Luxury brand Genesis aims to break into the premium part of the large saloon market with this G80 model. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Genesis G80 is the large luxury saloon you probably haven't considered in your perusal of models in the class for cars like BMW's 5 Series, Audi's A6 and the Mercedes E-Class. Those contenders are difficult to take on directly, but someone seeking something a little more left-field in this segment - say a Jaguar XF, a Lexus ES or a Volvo S90 - ought to consider this G80 too. It might well surprise you.

Background

Just over three decades ago, Toyota's Lexus brand arrived in the luxury saloon sector with a car badged the LS400 - and shook things up considerably. It would perhaps be asking too much for this Genesis G80 saloon to have quite as much of an industry impact as that, but there's no doubt that this car has enough about it to make customers in the luxury segment take a second look; if they can be persuaded to try it. Getting to that point could be problematic for Genesis, Hyundai's premium brand, but owners seeking something just that bit different could well be attracted by this G80's Bentley-esque looks, lavish cabin and superb customer service back-up. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The G80 offers a 304PS 2.5-litre four cylinder turbo petrol unit with either rear wheel drive or AWD. Both variants are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Genesis has developed a 365hp all-electric version too, which gets an e-AWD system and can go up to 323 miles on a single change of its 87.2kWh battery. The four cylinder 2.2-litre 210PS diesel unit this car launched with is no longer offered. The EV model's pretty silent, but even if you stick with combustion power we tried, you can expect exceptional levels of drive refinement, aided by special noise cancelling technology, along with acoustic-muffling side glass. And though this is no sports saloon, it's not slow, even the four cylinder diesel managing 62mph in 6.0s; you can trim two seconds off that time if you go for the 2.5-litre petrol variant. It's just 4.9s for the electrified model, which uses a 185PS motor on each axle. To replicate those figures in the petrol model, you'll need to have selected the most urgent of the three provided drive modes - 'Sport'; the other two are 'Eco' and 'Comfort', the latter best of course for experiencing the best that the standard Electronic Control Suspension system has to offer. Its adaptive damping effect is aided by a camera that monitors the road surface and adjusts the suspension to suit the tarmac tears and pot holes you're about to pass over. You expect this car to be something of a luxury wafter and, sure enough, there's the rather light and woolly steering that tends to characterise this type of big saloon. Once we got this G80 to a few secondary roads though, we found that it actually handles better than we'd expected, though it's a pity that you can't have the e-LSD electronic limited slip differential that's available on the GV80 SUV model.

Design and Build

Like its GV80 SUV stablemate, this G80 saloon certainly has plenty of road presence - primarily due to its huge front grille and bisected LED headlamps. Some will see shades of Bentley Flying Spur here, encouraged perhaps by the rather similar winged Genesis bonnet badge. Size-wise, this car competes against full-Executive models like BMW's 5 Series, Audi's A6 and the Mercedes E-Class. Inside, there's a very high quality feel and an almost Bentley-like knurled finish to some items of switchgear. And of course there's the usual huge centre touchscreen, accompanied by a digital instrument cluster. The seats are superb and the quality of leather upholstery impeccable, especially with top 'Luxury Line'-spec, where it's quilted and accompanied by tasteful natural wood inlays. Genesis also includes standard double glazing for the front side windows. Textured two-tone indicator tips, a faux-ivory circular control pad and arcing door panels complete the high-end ambiance. There's very comfortable space for two adults in the second row, where you can really stretch out, though headroom isn't especially generous. The top 'Luxury'-spec model also adds independently-operated rear screens and a fold-down centre armrest laden with controls. Out back, there's 424-litre boot in the petrol model, which falls to 354-litres with the EV version.

Market and Model

Prices start at just under £48,500 for the 304PS 2.5-litre petrol rear-driven version. You can also talk to Genesis about an AWD version of this variant, priced at £1,900 more. Both of those figures are for base 'Premium' spec; you can upgrade to plusher 'Luxury' or 'Sport' trim levels in either case for just over £5,000 more. Obviously, you'll need more still for the fully-electrified model - just under £70,000 to be exact. These prices are comparable with the entry-level figures for cars like Audi's A6, BMW's 5 Series or the Mercedes E-Class, but with those models, you'll need to spend a lot more to get a comparable level of equipment that fitted with the G80. Just about everything you can imagine is fitted as standard. Genesis doesn't have a network of UK dealerships. Instead, everything is done via so-called Genesis 'Studios' - which will be shopfronts in upmarket shopping centres. One has already been opened in London and others will follow. But you don't have to go to one of those. You simply connect with Genesis online, then you'll be allocated your own Genesis Personal Assistant who'll take you through the sales process, from test drive to delivery - and they'll deal with after-care as well. This Assistant isn't won't be salaried on commission as an ordinary car salesperson would be, so you won't get any hard sell.

Cost of Ownership

In 2.5-litre petrol form, this G80 isn't very economic - quoted at 30.5-31.2mpg, with up to 205g/km of CO2. If you want to do better, then you'll need to ask your Genesis Personal assistant about the alternative all-electric version. That electrified G80 can go 323 miles on each charge. And it has a quick charging system can charge the battery from 10% up to 80% within 22 minutes. The Electrified G80 also has a V2L (Vehicle to Load) feature that makes it possible to conveniently charge other electric devices. And to increase energy efficiency, a solar panel is built into the roof to generate electricity using sunlight. Every Genesis is covered by a 5 year Care Plan which includes scheduled servicing for 5 years or 50,000 miles. With each service visit, Genesis will collect and return the car to your door. This also applies to any necessary work required, including warranty work. You simply contact your Genesis Personal Assistant to make it happen. Who can also arrange a courtesy car. The 5 year Care Plan also includes updates to in-car navigational maps. And there's complimentary subscription to Genesis Connected Services, which will allow you to access information services from your 'phone to digitally enhance your ownership experience.

Summary

If you want a full-sized luxury saloon not defined by its badge but by the way it looks, feels and drives, then this G80 might appeal. Particularly if you're fed up with the dismissive level of customer service that characterises some premium brand dealerships. This big Genesis sedan won't get the attention garnered upon its GV80 SUV stablemate, but in its own way, it's just as appealing a proposition - and one that starts from a considerably lower price starting point. The looks are individual, the cabin is sumptuous and this G80 can rival the best of its competitors when it comes to ride and refinement. Those alternatives would surely shade it in terms of handling, but that kind of capability is rarely important to customers in this segment. If this is a sign of things to come from Genesis, then the prospects for this ambitious Korean marque seem strong.

Body Glass

Automatic window defogger

Rain sensor

Auto defog and rain sensing wipers

Windshield acoustic film

Power front and rear windows with auto down/up

Laminated front side glass

Brakes

Ventilated front and rear disc brakes

ABS + ESC + HAC + MCB (Multi Collision Brake)

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Chassis/Suspension

Preview electronically controlled suspension

Communication

E-call

Apple car play/Android Auto

Bluetooth connection with voice recognition

Driver Aids

Rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist (RCCA)

Drive mode select

Proximity sensor for front doors

Blind spot collision avoidance assist rear (BCA-R)

Smart cruise control (NSCC-R) with stop and start

Manual speed limit assist (MSLA)

Lighting backup guidelines

Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Junction Turning (FCAJX)

Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

Lane keeping assist (LKA)

Electric power steering wheel with variable gear ratio steering

Rack and pinion optimized R-MDPS steering responsiveness and improved full turn steering wheel

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Reversing camera with dynamic guide lines

Driver attention warning

Traffic sign recognition

Front and rear parking sensors

FCA - Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (car, pedestrian, bicycle)

Driver Convenience

Electric rear tailgate opening

Wireless phone charger front

Driver Information

8" Dashboard cluster TFT display

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Outside rear mirrors electrical adjustment + heated

Electrochromic inside rear view mirror

Outside rear mirrors electrical folding

Embellishment Trims

Leatherette dashboard real stitching, CTR trim in PU leather

Carbon/hybrid weaving grain trim

Entertainment

Steering wheel audio remote control

1x USB charger in rear armrest

14.5" navi screen + DAB radio + phone mirroring + genesis connected + knob type CCP/RRC

Exterior Body Features

Sport appearance

Outside door handles chrome coating

Rear boot

Rear side wing doors

Body coloured bumpers

Black painted dual rear muffler and chrome coating

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights with dusk sensor

Puddle lamps with logo

LED side fender lamp

Dual front LED low and high projection headlamps with high beam

LED daytime running lights

LED rear stop lamp

Full LED rear combination lamps

LED rear fog lamps

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Premium air filter

3 zone auto air conditioning (incl rear)

Interior Features

Power outlet for rear (lower centre console)

Metal pedals

Lever type paddle shifter

Leatherette console box

Console storage box with dual pop

Drink holder at centre armrest

Heated leather steering wheel

Interior Lights

Adjustable interior ambient lighting

Safety

ISOFIX rear child anchor with upper and lower

Front thorax and pelvis + rear thorax + side curtain (ff/rr) airbag

10 airbags - Driver knee, front, enhanced front side and rollover-sensing side curtain, rear seat-mounted side, front center

Power child locks

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3 rear three point seatbelts

Seats

3 rear headrests

4 way manual headrest adjust for front seats

2 way electric cushion tilt up for driver and passenger

2 way electric height adjustable driver's seat

Fixed rear bench for 3 passengers with ski through

4 way electrically adjustable passenger seat

4 way electrically adjustable drivers seat

2 way electric height adjust front passenger seat

4 way electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Front passenger seat

2nd row heating floor output

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Central door lock driver's and passenger's control

Alarm

Smart key/button start

Wheels

Michelin tyres

Summer tyres pilot sport 4

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 69

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 207

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 321

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 325

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 205

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 211

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 172

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 178

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 191

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 195

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 210

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 205

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 88.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 101.5

CC: 2497

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 20

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 19.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 31.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 30.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 36

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 33.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 32.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 31.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 30.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 14.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 14.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 9.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 7.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 9.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 9.3

General

Coin Series: Sport Line

Coin Description: T

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 5

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 5

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 44D

Service Interval Mileage: 6500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 77

NCAP Safety Assist %: 91

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 304

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.3

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 304

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 224

Engine Power - RPM: 5800

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 311

Engine Torque - NM: 422

Engine Torque - RPM: 1650

Engine Torque - MKG: 43

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 275/40 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4995

Width: 1925

Wheelbase: 3010

Width (including mirrors): 2115

Height: 1465

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1930

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2450

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 520

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 424

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Brakes

Red Brake caliper

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Matt paint

Metallic paint

Special pearl metallic paint

Interior Features

Hybrid weaving interior garnish

Packs

Comfort seat pack - G80

Nappa leather seat pack - G80

Sunroof pack - G80/GV80

Lexicon audio system pack - G80

Comfort seat + Executive Pack - G80

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Havana red

Metallic - Savile silver

Metallic - Makalu grey

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Vatna grey

Pearl - Kawah blue

Pearl - Tasman blue

Pearl - Capri blue

Pearl - Uyuni white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alta white

Paint - Special

Special pearl metallic - Vik black

Matt - Makalu grey

Matt - Bond silver

Special pearl metallic - Cavendish red

Trim - Leather

Leather with quilting + piping - Obsidian black with grey stitching and obsidian black headlining

Leather with quilting + piping - Obsidian black with red stitching and obsidian black headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting + piping - Vanilla beige/Anthracite with vanilla beige headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting + piping - Obsidian black with red stitching and obsidian black headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting + piping - Sevilla red/obisidan black with obsidian black headlining

Wheels - Alloy

20" Design type B alloy wheels