2020 Genesis G80 Review: The Undercover Exec

In the world of the executive sedan, Genesis is one of the new kids on the block, making a name for itself in a segment of the motoring world that has been dominated by established automakers from Germany, Japan, and local competitors; but, it also finds itself in a period of time where luxury SUVs rule the roost. The Genesis has met these roadblocks head-on by offering inoffensive looking executive sedans that do everything its rivals do, but at a lower price, and with more features listed on the brochure. The G80 is Genesis' mid-size offering and slots in between the compact G70 and full-size G90. 2020 models don't see much in terms of updates, but the recipe is already there; three engine choices, masses of standard features, and an asking price that's almost too good to be true. We love the stealthy performance offered by the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 version, and based on what we've seen, the G80 deserves a second look.

What's the Price of the 2020 Genesis G80?

There are a few key areas in which the Genesis G80 shines, and the price is one of them; Genesis has managed to put together an impressively capable executive sedan that's absolutely packed with features for not a lot of money. A BMW 5 Series equivalent to the base model in terms of performance will set you back over $11,350 more. For 2020 the base model fitted with the 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 starts off with an MSRP of $42,550. The dynamic 3.3T Sport goes for $55,750, and the big V8 will set you back $57,500. These prices do not include a destination fee of $995, and on the 3.3T and 5.0 Ultimate also include the 3.8 Ultimate optional package which adds features such as Nappa leather seats, a 9.2-inch infotainment system, and a full-color head-up display. The top-spec 5.0 Ultimate is fully kitted, so you won't see the price rise by much when fitting accessories.

Handling and Driving Impressions

There's no mistaking the 2020 Genesis G80 for anything other than a luxury executive sedan. The electronically controlled suspension is perfectly set up for a comfortable driving experience, even when turned up to its stiffest setting. The ride can best be described as relaxing, exactly what you want in this class, and low speed crawling and highway cruising alike are done with dignified grace. As with most of its competitors, the G80's electrically assisted steering feels light and doesn't convey a massive amount of feedback, but it communicates enough to give the driver a sense of assurance, especially in AWD configuration. While comfort is the keyword here, the G80 can do corners without complaint, but there's no hiding its curb weight, and AWD cars will progressively slide into understeer when entering corners too fast. The Genesis G80 is in its element cruising around town in its most comfortable suspension setting.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Genesis G80 A Good car?

Genesis has cracked it with the G80; it offers so much and gets so much right that it's a wonder why they don't sell more of these. Sure the executive sedan market has taken a big dip in recent years, but a car like the G80 deserves its fair share of sales. Genesis has played it safe in terms of the G80's exterior and interior design, which isn't a bad thing as it broadens the car's appeal, but that also means that it lacks a certain amount of soul when compared to some of the more unique offerings on the market. For the price of a new G80, you get an astonishing amount of features and a car that is dedicated to offering a relaxing and comfortable drive over dynamic handling and cornering ability - which suits the G80 perfectly. Its wide range of engines offers something for everyone, but the 3.3-liter twin-turbo engine is the clear standout. Overall, the G80 looks good, is comfortable to drive, and its got a plush interior stacked with features - and, did we mention it's safer than most cars on the road? The Genesis G80 is a hidden treasure, and in 3.3T guise is a serious stealth bomber.

What Genesis G80 Model Should I Buy?

As with every car purchasing decision, it all boils down to what you need out of a car. If you're not fussed with sub-five-second zero to sixty sprint times or Nappa leather seats, then the base model, which offers a lot, will suit you just fine. If you've got a bit of blood left in you, then we would suggest going straight for the 3.3T Sport. The twin-turbocharged G80 might be down on power relative to the 5.0 Ultimate, but it delivers its power in a much more aggressive manner, and spices up the reserved exterior design with some sporty bumpers and bits. The 3.3T Sport includes all the stuff you get from the 3.8 Ultimate package such as Nappa leather seats, a full-color head-up display, and a 17-speaker Lexicon sound system, but adds performance-enhancing features such as ventilated rear disk brakes, electronically adjustable suspension, and sport front seats. The 3.3T Sport goes for $55,750 and is worth every cent.

2020 Genesis G80 Comparisons

2020 Genesis G80 vs Genesis G70

Genesis has made it very easy to navigate their executive sedan range of cars: the G70 is their compact exec offering, while the G80 naturally sits above it as their mid-size offering. Whereas the G80 gets three engine options, including a naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8, the G70 is exclusively available with forced-induction options. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces a healthy 252 hp (255 hp when equipped with the manual transmission) and 260 lb-ft of torque, but the star of the show is the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine which it shares with the G80. The G70 fitted with the 2.0T engine will manage 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined. On the road, the G70, with its lower curb weight, is dynamically more enjoyable to drive, but is just as comfortable. The obvious differences come in when you compare size and dimensions; the G70 can't match the G80 for interior space, although it's not far off, and the G80 gets almost five cubic feet of extra trunk space. We suggest getting the G70 if you're not bothered by the smaller trunk size and enjoy a bit of a drive.

2020 Genesis G80 vs Genesis G90

The G90 is a full-sized executive sedan that pulls out all the stops and sits directly above the G80 in the Genesis executive sedan lineup. The G80 and 90 shares both the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 and naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engines, as well as an eight-speed auto transmission. Despite being visually much larger, the G90 shares a number of dimension measurements with the smaller G80; both cars offer around 15.5 cubic feet of trunk space and around 46 inches of front legroom. The G90 is most certainly the more spacious car overall, but not by as much as you'd think. Genesis has thrown its entire arsenal of tech features at the G90, and it is definitely noticeable inside the cabin where you get luxury features such as rear door curtains, an EMC inside rearview mirror, and a massive 12.3-inch color TFT panoramic infotainment display. It's clear then: get the G80 if you're planning on doing the driving, or get the G90 if you're sitting in the back.