Genesis G80 (2021): Long, Lean & Elegant

[Nairrk]

Just on the heels of its new GV80 SUV, Genesis is now showing a new version of the closely related G80 sedan. These initial photos show a dramatic redesign for the luxury four-door, which will continue to occupy the mid-size position of the brand's lineup between the G70 and G90.

The outgoing G80 initially started life as the second-generation Hyundai Genesis but was rebadged upon the creation of the standalone Genesis luxury brand. The new model looks like it will make a significant jump upmarket, as evidenced by its bold exterior styling that incorporates the Genesis brand's signature pentagonal grille and similar headlights and taillights as the GV80. The interior also looks rich, with high-quality leather and wood and a large 14.5-inch central display screen.

Genesis says it will share more details this month as the car prepares to go on sale in Korea. As for its arrival in the U.S., we'd expect it to hit dealerships by the end of 2020, following the launch of the GV80 by a few months.

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[Nairrk]

2021 Genesis G80 Fully Revealed, and We're Impressed

While the last Genesis G80 began life as a Hyundai before being rebadged, this new generation was developed from the start to be part of a luxury brand—and it shows. The new 2021 G80 oozes presence, has a genuinely upscale interior, and promises improved performance to boot. This mid-size luxury sedan is set to go on sale in the second half of 2020, following the arrival of the closely related GV80 SUV.

While it has the same 118.5-inch wheelbase as its predecessor, the G80 rides on a new rear-wheel-drive platform and is a bit longer, lower, and wider than before. It remains slightly larger than competitors such as the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series, which should give it an advantage in terms of rear-seat room. Genesis claims that the new G80 is 243 pounds lighter than before thanks to a greater use of aluminum in the body.

New engines are on board, as a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft now serves as the base engine to replace the old naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6. A twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 is the upgrade engine. Its 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque offer more grunt than the old model's twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 but a bit less than its 5.0-liter V-8, which is no longer offered. Both engines offer an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional.

Our initial impressions of the G80's interior are that it strikes a nice balance between simplicity and decadence. The abundant leather, open-pore wood, and metal trim look to be high quality, and the dashboard design is pleasing without being overwhelming. Though a large 14.5-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster dominate the arrangement, there are a fair number of physical buttons and knobs that remain for climate control, radio, and navigation functions. The rotary gearshifter is placed directly behind a controller for the infotainment system.

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