2023 Genesis G80 Performance

Two powerful turbocharged engines motivate the G80 sedan, and both have good specs. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes a decent 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations are available. The bigger 3.5-liter V6 engine comes with AWD only. This engine delivers 375 hp and 391 lb-ft.

In both cases, the engines deliver smooth power and enough performance for snappy getaways and nerveless overtaking maneuvers. According to independent tests, the smaller engine will result in a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds, while the bigger V6 will see the G80 come in at just under five seconds for the benchmark sprint.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine starts things off with a nice and round 300 hp, along with 311 lb-ft of torque which is available from a low 1,650 rpm. The bigger 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 elicits a nicer sound, combining a sweet induction roar and a lovely exhaust growl. At 375 hp and 391 lb-ft, it's also a lot more athletic when called on. To that end, the G80 with either engine is satisfactory, but the V6 adds exactly the right amount of swiftness. Its specialty is power in the mid-range, which makes overtaking a swift and safe affair.

Both engines are paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. In Sport Plus mode, downshift speeds are quicker, but the auto 'box is just as happy under more relaxed driving conditions. The Genesis is not the best sedan in this class if driving excitement is high on your list, but its two powertrains are accomplished enough to make driving the car a pleasure.

The Genesis G80's fuel economy numbers aren't quite as good as those of the BMW 5 Series. In 2.5-liter form, the G80 will return 22/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined with RWD and 22/30/25 mpg with AWD. The V6, meanwhile, sees those figures dip to 16/25/19 mpg. By comparison, the six-cylinder 540i with AWD is way ahead of the AWD V6 G80 with its 22/29/25-mpg rating.

The 2.5-liter G80s have a 17.2-gallon gas tank, equating to a range of between 430 and 447 miles. In the case of the V6, the bigger 19.3-gallon tank will provide a range of approximately 367 miles in mixed driving conditions.