The large sedan segment has shrunk over the past decade as SUVs have taken over as the preferred method of family travel. Thankfully a handful of excellent examples still exist and Genesis produces two of them, the G70 and the flagship G80.
The G80 was restyled in 2025 and the model line-up simplified with a choice of 2.5T and 3.5T AWD drivetrains and the previously optional Luxury Package offered as standard across the range. At the summit of the G80 range is this G80 Sport Package (a $6,000 option). It’s differentiated with unique styling and a number of new exclusive colours, including this very nice Kawah Blue.
At the front of the G80 Sport, is a sport-exclusive grille and bumper design establish a dynamic look. A dark chrome DLO moulding continues the theme in profile, along with exclusive 20-inch Sport alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and black painted brake calipers. A Sport-exclusive rear bumper and dual single-outlet mufflers complete the elegant image. New micro lens array LED headlights with Dynamic Welcome Light function are also included across the G80 range.
As the badge suggests the G80 3.5T is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, producing a maximum of 279kW of power at 5,800rpm and 530Nm of torque between 1,300-4,500rpm. The all-wheel drive sedan has an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission with plastic steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for ‘manually’ changing gears. There are four drive modes available, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and My mode. Under My mode you can individually adjust and save your preferences for the Engine/Transmission, Steering, Suspension, and e-LSD. The 2025 version has a slightly increased official combined fuel usage of 11L/100km and for my week I averaged less than this at 9.8L/100km.
Exclusive to 3.5T variants, Road Preview ECS technology detects speed humps and potholes ahead using the front camera and then optimally controls the damping force of the 2025 G80’s continually variable Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) to optimise ride comfort. This technology provided a very comfortable, quiet and smooth ride, even on bumpy roads, during our adventures with the G80. The G80 Sport also has Rear-Wheel Steering that actively controls the steering angle of the rear wheels to reduce the turning circle at low speeds (counter steering) as well as enhance steering responsiveness and stability at high speed (parallel steering). Plus, an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential that optimises power distribution between the rear wheels based on the driving conditions, enhancing vehicle control and performance by preventing tyre slip.
The 2025 G80 cabin is headlined by a 27-inch-wide OLED Integrated Display incorporating the multimedia/navigation and cluster information. Further comfort and convenience additions include a Fingerprint Recognition module, a Heated Front Console Armrest with UV-C Sanitising Compartment, Active Road Noise Cancelling, and 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. You also get keyless entry on all four doors and push button keyless start, so the pretty key fob can remain in your handbag at all times.
The interior is finished off with a stylish and modern fascia incorporating the touch controls for the climate settings. The basic ambient lighting now extends to the centre console and the integrated controller that has been specially designed with an elegant transparent rotary dial for a sophisticated jewel finish. I particularly liked that there was only a limited amount of gloss black surfaces in the G80 cabin.
On top of this, the 2025 G80 Sport interior treatment incorporates a two-tone leather heated steering wheel with powered column adjustment, Nappa leather upholstery, carbon silver wire/red carbon mix crash pad, door trim and console garnishes, and metal-faced diamond-pattered sports pedals. Another exclusive to G80 Sport is the High-Performance Gauge cluster presents additional vehicle data such as oil temperature, torque output and turbo boost pressure, underpinning a uniquely dynamic driving experience.
G80 Sport customers have the choice of Obsidian Black with Grey Stitch, Obsidian Black with Red Stitch, or the two-tone Obsidian Black/Sevilla Red and Ash Grey/Vanilla Beige interior colours. This light-coloured interior is definitely only suitable for people with OCD tendencies because keeping it clean would be difficult. Even the suede headlining is beige, so you would not want dirty hands anywhere near it or the opaque blind covering the large sunroof.
The quilted Sport seats have power adjustment for recline, forward/back, seat height/tilt front and rear, under thigh support, side bolster, four-way lumbar adjustment and two memory positions on both front seats. They are heated and cooled and the cooling is somewhat quiet while operating. There are additional controls on side of passenger seat so the driver can adjust the recline and move it forward and back, handy if the driver needs to adjust this seat.
The 27-inch-wide OLED Integrated Display connects wirelessly to your phone using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the latter worked well for the week I drove the G80. There are two USB-C ports and one 12V socket under the split folding arm rest and a wireless phone charger at the front of it. The 2025 G80 features the latest generation of Genesis Connected Services (GCS) and owners are provided with complimentary 5-year subscription. GCS facilitates an increasingly connected lifestyle with an array of safety, security and convenience features available from within the vehicle and via a compatible smartphone.
It’s hard to imagine, but the rear seats in the G80 are even more luxurious than the fronts, as they have five massage settings to select from, Comfortable, Stretch, Pelivs, Waist or Whole Body with adjustment for intensity and length of operation. They also have powered recline adjustment that also raises the seat base into a relaxing seating position and the leg room is good, but taller individuals may find the headroom to be tight. In addition, the seats are also heated and cooled and both functions worked well, only the cooling was a little noisy when operating.
Under the heated centre console, which incorporates touch controls for the climate and rear screens, among other features, there is a cubby with two USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger in it. At the front of the console there are two pop out cup holders and the small cubby in the rear doors would fit a 600ml drink bottle laid on its side, the same design is featured on the front doors as well. For younger passengers there are two ISOFix/three rear tether child seat restraint points and manual blinds on the rear windows. One slight criticism would have about the G80 is these should have powered operation like the blind on the rear windscreen.
The G80 I drove had the optional Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system ($4,500), which is exclusively available on the 3.5T and Sport variants, and brings a pair of 14.6-inch displays presenting a range of entertainment and convenience choices. Each of the HD smart displays features independent viewing, and power and volume controls. A shared remote control allows independent control of each monitor. These are the best rear screens I’ve seen in any vehicle that I have reviewed, and my children agree, as they were easy to navigate and use.
When connected to a user’s device via mobile hotspot, the RSE system lets occupants watch services such as Netflix and YouTube built-in. In addition, users can mirror their device by connecting via the USB-C (audio and video) or HDMI input on the right-side display. The RSE system also supports Bluetooth to let users easily connect their headphones for a truly personal audio-visual experience. As well as entertainment, the unit allows the adjustment of the rear climate control functions, for temperature, air speed, and mode or you can also adjust the rear climate from the front controls as well. The G80 has two central rear air vents with individual direction and closing controls.
The boot lid has a powered operation and you can open and close it from the button on the boot, key fob, and in the cabin. The boot space is very large with four plastic tie down points and an opening in the centre between the rear seats for longer items. There’s a space saver spare tyre located under the boot floor and as with all Genesis vehicles it has a comprehensive first aid kit and a roadside assistance kit.
New and updated safety and driver assistance technology in 2025 G80 includes Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist 2 with Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist detection, and Lane Following Assist 2 with Hands on Detection. Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (Forward/Side/Reverse), Rear Occupant Alert (radar type), Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control are all standard. Occupants are also protected by 10 airbags covering the front, front centre side, driver knee, front thorax + pelvis, rear thorax, and curtain.
Like most vehicles in the Genesis/Hyundai family the driver aids bong a lot and although you can turn it off this has to be done every time you start the vehicle. For convenience you also get a standard rear-view camera and 360-degree view with 3D walk around and front, side and rear parking sensors. Plus, auto lights, auto high beam and rain sensing auto wipers.
All G80 vehicles have a five year/unlimited km warranty, other than vehicles used at any time during the warranty period for commercial application. G80 vehicles are entitled to Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance (i.e., logbook) services every 12 months of 15,000km for the first five Years or 75,000 km, whichever occurs first. Once customers take delivery of their vehicle, they are seamlessly enrolled in the five years, 24/7 Roadside Assistance program. This increases to 10 years if servicing is conducted by Genesis. Owners can also avail themselves to the Concierge Service and Courtesy Vehicle Service for five Years.
The Genesis G80 3.5T AWD starts at $121,000 excluding on-road costs and as tested with the options mentioned this pinnacle G80 Sport was $131,500 excluding on-road costs. For more information you can visit a Genesis retail outlet, build and price your G80 online or book a test drive here.
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| Pros | Cons |
| The quiet, comfortable ride | The light-coloured interior |
| The rear entertainment screens | Rear window blinds should be powered |
| The luxurious rear seats | The driver safety aids bong a lot |
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.