Genesis G80 - TopCarNews

Genesis G80 (2021 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Genesis G80 is a large executive saloon that arrived in the UK in Autumn 2021, looking to challenge the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Genesis is a spin-off upmarket brand owned by Hyundai, and the G80, alongside the GV80 SUV, is its first foray into the European automotive market after successes in Asia and the USA.

You won’t be able to buy a Genesis at a traditional dealership; orders are delivered to the customer, and cars are collected from the owner for servicing over a standard five-year care plan, as the brand looks to provide an attractive premium ownership experience.

The G80 range offers two engine options to potential buyers; a 304hp 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 210hp 2.2-litre diesel unit, both versions fitted with a eight-speed automatic gearbox. Genesis sells an all-electric version of the G80 in Asia, but this version has not reached the UK and there appear to be no plans to bring it here.

The Genesis G80 has recieved a wide range of review scores, ranging from excellent to mediocre, reviewers often singling out the saloon’s upmarket interior trim and the brand’s ownership care plan and warranty for particular praise.

“The Genesis G80 is an accomplished proposition with a distinct design, knockout interior, lots of well-integrated tech and a strong customer focus”, Car explains. “Unfortunately, that’s the opposite of the engine line-up, with a petrol engine that’s off the pace, a diesel whose time has passed, and no electrification yet.”

Company Car Today concludes its review by stating, “The Genesis G80 is off the pace in a lot of areas, such as tax, ride quality, headroom, boot space and efficiency, compared to established rivals.”

As of December 2021, the Genesis G80 holds an Expert Rating of 59%, based on 16 reviews published by UK media sources.

G80 highlights

Luxury interior trim
Five years of free servicing
Stylish exterior
Good equipment levels

G80 lowlights

No eletrification offered across range
Smaller boot than rivals
Rather rigid ride comfort
Poor fuel economy

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloonEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £37,460 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2021Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“If you’re looking for a capable and luxurious executive saloon that runs the class leaders close, then the Genesis G80 is a worthy alternative.”
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Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic Luxury LineScore: 8 / 10“We’re surprised how close to the class-leading BMW 5 Series Genesis has got first time out. The G80 matches its German rival on quality and class, and offers a unique buying and owning experience and some tech that’s yet to filter through to BMW.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 5 / 10“Stylish, well-made and packed with tech, the Genesis G80 is impressive. But the lack of a plug-in hybrid option will seriously limit its appeal to tax-conscious business buyers and, by the time you add the additional tech, it’s an expensive choice, even in this company.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic AWD LuxuryScore: 8 / 10“The Genesis G80 seems, in so many ways, like a luxury car for those who’ve had their fill of so many modern premium options; who are ready for something that fits into their life a bit more easily and discreetly than they’re used to, but which defines them a bit less starkly than others might.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic AWD LuxuryScore: 7 / 10“The Genesis G80 executive saloon aims to trump Audi’s A6 and BMW’s 5 Series.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“The Genesis G80 is an accomplished proposition with a distinct design, knockout interior, lots of well-integrated tech and a strong customer focus. Unfortunately, that’s the opposite of the engine line-up, with a petrol engine that’s off the pace, a diesel whose time has passed, and no electrification yet.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.8 / 10“The executive saloon class is full of accomplished, established contenders, so it’s impressive that the Genesis G80 gets so close to the best in class.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic“The Genesis G80 is off the pace in a lot of areas, such as tax, ride quality, headroom, boot space and efficiency, compared to established rivals. The exceptions being engine refinement, the interior materials and their construction.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview“Sad to say, the driving experience like the interior, lacks a little bit of character. It’s much better to drive it as its maker intended and you’ll learn the Genesis is consummate mile muncher.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic Luxury LineScore: 8 / 10“As a line-in-the-sand car, the Genesis G80 is a good introduction to this new premium brand. It’s got a lot of work ahead to draw people from their BMWs and Mercedes-Benz – to cement itself as a successful alternative (Lexus) rather than a pointless failure (Infiniti). So, if you’re interested, try a G80, to see what’s in store. Chances are, you’ll be nicely surprised.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“New saloon from Genesis faces Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“I actually preferred the Genesis G80 saloon to the GV80 SUV. It rides better, steered better and just is better. Let’s hope Genesis can make an impression over the next few years and not exit stage left like Infiniti.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“You might never fall in love with it, but nor will you find yourself shaking your fists at it in a moment of Fawlty-esque existential despair.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Genesis G80 has its strengths, namely safety and interior quality. It’s worth a look if you’re bored with the big-selling European alternatives. Just bear in mind that, objectively at least, the BMW 5 Series is a considerably better all-rounder.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2021

91%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

77%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

91%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Genesis G80 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

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