Genesis G80 Ultimate Sport 2019 Review

Genesis has returned to Australia after a two-year hiatus.

First sold here as the Hyundai Genesis in early 2015, the full-size sedan sought to test the waters locally, challenging the likes of Aussie-built ‘chauffer specials’ like the now-defunct Holden Statesman, as well as established prestige rivals from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

Now, the Genesis G80 returns to Oz in four trim grades – alongside the next-size-down Genesis G70. It is mildly made-over for 2019 and arrives as an update to the Hyundai Genesis offered previously; the next-generation G80 is not expected until late 2020.

For now, that means the Genesis G80 retains many of the equipment and driveline details familiar to its predecessor. That includes the 232kW/397Nm 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine and eight-speed automatic combo that drives the rear wheels, and a nine-airbag, AEB-equipped safety package that earned the model a five-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2014.

When viewed against rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (see more below), the Genesis G80 is something of a bargain.

Retail pricing for the entry-grade G80 begins at $68,900 (plus on-road costs) and steps through G80 Sport Design ($72,900), G80 Ultimate ($88,900) and G80 Ultimate Sport Design ($92,900) variants – the flagship being the vehicle tested here.

Metallic paint is a no-cost option.

Although $7400 dearer than the outgoing model, the new G80 does offer more technology – including the availability of a smartphone connected services app – and generous aftersales provisions. Five years’ warranty, complimentary servicing and roadside assistance are all included for private buyers, but are limited to 130,000km for commercial operators.

Service intervals for the Genesis G80 are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first).

If a roomy, well-built and well-priced large sedan is on the shopping list, the Genesis G80 fits the bill.

It’s a comfortable and quiet vehicle that performs adequately irrespective of the load on board. Even with four passengers and luggage inside, the locally-tuned suspension ensures a composed ride at highway speeds, and the buttery eight-speed transmission keeps the V6 in its sweet spot when tackling undulating terrain.

At cruising speeds, the G80 is serene inside, other than a slight tyre hum on coarse-chip surfaces. The cabin is otherwise free of mechanical and wind noise. Cossetted in soft leather upholstery with wonderful ergonomics, the G80 is an easy car to spend time in, the sharp adaptive cruise control helpful in whiling away the hours on a long journey.

On the downside, the G80 is beginning to show its age in a number of ways. There’s no voice control activation from the steering wheel and no digital radio (DAB) reception available in the range. The styling – both inside and out – is starting to date, and the human-machine interface looks very Hyundai; as straightforward as it might be to operate.

The absence of a 60:40 split-fold seat is an oversight for family buyers wanting additional flexibility from their large sedan. At 493 litres the boot is quite spacious, though not as large as the Holden Statesman mentioned earlier (at 535 litres). The steering, too, is a little heavier than we’d have expected for a luxury marque, feeling a little too ‘sporty’ against similar-sized European and Japanese rivals.

Genesis returned to Australia in June this year (2019).

Sold through bespoke Hyundai dealerships, the Genesis line-up includes the mid-size G70 and large-size G80 sedan ranges, with a pair of SUV models expected in the not-too-distant future.

The previous Hyundai Genesis was popular in the private chauffer market, and with buyers seeking a successor to locally-produced, premium long-wheelbase offerings like the Ford Fairlane and Holden Statesman.

The Genesis G80 (note the difference in nomenclature) aims a little higher this time around.

Genesis says it has set out to disrupt the luxury car segment, and that its combination of localised chassis tuning, quality workmanship, reliability and generous aftersales support package will go a long way toward achieving the kind of volume it needs to make its mark – and to attracting more private and family buyers.

Of course that remains to be seen. Having been on sale for just over two months the numbers don’t yet tell the tale. It’s a question we’re sure will be answered in the fullness of time – though the cynic in us says it won’t happen until there’s an SUV (or two) available in the range.

As noted at the outset, the Genesis G80 is a rival to established luxury marques from Europe and Japan; or at least that’s how Genesis sees it.

Given its large-class sizing, Genesis says the G80 challenges competitors that include the Audi A6 (from $95,500), BMW 5 Series (from $89,990), Jaguar XF (from $82,000), Lexus GS (from $75,200) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (from $92,240).

It may have taken a while to re-launch itself Down Under but the Genesis brand is off to a solid start. With new models in the pipeline, and the impressive G70 already here, the South Korean marque is positioning itself to challenge the status quo in a really big way.

With a new G80 and a pair of SUV models just around the corner – along with an established reputation for reliability and value for money – Genesis will continue to thrive. But for now, the G80 is at the tail-end of that advance.

Yes, it’s a solid car. But it’s one that shows its design age clearly. For some buyers that’s a good thing. But in our eyes a newcomer in the prestige market needs to present the very best it has to offer; and until the G80 can catch-up to the newer G70, it’s a point we feel may limit its appeal.

Price: $92,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.8-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 232kW/397Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.8L/100km (ADR Combined); 12.7L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 253g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2014)