“Jeeves, fetch the car please.” The limo driver responds, “the new 2019 Genesis G80 Ultimate sir?”. With a grin from ear to ear, I tell him “of course Jeeves, but take the afternoon off. I feel like driving”.
With a despondent look on his face and a disappointing moan, Jeeves retrieves the beautiful machine that is the Genesis G80 Ultimate and retreats like a sulking child to his quarters.
That reaction pretty much sums up this reviewer’s emotion when he had to give the keys back. You see, the Genesis G80 Ultimate is not your average car, and could best be described as pure luxury with executive sophistication.
The only real decision you need to make is whether to take the world in from the back seat as you are chauffeured around, or get behind the wheel and pilot the big sedan yourself.
Let’s talk first impressions though. The Serengeti Brown looked majestic with the full-size sun roof and 19-inch chrome rims, the Genesis badge displayed proudly on the low slung hood. It’s lower curvier than you might expect, and it certainly turns heads.
And if Serengeti Brown is not your thing, you can also opt for Casablanca White, Uyuni White, Savile Silver, Black Forest Green, Adriatic Blue, Victoria Black, Santiago Silver and Vik Black.
Of course, you are going to need to tailor your interior surrounds to your colour choice in your Genesis G80 Ultimate as well. Our test vehicle was supplied with the Sand Beige interior option, however, Obsidian Black and Terracotta Brown are also available.
The cabin of the Genesis is truly exceptional and build quality is excellent, with the luxurious Nappa leather appointed heated and ventilated seats for both the driver and passenger among the standout features.
The push button start brings the Genesis to life and the one touch sunroof adds to the user friendliness. There is a heated steering wheel, just for a little bit more additional driver comfort.
The stereo is theatrical; 17 speakers produce amazing sound from the Harman Kardon premium audio system. A 9.2-inch HD touchscreen houses the controls for audio, navigation and the 360-degree surround camera for reversing and maneuvering the G80.
All the features you would expect from a car of this caliber are also available, including adaptive cruise control, adaptive safety control and adaptive control suspension, just to name a few.
The heads-up display is clear and easy to read whilst driving, and the blind spot assist and lane departure systems work well. For a large car, the 2019 Genesis G80 Ultimate handles well. Really well.
It feels sleek on the road, thanks to a low centre of gravity, and holds the tarmac comfortably at cruising speeds. Steering is nice and direct too, and road noise is minimal, thanks in part to the sound reducing acoustic laminated glass.
Power is handled by a 3.8 litre V6, generating 232kW of power and 397Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are three driving modes to select from including sport, normal and eco.
We found sport the most fun, as you might expect, especially matched with the flappy paddles behind the steering wheel, but ironically found ourselves mostly driving in eco mode, because it allowed us to average close to 700km out of a single tank.
I’s one of those cars where every time someone asks you what it’s like to drive, you simply say ‘nice’, because well, it’s nice. It doesn’t matter how bad your day is, when you jump in the 2019 Genesis G80 Ultimate, it just makes everything better.
It’s pure ambiance. However, this is where the greatest decision lies, as an owner of this very car. Do you get behind the wheel, or roll like a king in the heated and ventilated, reclining rear seats.
Not to mention the fact there’s a complete control panel in the rear centre arm rest that lets you adjust volume controls, play with the seats and wait for it, even move the front seats forward, should you need to. There’s a couple drinks holders there too.
In fact the only things missing from the back seats of the 2019 Genesis G80 Ultimate are an umbrella in the door and a bottle of aged scotch whiskey in a crystal decanter, and some glasses.
This reviewer was so impressed he had to try out being chauffeured around. After a little bit of begging (lots really) he convinced his wife to drive him around the NSW Central Coast while he sat in the back, waving to onlookers gazing upon this fine looking rig.
But, if the Genesis name sounds familiar though, that’s because it’s been here before, and previously wore a Hyundai badge. Back then it was simply known as the Genesis, but now it carries the G80 moniker.
It’s had a bunch of upgrades along the way, and has been restyled to give it a more modern look and feel. That said, some may find the interior feels a little old school, and some key tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is missing.
The Ultimate edition of the Genesis G80 retails for $97,558 drive away. It’s a fixed price offering, and it comes with a pretty much class leading 5-year/100,000km warranty.
There is a new version of the Genesis G80 due next year. It’s expected to be built on a brand new chassis and sport an updated design, bringing with it enhancements in technology and a new look interior.
Our 2019 Genesis G80 Ultimate was provided by Genesis Motors Australia. To find out more, contact your local Genesis Motors Australia dealer.
