New Genesis G80 revealed

The third-generation Genesis G80 has been officially revealed in a series of online renderings ahead of its arrival later this year.

Based on an all-new platform, the big luxury sedan has had a complete makeover, bringing new drivetrain offerings, more technology and a striking new design.

The latest Genesis G80 – originally badged simply as the Genesis in Australia – is set to debut in its home country (South Korea) this month and will eventually land in Australia in the second half of 2020.

Its new design DNA comes from the Genesis logo, says Luc Donckerwolke, the brand’s chief design officer.

“The crest of the logo becomes the Crest Grille and the two lines of the wings become the Quadlamps,” he said. “In other words, the design starts with the brand, and the design is the brand.”

A sleek curvaceous silhouette is a nod to the “elegance of classic cars of the past”, says Genesis, while quad headlights like those that debuted on the brand’s new GV80 large SUV also feature at both ends to give it a fresh look.

The 2020 Genesis G80 will also bring larger 20-inch wheels and a bunch of chrome garnishes around the exterior.

Inside the cabin, Genesis has finally gotten rid of the small Hyundai-like infotainment unit of the outgoing G80 and now plonks a huge 14.5-inch screen into the revised dashboard that appears to be finished in woodgrain and soft leather.

The Hyundai-owned premium brand says the width of the A-pillars has also been decreased, as has the rear-view mirror, while a slim air-conditioning vent stretches the width of the cabin.

Under the bonnet, the new G80 sedan will likely borrow it’s smaller G70 sibling’s 3.3-litre petrol V6, which sends 272kW/510Nm to the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto.

It’s unclear whether the Hyundai group’s Tau V8 will continue in the new-generation G80 in any form, so stay tuned for further details closer to the flagship Genesis sedan’s arrival.