Genesis G80 gets diesel power

UPDATE 28/06/2021 NOON: Genesis Australia has advised it expects the new 2.2D diesel variant to account for 15 per cent of Genesis G80 sales, with the rest split 50/50 between the existing 2.5T and 3.5T variants.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 25/06/2021 3:00pm: The Genesis G80 is now available with a diesel engine, but not the beefy new twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six that delivers 204kW/588Nm in its large SUV sibling, the GV80.

Instead, the new mid-range Genesis G80 2.2D is powered by a 154kW/442Nm version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel seen in the Hyundai Santa Fe and Palisade, and the Kia Sorento.

In the MY21 Genesis G80 2.2D, it’s matched with the same eight-speed automatic transmission, but drives only the rear wheels.

Set to hit showrooms from July, the first G80 diesel is priced from $87,900 before on-road costs and slots between the two petrol options – 224kW/422Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol and more potent 279kW/530Nm 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol.

Prices for petrol-powered G80 variants remains the same, with the entry 2.5T available from $84,900 and the more powerful 3.5T priced from $99,900 (both plus ORCs).

From the outside, G80 diesel models are distinguished by an exclusive lower rear bumper that conceals the exhaust outlet and features chrome accents.

Genesis says the G80 2.2D’s urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) is a first for the brand, and that the inline engine layout and extensive use of sound deadening materials lowers noise, vibration and harshness levels.

Combined fuel consumption is 6.6L/100km – less than both the 2.5T (9.4L/100km) and 3.5T (11.2L/100km), giving the chauffer-friendly G80 2.2D a theoretical driving range of more than 1000km from its 73-litre fuel tank.

As per existing Genesis G80 models, equipment levels are generous and include 10 airbags, autonomous emergency braking with car/pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane following assist, junction turn assist, rear occupant alert as standard.

Also standard are 19-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, plus LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights, a panoramic glass sunroof, metallic paint, stainless steel scuff plates, 12-inch head-up display and an 8.0-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and digital radio, plus plenty more.

The Genesis G80 2.2D is also available with the same option packages as the 2.5T and 3.5T, including a $13,000 Luxury Package that adds heated seats, soft-close doors, a larger digital instrument cluster and remote smart parking assist among other features, as well as the option of matte paint ($2000).

Like every G80, the 2.2D is covered by Genesis’ five-year/unlimited-km warranty, with 24/7 roadside assistance over the same period and scheduled servicing for five years or 50,000km (75,000km for the diesel).