USUALLY, the car reviews we write are targeted towards you, the driver. We describe how a car feels and how its features enhance or detract from the driving experience. Usually. But the 2021 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Luxury is different.
It’s a car that isn’t solely about the driver; it’s equally about the passengers. For the record though, absolutely, the driver’s seat of the Genesis G80 Luxury is a great place to be, and the centre point of some innovative features which make steering it a joy.
It has to be said though, it’s a tough decision when it comes to choosing the driver or passenger seat. Let’s get some review basics out of the way though, for the sake of tradition.
As the rather long name alludes to, the G80 Luxury is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 279kW and 530Nm. Numbers that are not to be sneezed at, especially when you realise those figures help it sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds.
Hardly relevant for a vehicle of this nature, unless of course you are late for that all important business meeting or flight. Driven through an 8-speed automatic transmission, it will return a combined fuel consumption figure of 10.7-litres/100km.
That balloons to 15.8-litres/100km in city driving which combined with that power and 2,023kg kerb weight, is not unexpected.
All this information is displayed through the unique 12.3-inch 3D stereoscopic cluster which tracks the driver’s eyes to ensure the display is correct at any angle. It will also change the display to reflect the mood of the driving mode you have selected.
Focusing on the driver for just a little longer, the G80 Luxury comes with some cutting-edge safety features as standard, designed not just to protect its occupants inside the car, but also the pedestrians outside.
Ten airbags aim to prevent injuries from passengers colliding with each other, or interior surfaces themselves. An excellent intelligent front lighting system sees the LED headlights turn up or down around oncoming or preceding traffic.
These are of course in addition to an array of other safety systems like safe exit assist, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.
In essence, a whole heap of complicated names that mean the G80 Luxury is always looking around you for obstacles and will intervene should a potential collision arise.
The Luxury pack is an optional extra over the ‘run of the mill’ G80 3.5T, adding about $10,000 to the cost, but transforming the standard model into the opulent and sophisticated car you see here.
If you’re in the market for a G80 then the Luxury pack is an absolute must have, adding a Nappa leather interior, increased functionality of the seating, including Ergo Motion active stretch for the front driver’s seat.
It also adds heated, ventilated and power adjustable outer rear seats. Equally as impressive is the upgrade to the rear entertainment, which comes in the form of dual touchscreens with USB and headphone ports.
The rear armrest centre control panel also sports the Genesis integrated controller. What this results in is something we mentioned earlier; an extremely tough decision as to where to sit in the G80 Luxury.
The rear passenger seats open up a new world of comfort when combined with the dual touchscreens, centre controls, open pore real wood trim and customisable ambient lighting. It’s easy to get lost in your own little world back there.
Set your electrically adjustable seat to your desired position with heat or cooling as required, headphones on and the rear sun blinds raised, and your journey will fly passed before you know it.
Arriving at your destination completely relaxed, you will be more than prepared for whatever is waiting outside those soft close doors.
With some mainstream heavy hitters such as the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class as its main rivals, swaying buyers towards the Genesis G80 Luxury will be a hard task. The main draw card of the G80 Luxury though is it’s escape from the norm.
With unique brand-centric styling and its distinctive lifestyle approach, you are looking to be a little different and stand out from the crowd if the Genesis G80 Luxury is on your shortlist of purchases.
You will definitely have heads turning when arriving at your destination and stepping out of what is arguably, one of the boldest looking vehicles currently on the market.
Unashamedly unique and daring, with a drive away price of $122,825 for the G80 3.5T AWD with Luxury Pack, you will be paying for that privilege. The good news is that for the same price you will be looking at an entry level equivalent for a 5-series or E-Class.
Whether or not it can steal sales away from the inherent allure of the Mercedes-Benz and BMW badges, we’re not quite sure. What we are certain of though is that the Genesis G80 Luxury in isolation is a very cool car that’s supremely luxurious.
Now if you’ve read this whole review, and are sitting wondering who Genesis Motors are, we can answer that too. In their infancy, having been founded in 2015, Genesis is the the luxury vehicle arm of Hyundai Motor Group.
The marque strives to be a lifestyle brand that focuses on design, innovation and balance. Their focus on design is evident through their signature styling cues which are clearly represented in each of the vehicles in its model range.
These include the G70 sports coupe, and the GV70 and GV80 luxury SUVs, with all vehicles sold using a fixed price model. Each one comes with a 5-year warranty, and 5-years roadside assistance.
Our test vehicle was provided by Genesis Motors Australia. To find out more about the 2021 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Luxury, contact your local Genesis dealer.
