2022 Genesis G80 Test Drive Review: Pumping Up The Opulence

If you're looking for a luxurious mid-size sedan and you've been ignoring the Genesis G80, that's a mistake worth rectifying. Genesis can't rely on badge recognition alone, so it has to bring its A-game to every model as it elbows its way into Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes territory. That means leaning heavily into styling, materials, technology, ride quality, and performance while making sure the price is as attractive as the car. Spoiler: Genesis is hitting the nail on the head in all departments.

The Genesis G80 faces up against stiff competition in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, particularly from the German automakers. They have been honing the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class for decades, and to the point where all you need to decide between the three is to choose your preference for a bias between technology, sporty dynamics, or outright ride quality. The second-generation G80 enters the fray with an attractive price for a sophisticated car packing German-level luxury, while 2.5-liter turbo and 3.5-liter twin-turbo engines, producing up to 375 horsepower in the case of the latter, blend performance and buttery smoothness with aplomb.

What's the Price of the 2022 Genesis G80?

The base Genesis G80 2.5T begins with an MSRP of $48,250, or $51,400 with AWD. For more power, consider the 3.5T Sport at $63,700. To access more features, the 2.5T can be upgraded with the Advanced package for another $4,600 or the Prestige package at an additional $8,900. As for the V6 Sport, it costs another $6,300 with the Prestige package. Those prices sound like quite a lot, but each package adds plenty of kit over and above the already generous standard fare.

The comparatively low starting price of the G80 can't be overstated. Consider, for instance, that the BMW 5 Series starts at $54,200 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class at an even pricier $54,950.

Genesis G80 pricing excludes a destination charge of $1,095 in the US.

2022 G80 Exterior

Dimensions

2022 G80 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

We spent a week with the Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige, which does without rear-wheel drive for the new model year. However, the AWD system can send 100 percent of its torque to the rear wheels.

Our test car arrived with the upgraded adaptive dampers - the ride is noticeably better than before - and the overall tune-up on the suspension is for the better. The G80 eats up long winding roads with panache and grip to spare, and all while not tossing passengers around. If twisting backroads are something you carve up regularly, the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF may be better, but don't underestimate the G80 for back road fun - particularly with the optional rear-wheel steering. That gives the G80 an extra dimension of stability on an open road when they're turning in phase. Below 37 mph, the wheels turn in opposite directions by up to two degrees to improve initial turn-in. The Prestige trim adds a Sport+ mode where you can use the aggressively quick shift pattern in auto mode or use the paddles for a completely manual experience.

The G80 is an easy car to drive around town and through traffic with its effortlessly smooth ride and sound-damped cabin. Around town, the low-speed rear-wheel-steering translates into a tighter turning circle. The result is the cocoon-like experience luxury buyers expect. On the freeway, it's the same story, and we're still impressed by the G80's Highway Assist feature. It's a Level 2 assist system, meaning you have to remain aware and keep your hands on the wheel, but the car will take care of the steering and adaptive cruise control. It's a huge plus when dealing with heavy traffic. With the current chip crisis looming, 2022 G80s might not be available with the system anymore, but we'd recommend shopping until you find one with it.

2022 G80 Interior

2022 G80 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2022 Genesis G80 A Good car?

By not going overboard on sportiness and cranking up the opulence for the new generation of G80, Genesis has created an outstanding sedan. It's a consummate all-rounder that harks back an old-school approach to detail, like the knurled aluminum knobs and the tempered glass rotary dial for controlling the infotainment. It doesn't care to compare to the sportiness of BMW's 5 Series, but Genesis has made sure it's a joy to drive for the sake of driving. It doesn't have the technical sheen of the Audi A6 but still packs in sophisticated electronics without showing off. The best comparison is with the refinement of a Mercedes E-Class, and while the top-spec straight-six is smoother on the Mercedes, Genesis still has its value proposition card to play.

What Genesis G80 Model Should I Buy?

For $48,250, the base model G80 is quite a steal. There's enough power, the rear-wheel-drive dynamics are fun when giving the car a workout, and the feature set is a checklist of basic luxury features with a few extras thrown in. We would happily drive it every day, but wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people ticked the $4,600 Advanced package for the sound system, panoramic sunroof, and three-zone climate control. However, if the Prestige package is also tempting to add, you're now looking at just another $1,950 to get the 3.5T Sport rather than ticking the box for both packages.

The 3.5T Sport will be the most appealing for those that enjoy putting their foot down and going full luxury. We doubt many will be sold without the $6,300 Prestige package added. It brings a lot to the table in terms of both luxury and performance, so we suggest it makes a lot of sense to go all the way. By the time you've specced a similar BMW or Mercedes, you should realize you've saved enough for a luxury weekend break and got yourself a lot of car for the money.

2022 Genesis G80 Comparisons

2022 Genesis G80 vs Genesis G90

The newest, second-generation Genesis G90 has already been revealed and this upcoming luxury barge is a stunner. But for now, the 2022 G90 still forms part of the first generation. Casting a substantial shadow in the full-size luxury sedan segment, it's a larger, pricier, and more feature-packed sedan than the G80. The G90 begins at $74,950 and that gets you a 3.3-liter V6 with 365 hp. However, a 5.0-liter V8 is also available. Naturally, the G90 provides more standard features like three-zone climate control, Nappa leather upholstery, a 22-way power driver's seat, and a much more sumptuous rear seat. It will waft down the road even more quietly than the G80, although the G80 is a better choice for the keener driver with its smaller dimensions and tighter body control. Between the two, we'd go for a fully loaded V6 G80, at least until the new G90 arrives at a future date.

2022 Genesis G80 vs Genesis G70

At the other end of the size spectrum is the G70, a vehicle that directly competes with the BMW 3 Series. While the G70 is a luxurious car, it immediately feels like a step down inside. Rear passenger space is less, some materials are a bit cheaper than we'd like, and the trunk is smaller than in the G80. Then again, the G70 does start at under $38,000. It also looks great following a facelift for the 2022 model year, and you can have it with a potent 3.3-liter V6. If you don't need to carry rear-seat passengers too often, you'll appreciate the G70 for its surprisingly sporty chassis tuning. Sadly, Genesis discontinued the manual gearbox for the 2022 G70, but this is no surprise considering that the majority of customers prefer an automatic. We prefer the driving experience of the G70 but there's no denying the step up in luxury when you opt for the G80. It's the larger sedan that's our pick here.