Genesis G80 - Review, Specs, Pricing, Features, Videos and More
Our Rating | 4.0/5 |
Price | $49,500 - $65,250 |
Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter turbo 6-cylinder |
Power | 300 hp / 375 hp |
Torque | 311 lb-ft / 391 lb-ft |
Drivetrain | RWD / AWD |
Pros | Stylish, great value, strong engines |
Cons | Thirsty engines too, tech suite lags behind Germans, badge snobbery is still a thing |
Bottom Line | The Genesis G80 is a fine alternative to the likes of the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series. Stylish and quick, it can't match their drivetrain refinement or tech suites, however. |
Table of contents
2021 Genesis G80 Review: First Drive
Life moves at a different pace up in Muskoka, Canada.
Ontario’s cottage country is so much more removed from the hustle and bustle of Toronto than the two hours’ drive suggests. Up here, in more typical times, there’d be folks lounging on docks in the chairs named after the region. But it’s November, so most people I come across are in big trucks not even approaching the speed limit. And the 2021 Genesis G80 is tugging at the leash.
Waiting for another one of the area’s great driving roads to clear, the scene serves up a timely contrast. As a brand, Genesis has been moving at relative light speed: it didn’t even exist five years ago. Yet here’s its latest mid-size sedan, a ground-up rethink that is every inch the measure of the dominant Germans in the class. The 2021 G80 is pampering, involving, and genuinely covetable—but at a price that won’t break the bank.
Genesis G80 vs BMW 5 Series Comparison
Learned veteran versus dramatic upstart. It’s a tale as old as time.
The Genesis G80 entered its second generation for 2021. The original was the starting point for the young Korean brand, but started life badged as a Hyundai. This generation ushers in the brand’s Athletic Elegance styling, a dramatic new look that truly sets it apart from the rest of the mid-size luxury sedan. One thing that hasn’t changed is Genesis’ penchant for piling in features to the gunwales, ensuring this well-stocked ride comprehensively out-points the competition, from its sub-$50k starting price ($66,000 CAD) right to the top trim. The latter is what we have here, the top-shelf, AWD 3.5T Prestige.
Meanwhile, the BMW 5 Series needs no introduction. The 5 has been the measuring stick for decades, and BMW gave this G30-generation model a further sprucing up for this year. Cleaner looks and the latest tech keep it fresh against not only the G80, but the updated Mercedes E-Class as well. Our tester is a lightly-optioned 540i xDrive—the six-cylinders have long been the sweet spot of the 5 Series range.
Detailed Specs
Price | $49,500 - $65,250 |
Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder / 3.5-liter turbo 6-cylinder |
Power | 300 hp / 375 hp |
Torque | 311 lb-ft / 391 lb-ft |
Drivetrain | RWD / AWD |
Transmission | 8AT |
Fuel Economy (city/hwy) | 22 mpg / 32 mpg |
Cargo Capacity | 13.1 cu ft |
Our Final Verdict
Genesis G80
Overall | 4.0 |
Performance | 8.0 |
Features | 8.0 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Quality and Styling | 8.0 |
Value | 8.0 |
More by AutoGuide.com Staff
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