2025 Genesis G80: A Visually Appealing Luxury Sedan at a Budget-Friendly Price

• A few essential design modifications have enhanced the aesthetic appeal of this mid-size sedan.

• The G80 is designed for serene commuting rather than aggressive driving.

• With a starting price under $60,000, the G80 offers excellent value in the luxury car market.

The Genesis G80 has a significant history within the brand. Initially introduced as Hyundai’s most luxurious model, it became the cornerstone of the standalone Genesis luxury line when it launched in 2017. The arrival of the 2025 Genesis G80 marks a subtle mid-cycle update, introducing a few appreciated enhancements while maintaining the value Genesis is recognized for.

The G80 has consistently featured an attractive design, and the updates for 2025 amount to a modest refresh—a gentle aesthetic lift. The LED headlights now boast a fresh signature design with stacked micro lenses that elevate their look. The front fascia has been slightly elongated. Although some critics argue that the grille appears overly intricate, giving it a somewhat cluttered look, I find it appealing. While it may seem busier than before, it lends the vehicle a sense of texture and depth.

At the rear, the modifications are more subdued, but observant viewers will notice the new concealed dual exhaust tips. Hyundai also distinguishes the Sport variants, allowing keen observers to spot minor design differences between the turbo-four and V-6 models. Nonetheless, regardless of the trim you select, the G80 remains a striking vehicle.

Upon entering the vehicle, I am pleased to find my test model features a striking red interior. While traditional colors like black, beige, or white have their place, this vibrant red is incredibly attractive! The car greets me with a 27.0-inch dual-display that merges a customizable gauge cluster and infotainment screen. No significant updates come with this screen, but Genesis has introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moreover, physical knobs for volume, tuning, and temperature controls have been reinstated, a move I hope all manufacturers follow; fumbling with a screen to adjust the volume while driving is unnecessarily distracting.

Genesis G80: Smooth and elegant

The 2.5-liter turbo-four engine is available in the base, Advanced, and Sport Prestige trims, delivering a commendable 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, my test drive took place in the top-tier 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD model, featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that generates 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines work in conjunction with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but rear-wheel drive is no longer an option; every G80 now comes with all-wheel drive. The EPA rates the smaller engine at 20 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg, while the more powerful engine performs less efficiently, with ratings of 16/24/19 mpg.

The V-6 engine delivers a smooth and sophisticated performance, though it’s not particularly aggressive. It can easily accelerate to high speeds, but the ride in both Comfort and Sport modes feels somewhat soft and relaxed. While this isn’t a major issue, it possesses a laid-back vibe. Activating Sport+ mode adjusts the suspension to be firmer, remaps the shifting, and enhances rear-wheel traction, along with a sporty gauge display. However, the transmission doesn’t consistently downshift promptly, often waiting until I demand acceleration rather than being prepared. For drivers who prefer more engagement, Genesis has included paddle shifters.

Looking for a more spirited driving experience? Consider the Audi S7 or BMW 540i. While they may not be as comfortable as the G80, they certainly provide superior cornering capabilities.

An interesting feature of the G80 is the ability to customize the braking experience. This might seem unusual for a car not geared towards energetic driving, but within the driver assistance settings, you can choose between Comfort or Sport brake settings. The latter enhances responsiveness, providing more feedback at the top of the brake pedal, although it appears to be somewhat unnecessary for a vehicle that is designed to be relaxed. Nonetheless, it requires just a few taps on the infotainment screen, suggesting few drivers will frequently switch between modes.

Genesis G80: An affordable luxury

Genesis has long provided remarkable value for interior luxury, and the G80 is no exception. Even the base model comes equipped with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and fingerprint authentication. It also includes a wide range of driver assistance features; the entry-level model has automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control complete with Highway Driving Assist as standard features.

My fully-loaded model boasts additional luxuries including ventilated front seats that adjust 16 ways, an upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system, three-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, heated armrests, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. I can unlock the car with my phone if needed, and advanced safety features include a blind-spot monitor providing real-time video feedback displayed in the gauge cluster, as well as a parking collision avoidance system covering all angles.

My only minor grievance is with the heated seats, which automatically turn off, possibly assuming my body is hot enough already. Additionally, Genesis’ semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist system is quite user-friendly: simply activate the adaptive cruise control, and as long as lane control is on, it sets your speed and monitors the vehicle ahead. Although I can briefly remove my hands from the wheel, it doesn’t offer full hands-free driving. Those looking for that feature will need to consider Super Cruise available in the Cadillac CT5.

However, despite needing to keep my hands on the wheel, the system can feel somewhat hesitant on the highway, particularly in longer turns. Mercedes-Benz offers a more confident hands-on system. The bright side is that the automatic lane change feature works well; signaling is all that’s required, and the vehicle handles the rest. Nonetheless, other automakers excel in this technology.

Despite these concerns, the value proposition for the 2025 Genesis G80 is undeniable. The base 2.5T AWD starts at $58,350, including the $1,250 destination fee. The 2.5T Advanced AWD is priced at $63,150, while the top-tier 2.5T Sport Prestige AWD is available for $69,600. The larger 3.5T engine brings a higher cost, with the 3.5T Sport Advanced AWD at $70,850 and the top 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD at $78,250.

While these prices may seem significant, when you compare features and costs with competitors, the Genesis G80 makes a compelling argument. A BMW 5-Series begins at $1,000 more, has less power, and lacks all-wheel drive, along with additional costs of nearly $4,000 for adaptive cruise control. On the other hand, a Mercedes-Benz E 450 requires numerous option packages to match the standard features in the G80, pushing its price close to $90,000, though it offers over 400 horsepower as a compensation.

As for the fully electric version of the G80, Genesis considers it a separate model, but updates are anticipated soon. For now, anyone seeking a comfortable driving experience with a hint of excitement should consider the 2025 Genesis G80. While its fuel economy could use improvement and the Highway Driving Assist requires refinement, it stands out as a remarkable choice in the competitive luxury sedan sector.

Genesis covered the travel and accommodation expenses for Motor Authority’s firsthand report.