2022 Genesis G80

Overview

With a striking exterior design and a posh cabin, the 2022 G80 legitimizes Genesis as a true luxury brand. Two turbocharged engines are offered—a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6—and both deliver plentiful power and refinement. While the G80 slots in between the smaller G70 and the larger G90 in the Genesis lineup, its interior design is a cut above both of those sedans and it offers a more modern infotainment package too. The G80’s fresh take on what makes a premium car premium puts it near the head of a competitive class of luxury sedans which includes established nameplates such as the Audi A6, the BMW 5-series, and the Mercedes-Benz E-class.

What’s New for 2022?

A Sport model joins the lineup for 2022 and although we don’t have all the information on that version yet, we are expecting it to be offered with both the base turbocharged four-cylinder as well as the turbocharged V-6. Genesis says the Sport will come with a rear-wheel steering system to aid in handling, but we aren’t sure yet if any other performance-enhancing options will be offered. Sport models will wear unique design embellishments including slick 20-inch wheels, reworked front, and rear bumpers, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, and carbon fiber dashboard trim.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The entry-level G80 comes with a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower. Buyers seeking quicker acceleration will want to opt for the more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged four-cylinder snapped off a perky 5.7-second zero-to-60-mph time at our test track while the V-6 made it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The G80 provides a relaxed ride, effortless steering, and dutiful brakes, but it doesn’t feel as athletic as some rivals. The Sport model, which is new for 2022, is expected to add the athletic element currently missing from the lineup, but we haven’t had a chance to sample that car yet.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With its primary focus as a luxury car, the G80 offers a properly upscale interior. Its cabin showcases an elegant design with a streamlined dashboard, soft-touch surfaces, and rich-looking materials. The steering wheel has an odd aesthetic and the rotary shift knob is never as intuitive as automakers think, especially when positioned near other circular-shaped controls, but overall the inside of the G80 looks wonderful. The sedan offers desirable features such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front, and rear seats, and more. The G80 has more headroom and legroom than the outgoing model, too, which was spacious, to begin with.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A huge 14.5-inch touchscreen sprouts from the top of the dashboard and acts as the hub for the G80’s infotainment system. The display can be manipulated via a circular controller on the center console as well as buttons on the steering wheel and voice commands.