Genesis G80 3.5T 2020 Review

It has been 18 months since the Genesis brand officially embarked on its Australian operations, and perhaps the best marker of its evolution in that time is the third-generation Genesis G80 that lands in Australia this month.

The 2020 model heralds a full-scale overhaul in terms of styling, technology and drivetrains for the Korean luxury aspirant as it ramps up its battle with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, along with other premium marques.

It’s certainly come a long way from the original ‘Hyundai Genesis’ that was sold in Australia before the G80 took its place as a cornerstone model for the standalone brand.

Available in two grades, the G80 starts from $84,900 plus on-road costs. According to Genesis, it offers 15 per cent more value than the German triumvirate plus 20 per cent more standard features.

Let’s find out what else the G80 has to offer, in addition to the value equation.

The two-pronged new 2020 Genesis G80 range starts at $84,900 plus on-road costs for the rear-drive G80 2.5T and extends to $99,900 plus ORCs for the all-wheel drive G80 3.5T flagship tested here.

At that money, the Genesis undercuts entry-level equivalents of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6.

Our pricing story has the full rundown, but standard features for the base G80 include 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, 12-way adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging and an electric boot.

In terms of headline cabin tech, the new G80 scores a 12-inch head-up display and a 14.5-inch centre touch-screen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, three-dimensional ‘augmented reality’ road guidance navigation and a 21-speaker sound system.

The centre screen is operated via touch, a centre rotary dial, touch-and-write commands or voice commands.

Customers after a digital instrument cluster, three-zone climate control, Nappa leather trim and soft-close doors will need to tick the optional $13,000 Luxury Pack, which includes those items and more. A $2000 matte paint option is the only other major addition.

On the safety front, the big new Genesis sedan scores the latest round of technologies, such as a blind spot view displayed within the instrument cluster, smart cruise control with ‘machine learning’, a ‘pre-active safety seat’, forward collision avoidance assist and blind spot collision avoidance assist.

It is also fitted with 10 airbags.

As with all Genesis models in Australia, the new G80 is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and offered with five years of free scheduled servicing, roadside assistance, valet service and access to courtesy vehicles.

Servicing intervals are spaced across 12-month/10,000km intervals – slightly shorter than competitors.

Sitting on a third-generation rear-wheel drive platform said to be exclusive to the brand, the 2020 Genesis G80 is claimed to be up to 125kg lighter than the model it replaces. The redesigned sedan measures 4995mm long, 1925mm wide and 1465mm high.

Powering the entry 2.5T is a new 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine offering 224kW and 422Nm, apportioning drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The higher-grade 3.5T driven here employs a new 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 doling out 279kW and 530Nm, sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto.

The Genesis G80 3.5T also utilises larger brakes and a ‘road preview’ adaptive electronic suspension system that uses the car’s front camera to prime the damping for upcoming obstacles.

It’s true the 2020 Genesis G80 heralds a new era of design inside and out for the Hyundai luxury offshoot.

Whereas the previous model had direct ties with its Hyundai Genesis donor car, this latest iteration feels decidedly more modern, with quality displays, LCD panels and materials throughout.

And although there are some tell-tale Hyundai touches like some of the switchgear, the G80 offers its own inherent feel through soft seats and thick carpet.

What would have sweetened the deal immensely is the standard inclusion of the digital dashboard rather an incorporating it into the $13,000 Luxury Pack. Can’t win ’em all.

Otherwise, the cabin feels well executed both in terms of storage and fit and finish. Gripes extend to tight door pockets, a large transmission tunnel and the fitment of a solitary USB port in the rear seat.

Further back, the G80’s 424-litre boot provides enough room for a couple of full-size suitcases, however the cargo area’s narrow width and the absence of split-folding second-row seating leave you wanting more. The boot is underslung by a space-saver spare tyre.

The G80 is well acquitted spatially both in terms of headroom and legroom. The fitment of rear sunshades within the rear door sleeves are a boon for those seeking privacy or transporting children.

The 2020 Genesis G80 makes a clear step forward on predecessor models dynamically.

The combination of new turbocharged petrol engines and, in the case of our flagship 3.5T, adaptive suspension, imbue the large sedan with a much greater depth of talent than its large limousine positioning might suggest.

Initially, the G80 feels like a big car on the road both in terms of width and weight, however nicely tuned controls and an ease of use offset this.

In regular conveyance, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 makes easy work of intersections and overtaking manoeuvres, working well with the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. Officially, peak torque materialises from a lowly 1300rpm.

Fuel economy is nothing to write home about – not surprising given the G80’s official 2.0-tonne kerb weight – but we were able to go close to the 10.7L/100km claim.

We spent some time in the entry 2.5T, and found it to be languid in comparison, its 224kW/422Nm output making adequate progress yet without the effortlessness and refinement of the 3.5T.

Weight is again a contributing factor in the G80’s ride and handling balance, which feels well suited to gentle open road driving and daily scenarios, but finds its limitations when pushed.

There is a tendency for the adaptive suspension to rebound excessively and occasionally wallow over drawn-out imperfections.

With that said, the G80’s body changes direction confidently and shakes off mid-corner bumps adeptly.

Driven with its size in mind, the 3.5T grips up and turns well on its Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, and the chassis relays what’s happening underneath.

The entire driving experience is underlined by a strong safety buffer wrought by the car’s myriad driver aids. One exception – we found the augmented reality function slightly gimmicky and a potential distraction.

The 2020 Genesis G80 is a clear step forward for the Korean car-maker, and an accurate marker of its progress in Australia generally.

As ever, the G80’s redeeming feature remains its value equation and aftersales provisions.

That means that, while the G80 isn’t expected to sell in huge numbers, it does move incrementally closer to the European set.

How much does the 2020 Genesis G80 3.5T cost?
Price: $99,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol
Output: 279kW/530Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 250g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested