A whole new car. That’s probably the best way to describe the third generation of the Genesis G80, unveiled digitally today (a consequence of the global COVID-19 viral pandemic sweeping the world).
Due to land in Australia in the second half of 2020, the new look G80 features a choice of three power trains, including a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder pushing out 223kW of power and 421Nm of torque.
The V6 power plant is a 3.5-litre turbocharged offering (potentially destined for the next generation Kia Stinger), offering 279kW of power and 530Nm of torque. A 2.2-litre inline 4-cylinder diesel with 154kW of power and 441Nm of torque completes the range.
The redesigned rear-wheel drive sedan scores a lowered body and lower centre of gravity for improved driving dynamics and a wider interior cabin. It’s 125kg lighter than the previous generation, ensuring increased fuel efficiency across the range.
And because performance doesn’t mean acceleration to everybody, acoustic glass is utilised for the windshield and all doors. Similarly, the G80 features improved door sealing, new engine compartment sound insulation and resonant sound-reducing wheels.
The combination delivers class-leading low levels of noise. In addition, the electronically controlled suspension, with road preview, enhances ride quality by reducing road impacts, using information supplied through the front camera.
In keeping with the brand’s safety platform, the G80 features standard active and passive safety systems that include a new version of its highway driving assist, and smart cruise control with machine learning.
It also sports 10 airbags, a pre-active safety seat for the front passenger that moves during a forward collision or sudden braking, forward collision avoidance and blind spot collision avoidance assist.
In addition, the Genesis safety platform works to integrate communications between around 40 controllers in real time to help ensure the right response in various scenarios. But it’s not all about safety either.
On board, there’s a plethora of next generation luxury technology features too, including remote smart parking assistant, a 12.3-inch 3D instrument cluster, and the Genesis integrated controller (which lets you write on the main control centre with your finger).
There’s also a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports AR navigation, Genesis CarPay (a South Korean market exclusive (at present) payment system for fuel), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless software updates.
The driver’s seat is equipped with an ergo motion function featuring seven air cells, which enables optimum seating for each driving mode and reduces fatigue via a stretching mode and automatic posture correction functions.
Ambient mood lamps applied throughout the interior add sensitivity to the passenger space in various colours. The Lexicon sound system allows passengers to enjoy the vivid sound effects of a concert, adding to the joy of listening to music.
Heated and ventilated seats feature in both rows and rear passengers can control their own air conditioning. Dual rear-seat touchscreen displays allow rear seat passengers to use video and audio inputs independently too.
Local pricing and detailed specifications will be available closer to the Australian launch of the 2020 Genesis G80.
