So long Hyundai Genesis, hello 2017 Genesis G80

By Stephen Edelstein July 22, 2016

The 2017 Genesis G80 should look familiar. It’s been on sale as the Hyundai Genesis since the 2015 model year, after all. Now that Hyundai is turning Genesis into its own brand, this luxury sedan is getting a new identity.

That rebranding doesn’t bring many substantial changes, which is apparent upon seeing the car. The G80 looks largely the same as it did when it was still a Hyundai, apart from minor details and new badging. The look is still fairly handsome, and a full restyling probably wasn’t necessary.

The G80 retains the powertrain options offered in the Hyundai era. A 3.8-liter V6 produces 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque, while a 5.0-liter V8 makes 420 hp and 383 lb-ft. Both engines are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is also available on V6 models. Genesis brags that the chassis was tuned at the Nürburgring, but the G80 still places emphasis on luxury over sportiness

Read more: Genesis’ New York concept gives BMW and Mercedes reason to worry

The interior design is also largely unchanged from the old Hyundai Genesis, but packs plenty of tech features. A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The top sound system is a Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround setup with 17 speakers. Genesis also offers connected services, including an app that allows drivers to remotely start the G80, set the climate control, operate the door locks, and find the car in a crowded parking lot.

Standard safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, high beam assist, and automated emergency braking. Genesis says the G80 can brake itself to a full stop at speeds from 5 to 50 mph, with partial braking at speeds between 50 and 112 mph. A rearview camera is standard as well, with a head-up display optional.

The 2017 Genesis G80 goes on sale later this year, with pricing to be announced closer to that time. It will be one half of a two-car lineup alongside the larger Genesis G90, an all-new model that replaces the old Hyundai Equus. Further down the road, Genesis plans to launch a smaller sedan, some crossovers, and a coupe.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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