The arrival of the new luxury takes the fight to the Germans

As with Mercedes, you can get it with augmented reality, video-based satellites and smart seats that subtly change shape on long trips to stop back pain. As with BMW, it has a self-parking system that can operate from outside the vehicle, along with a classic front-engine and rear-wheel-drive design.

The G80 shares a distinct Volvo design inside and out and matches Audi’s Adaptive Matrix Headlights and a sophisticated digital dashboard. And just as Lexus does, the Genesis promises hassle-free luxury cars with first-class customer service.

Hyundai’s luxury arm has been stuck in fits since the first car to wear the badge alongside mainstream models was sold in 2014. But the brand has a clearer path now, with a bargain-free purchase, two showrooms and cars dedicated to competing with the BMW 3 Series. The X5 in the Genesis G70 sedan and the luxury GV80 are a versatile luxury one.

The new Genesis G80 takes the likes of BMW’s 5 Series as a replacement for the original Hyundai-badged version.

With starting price of $ 84,900 plus on-road costs in entry-level form, the model is packed with standard equipment that would add thousands to its European competitors. Heated and ventilated leather seats, a 21-speaker stereo, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a powered luggage compartment, a massive 14.5-inch screen with smartphone mirroring and wireless charging are all part of the deal.

The $ 13,000 luxury package adds a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, three-zone climate control, soft-closing doors, and other things including dual 9.2-inch video displays for the rear seats that elevate it above most cars in this class.

It’s not much cheaper than the Germans, but you get more equipment for the money.

Really cool space front and back makes it easy to understand why luxury fleets are so attracted to the Genesis, which offers limousine-like accommodations at the price of an executive sedan.

Safety is calculated by 10 airbags and a comprehensive driver assistance package including active cruise control assisted steering that works well on highways or in urban traffic.

Customers can choose between 2.5L or 3.3L inline 6-cylinder petrol engines. The entry-level engine produces 224 kW and 422 Nm, but Genesis expects more people for the V6 version with peaks of 279 kW and 530 Nm.

While the four-cylinder model drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the V6 variants get all-wheel drive as standard.

The more powerful version costs a more fair wedge at $ 99.900 plus road costs, and that’s before you factor in the lower 10.7 liters / 100 km fuel economy.

Unlike competitors, there are no diesel, electric or hybrid options, although they may come in the future.

The locally tuned suspension favors softness over poise, resulting in a soft-spring ride that is likely to please the majority of occupants if not the driver. Although the engines have sufficient power and bulky Michelin tires provide plenty of grip, the G80 lacks the driving precision of the best cars in its class.

Judgment 3.5 / 5

The luxurious, generously equipped and eye-catching Genesis G80 deserves the attention of luxury sedan shoppers.

GENESIS G80 2.5T VITALS

price From 84,900 dollars plus costs down the road

engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo, 224 kW / 422 Nm

Warranty service 5 years warranty / no sleeve, 5 years free

safety Not Rated, 10 Airbags, Automatic Emergency Braking, Active Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Third 8.6 liters per 100 km

additional None (repair kit)

Shipping 424 liters