Genesis has been an also-ran in the luxury segment, but the Korean brand is trying to change that by launching an assortment of new and significantly improved models.



The company’s first crossover, the GV80, was introduced in January and now the automaker is turning its attention to the mid-size luxury sedan G80 which is described as the “core” of the brand.

Previewed earlier this month, the 2021 G80 is a revelation as it adopts an “Athletic Elegance” design that is far sportier than its predecessor. The front end is dominated by a large crest grille which resides above a wide air intake. On either side are “double-lined” quad headlights which are echoed on the front fenders.

Also Read: 2021 Genesis G80 Teaser Has Us Salivating

Moving farther back, there’s a long hood and a dynamic parabolic line which runs from the headlights to the taillights. The line is contrasted by an upward sweeping chrome accent at the base of the doors.

Of course, one of the biggest changes is the new four-door coupe styling. As part of this effort, the G80 adopts a rakish windscreen and a sloping roof which flows downward to meet a trunk with an integrated spoiler. The overall design recalls the Audi A7 Sportback and it’s a huge improvement over its predecessor.

Other notable styling features include 20-inch wheels and a dual exhaust system with finishers that recall the crest grille. The car also has a “horseshoe-shaped negative surface” trunk with chrome trim and a release button that mimics the shape of the Genesis logo.

Overall, the sedan measures 196.7 inches (4,995 mm) long, 75.8 inches (1,925 mm) wide and 57.7 inches (1,465 mm) tall. This means the 2021 G80 is 0.2 inches (5 mm) longer, 1.4 inches (36 mm) wider and 0.6 inches (15 mm) lower than its predecessor. The only number that carries over is the 118.5 inch (3,010 mm) wheelbase.

A Truly Luxurious Interior

While the previous G80 ticked all the luxury boxes, it never really felt that upscale. This is no longer an issue as the 2021 model features higher quality materials, advanced technology and a more modern design.

Drivers sit on a leather-wrapped “ergo motion” seat which features seven air cells that adjust depending on the selected driving mode. The seat also features an automatic posture correction function and a “stretching mode” that helps to reduce fatigue on long drives.

Once ensconced in the high-tech seat, drivers will find themselves looking at a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with glasses-free 3D technology. To their right is a 14.5-inch infotainment system which features over-the-air updates as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Below, there’s a wide swatch of open pore wood trim and slender air vents that appear to span the width of the leatherette-wrapped dashboard. The model also has a heads-up display, ambient lighting and a rotary shifter. Elsewhere, there’s heated and ventilated seats as well as new switchgear.

Designers adopted a “beauty of white space” concept which is “inspired by traditional Korean architecture.” It aims to balance personal space with state-of-the-art technology.

Speaking of space, there’s more head- and legroom despite the sportier exterior styling. In order to achieve this, Genesis lowered the height of the second row seat to maximize interior dimensions.

Genesis stylists also created thinner A-pillars and a slimmer rearview mirror. This, combined with revamped side mirrors and a shorter dashboard, allows for improved visibility as well as a greater sense of openness in the cabin.

New Platform And An Aluminum-Intensive Body

The third-generation G80 rides on a brand-exclusive rear-wheel drive platform that is presumably shared with the GV80. Genesis didn’t say much about it, but noted approximately 19 percent of the body is aluminum and this helps the car to weigh 243 lbs (110 kg) less than its predecessor.

Besides being lighter, the car is more comfortable as it features better sound insulation, improved door seals and “resonant sound-reducing wheels.”

The model also has an electronically controlled suspension with road preview technology which uses a forward-facing camera to detect road imperfections such as potholes and speed bumps. When an obstacle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the damping to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

The V8 Is Gone, But There Are Three Engine Options

Under the hood, the G80 has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque. Customers will also be able to opt for a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque.

Outside of the United States, the luxury sedan will be offered with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel. It develops 207 hp (154 kW / 210 PS) and 325 lb-ft (441 Nm) of torque.

Genesis didn’t go into other performance specifics, but confirmed the model will be offered with rear- and all-wheel drive.

G80 Goes High-Tech With New And Upgraded Features

On the safety front, the G80 features an upgraded Highway Driving Assist II system. It controls the vehicle’s steering, acceleration and braking to maintain a speed set by the driver, while also keeping the vehicle centered in its current lane and keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

Buyers will also find a new adaptive cruise control system with machine learning technology. It aims to learn how you drive and then replicate it.

Other safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection and a blind-spot collision avoidance assist system. The model also has remote smart parking assistant which is probably best known as “Smaht Pahk”. It allows drivers to exit the vehicle and then use the key fob to pull the car into or out of tight parking spaces.

When will it reach dealers?

The 2021 Genesis G80 will go on sale in South Korea tomorrow, while a U.S. and Canadian launch is scheduled for the second half of this year, with more details to be released in the coming months.