First Drive: 2021 Genesis G80

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When Genesis launched four years ago with the G80 and G90 sedans, it turned the luxury car market on its ear — here was an upscale upstart from a company that specialized in affordability. Positioning this brand extension against the established luxury marques caused some to turn their noses up, but history has proven that attitude wrong.

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The G90 in particular was every bit as luxurious as its German counterparts, but it arrived with a significantly lower price tag. This more-for-less philosophy has been used to grow the lineup, which now includes the GV80 crossover. Further out, there will be a GV70 crossover in early 2021 and an all-electric ride arriving late 2021. A second EV is also planned.

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First Drive: 2021 Genesis G80 Back to video

The second-generation G80, which is offered in Advanced and Prestige trims, continues the charge. The rework touches every facet — the look is bolder with more substance, the new engines are deceptively powerful, and the technology side sees everything take a big step forward. The combination makes for a compelling package.

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Outwardly, the G80 adopts the GV80’s quad-beam headlights, daytime running lights, and exaggerated grille. The bold fascia then flows rearward to a coupe-like tail. The result has road presence, as we experienced on our drive — after onlookers asked what this car was, they went on to say they loved it. When these same people opened the door, there was some serious gushing. The G80’s cabin is a home run.

Not only are the materials top-notch, the cabin houses everything in a neat and orderly design that shows careful attention to detail. From the shifter dial and infotainment system’s rotary controller on the centre console, to the windshield wiper and turn signal arms, everything has a quality look and feel. The same applies to the oversized 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, presenting vivid graphics in an orderly fashion that doesn’t require a learning curve to master. It also works with a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system that gives you goosebumps when cranked.

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The centre piece of the Prestige trim is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It tracks the driver’s eyes to present the information in three-dimensions — it gives important information priority over lesser information by putting the latter in the background. It is a trick and novel way of showing a lot of information clearly. I loved it, but it’s something some owners may skip and use the conventional 2D view.

As for active safety, the G80 gets the lot including the ability to use the steering to keep it centred between the lines when the adaptive cruise control is engaged. Two additional front radars help the G80 “look” for oncoming and side-coming traffic at intersections, and the car can apply the brakes to avoid a potential crunch.

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In terms of interior space and comfort, the G80 once again hits home. Up front, the seats are comfortable and come with more adjustment than most will ever need, let alone use — the Prestige’s Ergo Motion driver’s seat has seven air bladders that adjust the contour according to the driving mode and/or vehicle speed. Slide rearward and the back seats have plenty of legroom thanks to the 3,010-millimetre wheelbase. However, the coupe-like swoop of the rear roof puts a minor crimp in headroom for anyone over six feet. Likewise, the 371-litre trunk is on the small side, given the expansive interior accommodations.

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The engines are new for 2021. The base G80 Advanced gets a 2.5L turbo-four that spins out 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. On the drive, it proved to be surprisingly spry, reacting quickly to a heavy prod at the gas while remaining quiet. For many potential owners this engine will be enough — as peak torque arrives at 1,300 rpm, it feels bigger than its 2.5L displacement suggests.

The G80 Prestige earns a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, also at 1,300 rpm. While a V6 is never quite as smooth as a V8, this one does a remarkably good impression. The momentum generated when you mat the gas pedal is unflustered and fast — it wafts the G80 from rest to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. This engine is worth taking for a drive, if only to experience it before buying the turbo-four. Its work ethic is seductive.

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Both engines are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and all four wheels. The AWD system does a good job of getting the power down — a healthy stab at the gas saw it pull away without fuss. In a twist, the system has been incorporated into a rear-drive platform, so it feeds power forward when AWD is needed — the everyday split is 50/50 front/rear. On the icy drive route, it added to the drivability enormously by delivering traction when there was seemingly none.

While the base suspension does a good job of controlling body motions while remaining comfortable, another reason for moving up to the Prestige model is the electronically controlled adaptive suspension with something called Road Preview. It not only does a good job of controlling body roll through a fast corner, but it also uses a forward-facing camera to adjust the suspension ahead of a road ripple or speed bump.

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On the drive, the Prestige’s ride was plush. Crank up the tone of the drive and it did an equally good job of carving a corner. The same applies to the steering: it’s direct, crisp, and responds quickly to input. Given the 2,040-kilogram curb weight, the Prestige proved to be remarkably agile. Part of the reason is the new engines and lighter platform put less mass over the front wheels, so there’s less of a tendency for the G80 to understeer when pressed into a corner. The result is a tighter, more neutral drive that still manages to deliver big car comfort.

Naturally, everything can be adjusted through a series of drive modes. Eco is a waste of time, but Comfort is best for everyday use and Sport for the fun times. There is a Custom setting that allows you to mix and match certain facets, but as with Eco, it’s pretty much redundant.

For some buyers, the 2021 Genesis G80 may not have the pedigree of an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but for those smart enough to look past this will find a luxurious and technologically advanced sedan that’s quick, comfortable, and very refined. The fact it turns heads and costs less than the established marques seals its appeal.

The G80 is on sale now. The Advanced is priced at $66,000, while the Prestige commands $76,000.