Hyundai Goes Upmarket: Genesis G80

The 2017 Genesis G80 should be familiar, yet unfamiliar at the same time. This is because this latest luxury sedan on the market once hailed from the Hyundai Genesis family but is coming into its own, now that the Korean car maker has turned it into its own brand.

This sedan retains the powertrain options once offered in the Hyundai version. At its heart sits either a 3.8-liter V6 engine that serves up 311hp, or a 5.0-liter V8 that pushes out 420hp. Both are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and together with a stiffer body, provide handling that is reportedly better than BMW 5 Series.

Safety technology is also a selling point for this new Genesis. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, autonomous emergency braking with collision avoidance or mitigation and lane keep assist will babysit you throughout your drive (though it is still probably best you give your utmost attention whenever on the road, for obvious reasons).



Surprisingly, the G80 retains its predecessor’s façade and interiors, save for a few minor updates and new badging. We’re happy to announce, though, that the car is far superior technologically. Its 8.0-inch infotainment system enables navigation, and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sing-along sessions won’t be the same again now that you have the accompaniment of a Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround setup, complete with 17 speakers. Connected services also means that you can start the car remotely, set climate control, unlock doors and find your car in a crowded parking lot – all via an app. The car is also considerably more spacious with 107.7 cubic feet of passenger space – 10 cubic feet more than a Cadillac CTS and nine cubic feet more than Merc’s latest E-Class (which we will be looking at next week in Singapore). Frequent travelers will appreciate luggage space that beats out the Infiniti Q70 and BMW 5 Series.

Hyundai knows that the customer experience is as important as the driver’s, and will hence give Genesis owners three years of complimentary maintenance besides sending a valet to collect the car, and providing a courtesy vehicle during servicing. Connected services such as a concierge service are also in the package. “Genesis cars exude confidence, and it has driven us to design an ownership experience that is personalized, convenient and saves time,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the US market. “Respect and courtesy are the foundation of the Genesis Experience. We will honor our owners’ time through streamlined processes that put their needs first.”

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