Genesis G80 Review 2019
Test Drive

Genesis G80 Review 2019

The G80 got a bit of a bad rap when it first launched in Australia, mostly because it was bought almost exclusively by rental car drivers and… well, nobody else really. 

But this was not so much a machine error as a sign of the times. It was a large sedan (Mercedes-Benz E-class competitor) arriving in late 2014, when Australian tastes were already beginning to change to other types of cars. 

Critically, this car was also known as the Hyundai Genesis and arrived with a price tag that was unheard of for anyone who had ever set foot in a Hyundai dealership.

Genesis will now stand out as a premium brand.

But now, five years later, he's back. This time "Hyundai" has been dropped from the name, and the G80 has emerged as part of a stable Genesis product that will now stand out as a premium brand with a range of vehicles sold in new concept stores rather than dealerships. .

For now, it's being sold alongside the G70 sedan, but it will soon be joined by a slew of SUVs and other new additions.

So does the G80 shine brighter now it's just a Genesis? Or will airport parking still be its natural habitat?

Genesis G80 2019: 3.8
Safety Rating
engine's type3.8L
fuel typeRegular unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency10.4l / 100km
Landing5 Places
Price from$38,200

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10


Um, did you like how the last one looked? Then we have great news for you! For the removal of the Hyundai badge headlined the exterior changes here.

That said, I still find the G80 to be quite a handsome beast, looking boat-like and expensive enough to justify its premium tag.

The interior of the G80 has an old-school feel to it.

Inside, though, it's a slightly different story, where there's a certain old-school feel to the G80's internal processing. Acres of leather and wood-like wood, a multimedia system that feels out of touch with reality, and the all-pervading feel of being in a vintage cigar lounge all make the G80 feel a little dated compared to its premium competitors.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10


The G80 is 4990mm long, 1890mm wide and 1480mm high, and these generous dimensions predictably add to the interior space.

There is room to turn up front.

There's plenty of room in the front to stretch out, and in the back I found there was plenty of room to sit in my own 174cm driver's seat, with plenty of clean air between my knees and the front seat.

The rear seat can be separated by a retractable control panel that occupies the middle seat.

The rear seat can be separated by a retractable control panel that occupies the middle seat, giving passengers access to the seat heating controls, sun visors and stereo system.

The trunk opens to reveal a 493-litre (VDA) space that is also open to the spare tire.

The trunk opens to reveal a 493-litre (VDA) space.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10


There are only two options here; an entry-level car (simply called the G80 3.8), which will cost you $68,900, and an $3.8 Ultimate, which will be yours for $88,900. Both are then offered in standard guise or a more performance-focused Sport Design style that costs an additional $4.

The cheaper version comes very well equipped: 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch in the Sport Design version), LED headlights and DRLs (bi-xenon in the Sport Design version), a 9.2-inch multimedia screen with navigation and which is combined with a 17-speaker stereo system , wireless charging, heated leather seats up front and dual-zone climate control.

There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Upgrading to the Ultimate gets you 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats at the front and heated rear windows, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof and a 7.0-liter engine. XNUMX-inch TFT screen in the driver's binnacle. 

The G80 has a sunroof.

Shock from shock, however, there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here - a clear indication of the G80's age, and a very noticeable absence for those accustomed to using Google Maps as a navigation tool.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10


Only the one offered here, and it's largely identical to the one offered five years ago; 3.8-liter V6 with 232 kW and 397 Nm. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels. 

The engine is largely identical to what was offered five years ago.


Genesis claims the G80 hits 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and tops out at 240 km/h.




How much fuel does it consume? 7/10


Not as good as we would like. The engine sounds a bit old-fashioned because it's a bit old-fashioned, and so there isn't much advanced fuel-saving technology here. 

As a result, the G80 will drink a claimed 10.4-10.8 liters per hundred kilometers on the combined cycle and emit 237-253 g/km of CO2.

To put this into perspective, the E53 AMG will develop more power and more torque while consuming less fuel at a claimed 8.7L/100km.

Luckily, the G80's 77-litre tank runs on cheaper 91 octane fuel. 

What is it like to drive? 8/10


You can't help but sink into the G80's driver's seat with a slight sense of dread. I don't want to sound too harsh here, but this is a big boat-like car, and so you suspect it will handle like it should have a tiller instead of a rudder.

So get ready to be pleasantly surprised when you find out that this is not the case. Credit goes to Hyundai Australia's local engineering team, who tried 12 front and six rear shock designs to achieve a ride and handling perfect for the big G80.

Ride and handling are just right for the G80.

As a result, the driver feels surprisingly connected to the asphalt under the tires given the car's size and weight, and even tighter turns are a joy rather than a horror when you slam into them in the Genesis.

The driver suddenly feels a connection with the asphalt under the tires.

That doesn't mean you'll be pointing your long hood at any race track in the near future, but you won't tremble when those wavy lines appear on your navigation screen either. 

The steering is direct and reassuring, and the G80 is commendably quiet. It feels like you have to work with the V6 engine to get the most power out of it, but there isn't too much roughness or harshness getting into the cabin.

The steering is direct and inspires confidence.

In fact, the biggest problem with the G80 is not so much the machine itself, but its newer, smaller competitors. When driven back-to-back, the G80 and the smaller Genesis G70 sedan seem to be light-years apart.

The G80 feels like the brand has gone above and beyond with what they have.

While the G80 feels like the brand has gone all out with what they have (and done well with it), the G70 feels newer, tighter, and more advanced in every way that matters.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10


No matter how much you spend, the G80 comes with a long list of standard safety kits, including nine airbags, as well as blind-spot warning, forward collision warning with AEB that detects pedestrians, lane departure warning, cross-traffic alert. rear driving and active cruise. control. 

All this was enough for the G80 to receive a full five stars from ANCAP when tested in 2017.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10


The Genesis G80 comes with a full five year unlimited mileage warranty and service is required every 12 months or 15,000 km.

You get free service for the same five years, valet service to pick up and drop off your car when it's time for service, and even access to concierge services to help you make restaurant reservations, hotel reservations, or safe flights for the first two. years of ownership.

This is a truly impressive property offering.

Verdict

The G80 may feel old compared to the younger and newer G70, but on the road it doesn't feel that way. The prices, inclusions, and ownership package alone make it worth considering. 

What do you think of the new Genesis? Tell us in the comments section below.

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