By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 16, 2017) In case you missed the announcement (you’re not alone), Hyundai has spun off the Hyundai Genesis as its own new luxury brand simply known as Genesis. Think of Hyundai’s approach to the Genesis brand as similar to that of Toyota and Lexus, Nissan and Infiniti, Honda and Acura.

Genesis offers two luxury sedans for the 2017 model year: the G90, a replacement for the discontinued flagship Equus sedan, and the G80 tested here, replacing the Hyundai Genesis sedan. A compact, rear-wheel-drive sedan called the G70, and a crossover utility vehicle are in the works.

Unlike Lexus, Infiniti and Acura, Genesis is sold out of current Hyundai dealerships. The automaker hasn’t ruled out a new franchise and separate Genesis dealerships and showrooms to further define it as a luxury brand.

Buyers of the G80 and G90 sedans are treated differently at the Hyundai dealership with extra perquisites including valet pickup and drop off for the free scheduled service intervals.

While the Hyundai Genesis has been rebranded as the G80 for 2017, it is mostly the same vehicle as the 2016 model. It’s nonetheless an excellent with few styling changes involved.

A large vehicle with a massive grille and LED running lights, severely raked windshield and low roofline, the G80 looks elegant and is easily identified as a luxury sedan with it’s striking profile.

Inside, the G80 is fashioned with high-grade materials such as genuine aluminum trim, matte-finish walnut or ash wood applications and supple leathers. Primary operating controls are designed to maximize intuitive and simple use. But Genesis employs too much duplicity with knobs and buttons, leading to excessive functional overlap and, at times, frustrating use.



Front seat ergonomics are excellent with ample adjustments for occupants of all sizes. Seats are heated and ventilated.

Rear seats are equally comfortable, but lack heating and ventilation, a glaring oversight for a purported luxury sedan. It also lacks a much-needed USB port and the seat doesn’t fold for extra space when needed. However, there is a ski pass through that somewhat helps.

Our G80 was powered by a 420-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 311-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 is the standard engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive — called HTRAC — offered only on the V-6 for an extra $2500.

The G80 is also equipped with the latest in safety technology, like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and nine airbags including driver’s knee airbag. It earned the highest possible 2017 Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and an overall 5-star safety rating from the U.S. government.

While the G80 falls short of German credentialed sport sedans relative to acceleration and performance, it does deliver ample power, confident handling, and an exceptionally quiet ride that most shoppers will find appealing.

As a luxury sedan, the G80 is suitably impressive, but buyers set high expectations for a luxury brand vehicle. In that regard the G80, is no better than average. It also doesn’t hold the cachet of a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Lexus, whose badge on the trunk lid is important to those buyers. 

However, if you don’t need the established luxury brand name, the G80’s best feature may be its bang for the buck. Comparably equipped, the savings can approach $15,000. Now all Hyundai needs to do is convince buyers they’re not spending luxury-car money for a gussied up Hyundai.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $55,550
Price as Tested: $55,700
Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower: 420-hp
Fuel Economy: 18-MPG City – 28-MPG Highway
Crash Test Safety Rating: IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick+ - NHTSA 5-Star

Competes With

Audi A6
BMW 5 Series
Cadillac CT6
Infiniti Q70
Lexus GS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

What Stands Out

Roomy, quiet, luxurious interior
Advanced safety features – crash test ratings
Excellent bang-for-the-buck