2021 Genesis G80 2.5T: A Big Step Forward for the Brand

Competing with the luxury arms of other companies such as Toyota’s Lexus brand, Genesis is Hyundai’s main spearhead into the high-end car market. The year 2021 sees a redesign of their already well-known G80 sedan, and the results are nothing short of astonishing. When you add in the fact that Hyundai is still relatively new to the luxury market, it makes the new 2021 Genesis G80 2.5T all the more impressive.

It’s all in the Detailing

One area where the G80 2.5T is getting it exactly right is in its detailing. From the wraparound headlights with matching fender lighting, to its enlarged grille (though some may find the size rather gauche), intricate alloys and outer panelling that oozes old-world charm --- every inch of the G80, it would seem, has been carefully and finely crafted.

The interior continues that opulent style with a timelessly stylish ambience. A gorgeous sweeping instrument panel and dash work seamlessly together with the well-integrated central 14.5” touchscreen infotainment display and other controls to create a natural elegance. Add to that the plush seating with fine-quality stitching, the contemporary metal-finish rotary gear shifter and the general combination of modern brush metal with sumptuous leather trims, and the finished package is a serious rival to its European automotive rivals.

Strong Drive Performance

For a car that’s whisper quiet (only 66db of interior noise at 112kph), the G80 is rather powerful. It’s powered by a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.5L engine pumping out 300hp and 311lb-ft of torque. It’ll take you from 0 to 100kmh in well under 6 seconds.

The drive quality rivals that of a top-end German-brand sedan --- the base-level model at least --- and could use a little more oomph in acceleration and agility to add a little more appeal to the fans of faster-paced and more dynamic driving.

But There’s Still some Downside

As we touched on in the first point, there are some elements of detailing like the large grille that some drivers may not care for. Also, while the G80 is resplendent with features, some of them are placed somewhat half-heartedly. Most notably in this category is the seat massage function, which has a rather weak pulse action that doesn’t really do much to relieve the potential tensions that come from a long drive.

Finally, while Hyundai are doing well to keep up with their rivals in Germany and Japan, they still have some ways to go on the prestige and recognition of their brand. Do enough people know about the brand for it to mean something when you own one?

Overall – It’s a Big Leap Forward for Genesis

The G80 will undoubtedly help Hyundai to springboard its luxury brand further to the forefront. The great value base price of AU$69,200, resplendent features, overall style and drive performance make it a rival for many similar standard models among the top German brands like Audi. It shouldn’t be long until Genesis is planted firmly in the hearts and minds of high-end luxury sedan drivers everywhere.