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2017 Genesis G80 Road Test and Review

TS
by Tony Swan
February 27, 2017
4 min. Reading Time
2017 Genesis G80 ・  Photo by Genesis

2017 Genesis G80 ・ Photo by Genesis

Genesis is the new marketing channel launched by Hyundai mid-way through 2016, and you’re forgiven if you’re still a little confused. Wasn’t Genesis a Hyundai brand, as in the Genesis? Created to give Hyundai a foothold in the luxury sedan market? Yes it was. Hyundai execs looked at the business model employed by Toyota in developing its Lexus division, and decided they could avoid the enormous associated cost and get the job done under their established identity. That was 2009, and while the Hyundai Genesis sedan enjoyed a fair level of success it became clear that getting high-end buyers to associate the word luxury with the name Hyundai was a bigger job than anticipated. Thus the Genesis division came to be. And the sedan originally called the Hyundai Genesis becomes the Genesis G80, number two in the divisional launch lineup behind the all-new flagship G90.

The G80 Evolution

This is fundamentally the same car that we previously knew as the Hyundai Genesis, but there are enough updates to make it more than just a badge job. For example, the skin is new, giving the G80 a look that’s consistent with the more expensive G90. The styling of both cars has been characterized as derivative, borrowing from the lords of the Autobahn—for example, it doesn’t take much squinting to see Audi in that front end treatment—and it’s restrained by class standards. On the other hand, the G80 has an upscale presence, and a new Sport model adds a little pizzazz to the mix this spring. The interiors are handsome and roomy, standard features are abundant, and the Genesis dealer support program, including pick-up and drop-off service, seems well conceived to make owners happy.  

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

The Market

The G80’s mission brief is similar to that of the original Hyundai Genesis: win a place in the sun with the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, specifically the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes E-Class. That troika dominates the midsize luxury sedan market, which also includes the Acura RLX, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Kia 900, Lexus GS, Lincoln Continental, and Volvo S90. Lots of cars, but the German trio sets the pace in this class. And that’s the threesome that Genesis seeks to challenge.  

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

The Car

Midsize is an elastic category, covering a wide range of dimensions, and the G80 is at big end of the scale, bigger than any of the three Germans that define the class—1118.5-inch wheelbase, 196.5 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 58.3 inches tall. Closest to these dimensions among the Teutons is the BMW 5, 194.6 inches long, 73.5 inches wide, and 58.2 inches tall on a 117.1-inch wheelbase.

Does size matter? Do inches matter? You bet. Especially when they translate as interior volume. As they do here. In other respects—chassis solidity, for example—the G80 measures up well versus the Allemagne all-stars. But that solidity comes with a caveat: The G80 is pudgy, outweighing the Deutschmobiles by as much as 500 pounds. Mass is never a good thing in automotive design. More on this later.

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

Propulsion

Pending the arrival of the Sport model, the 2017 Genesis G80 offers two engine choices—a 3.8-liter V6 (311 horsepower, 293 lb.-ft. of torque) standard, and a 5.0-liter V8 (420 hp, 383 lb.-ft.) is the upgrade option. Both engines send power to the pavement via an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available, but only with the V6. The Sport model, due in showrooms this spring as a 2018 model, will include a new 3.3-liter turbocharged V6, rated for 365 hp and 376 lb.-ft. of torque.

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

The G80 Sport

The Genesis G80 3.3T Sport is distinguished by a black grille, dark chrome, copper accents, and 19-inch black alloy wheels. The interior features dark leather sport seats, a leather-covered wheel, and copper stitching. But in addition to the turbocharged six, its most compelling distinction is likely to be a suspension augmented by auto-adjusting shock absorbers, giving the G80 increased agility to justify the Sport designation.

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

Inertia Factor

In addition to its strong curbside presence, the G80 has an exceptionally powerful presence at the scales. As noted, its curb weights are much higher than those of almost all competing cars, and this has an inevitable affect on acceleration. The 3.8-liter V6 of the standard G80 is definitely held back by its mass, particularly when equipped with all-wheel drive, delivering 0-to-60 times in the mid-6-second range. The 5.0-liter V8—the power source in our Autobytel test car (formally, a G80 5.0 Ultimate)—adds more vigor to forward progress, particularly in passing maneuvers. But curb weight and fuel economy aren’t compatible. With V8 power, the G80’s EPA ratings are 15 mpg city, 23 highway. We averaged just over 19 mpg in 600-plus miles of Florida touring.

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

Mass in Motion

Mass also has its weighty say in vehicle dynamics, affecting steering response, directional changes, and braking distance. Suspension tuning, of course, is part of the equation, and in this sense the G80 leans toward comfort. This is not to say mushy—the G80 won’t remind anyone of the American idea of luxury dynamics, circa 1955. But there’s a bit more rock and roll than one experiences in cars with Autobahn heritage. Similarly, stopping from freeway speeds takes longer than average, and tire adhesion—grip—is only so-so. While the steering is quick and accurate (2.5 turns from full left to full right), and its luxury virtues are numerous, the sports sedan label does not apply.

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

Elements of Luxury

While the 2017 Genesis G80 doesn’t exactly excel at athletics, it does very well in the area of making its occupants happy. In addition to smooth ride quality, it’s roomy—always welcome—and exceptionally quiet on the freeway. The seats aren’t in quite the same class as, say, a BMW’s, but are comfortable enough, with good adjustability. Add the symphonic sound from a 17-speaker Lexicon sound says and the going is suitably serene, ideal for making pleasant work of long freeway hauls—coast-to-coast across Nebraska, for example. Or a run from Jacksonville to Key West.

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

The Inner G80

The Ultimate is the top of the G80 line, and it includes pretty much all the amenities in the model inventory. Highlights: the premium Lexicon audio, power panoramic sunroof, 9.2-inch touchscreen display with navigation, color head-up display, and wood trim that actually looks like wood with its open grain (as distinct from the plasticized planking in many luxomobiles). All seats are heated, and the fronts are also ventilated, with a wide range of adjustability. The leather is handsomely stitched, as is the dashboard cowl, and the instruments are attractively legible. Moreover, the infotainment and connectivity are contemporary, and the general level of fit and finish is first rate. Safety and driver-assist features, such as a surround view camera and adaptive cruise control with pedestrian recognition and automatic emergency braking, also qualify as contemporary, though not exceptional.

 Photo by Genesis Motors

Photo by Genesis Motors

Price and Value

Hyundai’s success story is rooted in delivering attractive vehicles with loads of standard features for not much money versus comparable competition. That policy carries forward to the Genesis line, and the G80 5.0 Ultimate is a prime example. The price range starts at $42,350, well below any competitor, and the window sticker on our loaded 5.0 Ultimate was $55,715, some $15,000 less than comparably equipped sedans such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF, and Mercedes E-class. The G80 doesn’t have the prestige index of its target competition, but it’s hard to ignore the G80’s value proposition.

 Photo by Genesis

Photo by Genesis


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