2025 Genesis G80 First Drive Review: Proof That Genesis Isn’t Playing Around

The Hyundai Genesis was a massively necessary automobile when it debuted in 2008. It proved that South Korea might construct a world-class luxurious automotive, and it was ok to spawn a whole luxurious model. Quick-forward to this 12 months, and the 2025 Genesis G80 (previously the Hyundai Genesis) simply acquired its first facelift because the second-generation mannequin was launched for the 2021 mannequin 12 months.

Genesis did not go overboard with the modifications, carrying over the platform and powertrains from final 12 months’s mannequin. The modest modifications come within the type of a revised exterior and an overhauled inside with up to date expertise. Sedan gross sales is perhaps shrinking total, however Genesis has seen its best-ever begin to a 12 months on this section: G80 gross sales elevated by 17%. Can these new modifications for the 2025 G80 assist Genesis keep its momentum in a dying section? CarBuzz flew to Lexington, Kentucky to search out out.

What’s New: Perfecting The Little Issues

The G80 entered its second-generation for the 2021 mannequin 12 months, and the essential platform from that automobile carries over right here. All-wheel-drive grew to become customary as of final 12 months, however the powertrains stay the identical. Genesis additionally revealed an up to date Electrified G80 with an extended wheelbase in its house market, however that mannequin has but to be introduced for the US. The modifications listed below are largely visible, each on the outside and inside.

Inside & Exterior: Enhancing On Excellence

It’s a must to stare intently on the 2025 G80 to acknowledge the styling modifications, however there are some necessary particulars that will help you spot the facelift. There is a barely completely different grille, a revised decrease fascia, some new wheels on the four-cylinder mannequin, and trendy Micro Lens Array (MLA) headlights that look extra trendy than earlier than. 18-inch wheels come customary, whereas the higher trims can get 19- and 20-inch ones. The smaller wheels are new, however the bigger ones are a carryover from final 12 months. The decrease trims now have hidden exhaust, though the Sport trims have uncovered ideas, which we want.

The G80 is available in 10 colours, together with a brand new flat shade known as Vatna Grey that is named after a glacier in Iceland. A number of the added-cost colours are solely accessible on upper-tier fashions, nevertheless, just like the Tasman Blue on our tester, which has a pleasant greenish hue to it. This was already essentially the most enticing mid-size sedan available on the market to our eyes, and the facelift does nothing to reverse that opinion.

Inside, Genesis gave the G80 with the identical 27-inch OLED cluster/infotainment system discovered within the GV80. It seems to be nice, and now contains wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (lastly). A number of the controls surrounding the display screen have been improved too. The rotating shift knob is just a little taller (making it simpler to seize), the quantity and tuning controls have been changed by typical knobs, and the wi-fi charger is relocated to be extra accessible. Genesis additionally changed the Lexicon audio system with an non-obligatory Bang & Olufsen system, which we expect sounds nice.

This can be a gorgeous cabin, which has been made extra usable on this facelift. As earlier than, the supplies really feel premium, particularly on the greater finish. Decrease-end fashions get Obsidian Black or Camel leatherette, however the higher trims can get luxurious quilted Nappa leather-based in Vanilla Beige Ash Grey, Obsidian Black, or a sizzling shade of Sevilla Purple. These colours could be paired with Piano Black, Ash wooden, or Birch in the usual fashions, and Sport Aluminum or Carbon Fiber within the Sport fashions. We notably love how Genesis styled the carbon with a novel sample and matte end that feels costlier than different functions in rival automobiles.

Efficiency: Clean However Thirsty

The G80 outperforms a lot of its rivals on the base degree because of a larger-than-average 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It delivers a wholesome 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, greater than most 2.0-liter engines within the class. 0-60 takes a decent 5.8 seconds, however the gasoline economic system is beneath opponents: 20/29/24 mpg on town/freeway/mixed cycles. Each engines ship energy to plain AWD through an eight-speed computerized transmission.

Fans will need the three.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. With two extra cylinders and an additional turbo, the G80 can spring to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. You’ll pay a hefty toll on the pump although, because the V6 drinks V8 quantities of gasoline. Gas economic system is rated at a lackluster 16/24/19 mpg.

Driving Impressions: Quiet Athleticism

We might by no means describe the G80 because the sportiest automobile in its class; it is extra of the quiet athletic kind. The suspension is tuned on the softer aspect to soak up impacts, leaving a snug quantity of physique roll to allow spirited driving. Genesis items the G80 Sport fashions with an extra Sport+ driving mode that makes the automotive really feel extra aggressive. It holds gears longer, will increase the steering weight, and pumps extra sound into the cabin. This mode really feels a bit aggressive for the G80’s mission, but it surely would not disappoint for what a degree above Sport mode needs to be.

The Sport additionally will get a rear digital limited-slip differential, additional aiding within the athletic dealing with. This automotive feels planted on the bottom, and it shrinks round corners because of the accessible rear-wheel steering that does not make itself too obvious in a disconcerting manner. Acceleration from the V6 engine is robust, and shifts from the eight-speed computerized are easy except you place the automotive into Sport+, the place the gear modifications develop into surprisingly aggressive. The G80 ought to please consumers searching for a tender commuter, however we might like to see a warmer variant from the upcoming Genesis Magma lineup.

Pricing & Verdict: Price Creep

The G80 has been a powerful contender within the luxurious sedan section because the second-generation mannequin was launched a number of years in the past, however regular worth will increase cease it from being the identical ultra-high-value purchase it was again then. Pricing now begins at $57,100 (not together with a $1,250 freight cost) for the two.5T AWD. For reference, the 2024 G80 began at $54,400 and this automotive was lower than below $50,000 again in 2022. Inflation sucks – however that does not take away from what the G80 affords.

Pricing goes up from there: $61,900 for the two.5T Superior AWD and $68,350 for the two.5T Sport Status AWD. If you need the V6, it prices $69,600 for the Sport Superior AWD or $77,000 for the Sport Status AWD. These numbers are comparable with well-equipped German choices just like the BMW 5 Collection and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Genesis used to crush its European rivals on worth, however the firm now believes its merchandise can stack up sufficient to be priced equally; that bein mentioned, it begins off just a little cheaper, however not by all that a lot.

Whereas it could not stand out as a screaming deal anymore, the G80 continues to be a compelling possibility within the mid-size luxurious sedan market. It is the prettiest automotive in its class, and the inside is extra elegant than most of its rivals. This facelift does sufficient to maintain the G80 related, however we’re excited to see what Genesis can do with hybrids sooner or later, because the G80 struggles by way of gasoline economic system, and what modifications are in retailer for the US-spec Electrified G80. The 2025 G80 continues to be a extremely recommendable possibility, however the greater beginning worth makes it a more durable promote subsequent to the equally compelling competitors, particularly given purchaser desire for established marques. We do not suppose you will remorse the acquisition, nevertheless.