Newly revised for 2025, Genesis unsung G80 gets a facelift, inside and out
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You really don’t give a rat’s you-know-what if the neighbours are impressed
Three powertrains are available for the G80. There’s a 2.5-litre turbocharged that boasts 300 horsepower, a 375-hp 3.5-litre Turbo V6 and, in the Electrified, twin electric motors that total 365 hp.
Of course, even the 3.5T can’t hold a candle to the instant torque available in the G80 Electrified. Oh, its 365-hp is not quite a match for the V6’s output, but its 516 pound-feet of torque is more than up to the task. And thanks to that maximum torque being available right from zero rpm, throttle response is instantaneous. The G80 Electrified is one of the mostly efficient EVs we’ve tested and boasted excellent range in our Range Finder tests. Were it not for the slowness of charging, the Electrified would be the best sedan in Genesis’ lineup.
What’s new with the Genesis G80 for 2025?
Inside, the changes are more noticeable. There’s decidedly more leather and the appointments, especially the new HVAC controls, are classier. The infotainment and gauge cluster now make one giant 27-inch OLED screen which really adds a sense of high-tech to what is otherwise a classic interior. My one complaint was the physical controller — a rotary knob in the centre console — wasn’t always a reliable servant when trying to operate CarPlay. Using the touchscreen solved that problem, but I think Genesis might want to iron out a few bugs in its CarPlay/Android Auto integration. One thing to note is that only gas-fed G80s get these mid-model refreshes for 2025; the G80 Electrified will have to wait until 2026 for its upgrades, but it does get a longer wheelbase as well as the grille and screen changes.
The G80, as I have said, is now as luxurious as the best of its competition — and more opulent than some — but, unfortunately, it now costs almost as much as its German competitors. My tester, a 3.5T with the Sport Plus package starts at $89,000, destination and delivery included Nothing, not even in Asian luxury sedans, comes for free.
What competes with the Genesis G80?
If you really need a badge…
Now, to be fair the BMW weighs more and its interior is not quite as opulent (yes, I am actually saying the Genesis out-luxuries the BMW). The BMW also handles a built better, but does not enjoy nearly the advantage it might have once boasted. Essentially, the Genesis has the better ride and interior, the BMW, fuel economy and price. This is as competitive a matchup as you’ll find in this segment. The advantage, however slight, might go to the Bimmer, thanks to its badge.
If you want the same sleek styling…
Another Genesis with “G” and “80” in its badging…
There’s more room in the cabin, especially in the rear seats. The trunk is likewise more commodious than the G80 sedan. On the other hand, the thing is pretty porky and its 2,300 kilograms weigh heavily on the 2.5T and even a little on the 3.5-litre Twin Turbo. Interestingly, Genesis only wants $1,000 more for GV80 Advanced 2.5T than for the equivalent G80 sedan, a smaller uptick than most manufacturers demand for “graduating” to an SUV.
Nonetheless, if I were shopping an SUV in this segment, I would opt for BMW’s plug-in hybrid, the X5 XDrive50e. Besides, this is one of those times the sedan is markedly superior to the SUV, so my overall recommendation is to stick with the four-door G80.
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