lower than the rivals in terms of cargo capacity. Despite being the larger one amongst its rivals the trunk volume is only 15.3 ft.cube. The engineers at the manufacturer have not made the best of the large dimensions of the G80.

Model	Genesis G80 Standard	Cadillac XTS	Lincoln Continental Premier	Lexus GS 350
Trunk Vol. (Ft.3)	15.3	18.0	16.7	18.4

The Lexus GS 350 leads the race here with 18.4 ft.cube. Of boot space. The Cadillac XTS is second in line with the 18.0 cube.ft. space and the Lincoln Continental is 3rd with 16.7 ft.cube. Of boot space.

"As with its interior, the 2018 Genesis G80's body lines are clean and elegant. Up front, the G80 gets a new, more imposing front-end treatment. From there, this luxury sedan has long, attractive lines that convey a sense of quality and refinement. The trunk line finishes in an aerodynamic sloping design reminiscent of an Audi A7 fastback."- Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and Weight

The Genesis G80 is a big and hefty car weighing in at around 4195 lbs. It also features the biggest wheelbase amongst its rivals which translated directly into segment leading legroom for the passengers. The track width at the front and the rear is also something that the G80 has triumphed.

The Lincoln Continental is the only vehicles that come close to the Genesis G80 in terms of dimensions. As a matter of fact, it’s the only car that is heavier than the G80.

Model	Genesis G80 Standard	Cadillac XTS	Lincoln Continental Premier	Lexus GS 350
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4195	4021	4224	3726
Wheelbase (in)	118.5	111.7	117.9	112.2
Length (in)	196.5	200.9	201.4	192.1
Width (in)	74.4	72.9	75.3	72.4
Height (in)	58.3	59.4	58.5	57.3
Ground Clearance (in)	5.3	5.0	5.5	5.1
Track Width – Front (in)	64.1	61.7	63.2	62.0
Track Width – Rear (in)	65.3	62.0	64.1	62.6

Exterior Features

• Led DRL
• Sunroof
• 17 or 19-inch alloys
• Projector headlamps
• Hexagonal grille
• Chrome appliques

The 2018 Genesis G80 is actually one of the better-equipped cars in terms of safety. A host of active features are always on alert to keep the safety of the passengers under vigil. The NHTSA rating achieved by the G80 is 5 stars in under all categories. The IIHA too has given a superior rating to the Genesis G80 in under all the segments. It all culminates to prove that Genesis has left no stone unturned to ensure the well being of the passengers

• Dual Front And Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags
• Engine Immobilizer
• Traction Control
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Rear Center 3-Point Belt
• Rear Door Child Safety Locks
• Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Blind-Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System

NHTSA Ratings

Genesis G80 NHTSA Ratings
Overall Rating	5 Star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	5 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	5 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	5 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	4 Star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5 Star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	4 Star
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5 Star
Rollover Rating	5 Star

IIHS Ratings

Crashworthiness
Small Overlap Front Driver Side	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger Side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

Crash Avoidance & Mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Superior

Genesis G80 vs. Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac XTS is one of those sedans which is meant to be primarily enjoyed from the rear seats. The comfort and opulence the rear seat is unparalleled by a lot of cars in the segment, That said, the driver might not be the primary consumer but he sure as heck won’t be disappointed. The car offers fair spirited performance to the driving counterpart as well.

All in all, the Caddy is about $6k expensive than the G80. But, it offers fair value for the extra price. If you want a chauffeur driven vehicle, the XTS should be your choice but for anything else, the G80 is better value for money,

Genesis G80 vs. Lincoln Continental Premier

The Lincoln Continental is an old school luxury car. The car offers traditional luxury that is big on form and function and offers clutter-free performance. The 3.7 Ti VCT engine fails to provide snappy performance but it's actually adequate if you will take insights from the back seat.

One can never forget that the car is $10,000 expensive than the G80 and is significantly less snappy than the Lincoln Continental. All in all the Lincoln is a good car but the G80 offers better driver dynamics and greater driver-centric experience.

Genesis G80 vs. Lexus GS 350

The comparison between the Lexus GS 350 and the Genesis G80 is a tough one. The styling element on the Lexus will most appeal more the masses. The interior quality of the Genesis takes it away by a thin margin mainly due to its stronger ergonomics. The engine response and stats of both the cars are more or less the same.

Hence, it depends more on your personal preference as there is very little to differentiate these vehicles.

The Genesis G80 is a fresh breath of air where you’d least expect it from. Gone are the days when cars from Korea were considered to be dirt boxes. The Genesis G80 is one such car which can give even the most established German or Japanese counterparts a run for their money.  The interior finish is good, the engine performance is good and the overall experience is what you can call, pleasant. All in all, if you’re looking for a car that’s optimum on budget and performance, the Genesis G80 is an extremely good buy.