The Birth of a Luxury Brand!
By Charles Donaldson
After much talk, last year Hyundai separated its upscaled Genesis models into their own independent brand. Its sophomore year brings a new Sport trim packaged with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 tag-teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
It may seem difficult to imagine a luxury Korean vehicle, but the Genesis is all-that and much more and probably why you have never seen the Hyundai name or logo on any Genesis vehicles. All Genesis models G70, G80 and G90 are loaded with high-tech and lavish features but priced to meet the pocket-books of folks not in the “1%” salary category!
Personally, I have been very impressed by all of the Genesis models I have driven in the past couple of years. The ride, style, features, performance, quality, and technology rival the more expensive German brands. Like it or not top dogs, you have a new contender!
Pricing and Trims
For 2018 Genesis G80 is available in the following three trim levels: 3.8 RWD & AWD ($41,750, $44,250), 3.3T Sport RWD & AWD ($55,250, $57,750) and 5.0 RWD & AWD ($57,000, $59,500).
What’s new for 2018?
For 2018, Genesis adds a new Sport trim that features a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, sport tuned 8-speed automatic transmission and an adaptive sport suspension. Plus, all G80 trims received revised styling inside and out along with a new analog fuel gauge and standard safety features including Driver Attention Alert and Pedestrian Detection.
Interior Highpoints
The interior is fully dressed to impress with its aggressively-bolstered perforated leather seats, real carbon-fiber trim, suede headliner, and sport alloy pedals. The front seats offer heat and cooling and the rear seats are heated also. The amount of rear legroom was remarkable and extremely comfortable. Both rear doors had manual sunscreens and the rear-window, power sunscreen could be operated from the rear seats. A relatively new feature is the wireless phone charging station, eliminating once-necessary wiring. A feature I have always appreciated, is the reverse-mode camera 360-degree view, also called birds-eye view, which projects on the large center screen an aerial view of the vehicle and surroundings. You can also select to see from just the front or side cameras.
Exterior Highlights
In my opinion, the styling resembles a 5-series BMW with an almost Bentley front end. New for 2018: new front and rear fascia’s and modified headlights. The overall design is masculine and strong on presence. The new G80 Sport adds copper accents to the LED projectors in the new headlights. You will also find copper in the grille surround, throughout the cabin, and in the center caps of the 19-inch wheels.
Performance Specs
Genesis carried over both the base 3.8-liter V-6 and the optional 5.0-liter V-8 heavy weight motors. The power generated from the 3.8 is 311-horsepower with 293 lb.-feet of torque and the 5.0 mashes out 420 horses and 383 lb.-ft. The new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 feeds 365 hp and 376 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels. All three engines are mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Even though we are talking heavy vehicles the horses easily propel the G80 without hesitation down any road.
Cool Features:
·
A Lexicon audio system comes with a 9.2-inch touchscreen and 17
speakers
·
Wireless phone charging station
Safety Integrity The 2018 Genesis G80 comes with nearly every modern safety system available. All G80s come standard with nine standard airbags including a driver's knee bag, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, active head restraints, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2018, is the pedestrian detection system that watches people outside of the car, while a driver-awareness system monitors the person behind the wheel. The Genesis G80 earns the top- safety pick from the IIHS and NHTSA with a five-star rating across the board.
In Summary – The 2018 Genesis G80 completes the check-off list for all performance luxury buyers without breaking the bank! The G80 is stylish and comfortable, loaded with cool tech features and tons of safety elements; and enjoys both the performance and heart of a sports sedan. When you open the front doors at night the Genesis logo illuminates on the ground like a reverse batman signal. Bottom line: the Genesis G80 is made to impress and it does from every angle!
Specifications
2018 Genesis G80 RWD 3.3T Sport
Base price:
|
$55,250 as driven: $56,225 (including destination &
optional
features) |
Engine:
|
3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6
|
Horsepower:
|
365 hp
|
Torque:
|
376 lb.-ft.
|
Transmission:
|
8-speed automatic
|
Drive:
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
Seating:
|
5-passenger
|
Cargo
space:
|
15.3 cubic feet
|
Curb
weight:
|
4,519 pounds
|
EPA
mileage:
|
City 17/Hwy 25/Comb 20 MPG
|
Fuel Capacity:
|
20.3 gallons
|
Turning Circle:
|
36.2 ft.
|
Wheelbase:
|
118.5 inches
|
Warranty:
|
5 years/60,000-miles
|
Also consider:
|
Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CT6, Lexus GS, Infiniti Q70,
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S90
|
