By David Finkelstein

Genesis, Hyundai Motor's premium car division is showcasing its near luxury G80 sedan for 2018. Without question this automobile competes with some of the finest and accomplished nameplates currently on the road such as the Lexus GS, BMW 528i, Mercedes E300, Audi A6, Cadillac CTS and the Volvo S90.

Genesis G80 is fabricated from an impressive array of qualities including refined passing power and performance, human/machine focused technology and segment-leading advanced safety features.

Its overall suite of active safety counter measures lead to superior vehicle protection on various fronts. This includes radar governed electronic controlled Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection. The Automatic Emergency Braking system uses sensor fusion technology to help avoid a potential collision or reduce its impact in certain circumstances.

With this supplemental system, the G80 will employ automatic braking when it detects another vehicle at an unsafe closing rate of speed. Its also part of their Smart Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning feature in order to provide this extra margin of safety.

The entire Genesis G80 product mix was engineered to meet the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick + standards.

Fitted with 18-inch wheels, the car's exterior has an expressive timely yet modern design to it. This all channels our thoughts in the direction of a handsome and distinctive exterior overall. This styling theme tends to be quite upscale and classy. The sedan's attractively striking hexagonal front grille assembly is a key element within the car's DNA fluid lines imprint.



Along the sides of the car, you'll discover a precision stamped crease line leading into G80's powerful and dynamic rear design. The rear further benefits from it's sculptural impression and jeweled - full-LED wrap-around taillights that provide a sense of visual width and feeling of stability.  In summation, the car's telegraphed energy shows strength and surface details often discovered in sedans costing thousands more.

The modern interior design of the Genesis G80 supports all occupants with an impressive and comfortable layout. The easy to read gauge cluster as well as the placement of operating controls is positioned nicely. This user-centric design delivers effortless manipulation for helping the driver to be connected with the various interior components.

With fit & finish high on the designers' list of goals and objectives, both interior panels and exterior body parts are precise and well executed.

Total interior volume is impressive as it comes out to be 123.0 cubic feet. This further gives an advantage over segment competitors. G80 provides best-in-class; front leg room, head room and rear shoulder room as well. Interior surface touch points were engineered to decrease relative annoying interior reflections while available high-grade materials such as genuine aluminum and matte-finish wood ensure a luxurious feel.

On models equipped with the Head’s-Up Display feature, driving information is projected onto the windshield, nearer to the driver’s view of the road. Clearly, a lot of attention went into G80's seats in order to optimize seating comfort and support. The front seats for instance include 12-way power controlled positions. This also includes 4-way power lumbar, heated front seats with available ventilation, as well as heated rear seats, depending on the trim level.

Manufactured and assembled on a rigid, advanced high-strength steel platform, this engineering helps to ensure that G80 is remarkably safe, has a quiet interior and further supports world-class steering chassis dynamics and handling.

The sedan's rack-mounted electric power steering, with a variable gear ratio helps to provide high-speed stability and a direct feel at low and medium speeds.

G80 is offered with a choice of rear-wheel-drive or seamless all-wheel-drive configurations. Three engines are offered as well. The standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine is matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It utilizes direct-injection and produces 311 horsepower and 293 lb.-ft. of torque. The award-winning 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 383 lb. ft. of commanding torque. 

The Sport Model of the G80 includes a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine rated at 365-horsepower and 376 lb. ft. of torque. Both the V-8 and the 3.3-liter are recommended to be operated with premium fuel.

Genesis G80 is offered with ultra-premium, Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround audio system with 17 speakers, Logic 7 Surround Sound processing and 12-channel digital amplifier with 900-watts of equivalent output. This system is accompanied by G80’s standard 8-inch touchscreen navigation packed with integrated technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with additional hands-free and app-supporting software.

G80 also features standard Bluetooth, SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and iPod/USB auxiliary media input jacks. It's also offered with Genesis Connected Services to bring seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery.

Also standard is a 3 years/36K miles Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance plus Complimentary Valet Services within that time frame as well.

Pricing starts out at $41,750. The top end model has an MSRP of $59,500, excluding shipping charges of $975.