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Sunday Drive: 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T – A masterclass in luxury and performance

By Craig and Deanne Conover - Daily Herald | Oct 19, 2024
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The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T.
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Inside the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T.
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Inside the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T.
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Inside the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T.
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The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T.
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The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T.

We always enjoy a week in the luxury brand Genesis, so getting some time in the new 2025 G80 was just an awesome fall treat as the brand has made a bold statement in the luxury sedan market.

Being known for its stylish design, impressive performance and host of high-tech features, the G80 model continued to strengthen Genesis’s reputation as a serious competitor in the luxury automotive space for the entire week we enjoyed the sedan.

After spending a week behind the wheel of this refined machine, we can confidently say that the 2025 G80 is a must-consider for drivers seeking the perfect blend of elegance and athleticism.

Exterior design: Athletic elegance

From the moment the G80 arrived in our driveway, it was clear that Genesis had crafted a visually striking vehicle. The sleek lines, aggressive stance and distinct crest-shaped grille combined to create an aura of luxury and power. The Sport Prestige trim added unique touches, such as the blacked-out chrome accents and 20-inch alloy wheels, giving it a sportier vibe without compromising its appeal.

The quad LED headlights and sweeping rear taillights were elegant yet futuristic, ensuring the G80 stood out both day and night. While taking a ‘Sunday Drive’ through the scenic roads of Heber Valley, the G80’s design captured plenty of attention.

Its design language — modern and bold — competes well against its German rivals like the BMW 5 Series or the Audi A6. And the Tasman Blue exterior color added an extra touch of sophistication for our weeklong adventure.

Powertrain and performance: Thrills meet comfort

The heart of the 2025 Genesis G80 lied under its hood: a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produced an impressive 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the car delivered smooth and responsive power at all speeds.

On Utah’s open highways, this sedan accelerated effortlessly, with plenty of torque available whether we were overtaking, merging or just taking off.

Switching between drive modes — Comfort, Sport, and the thrilling Sport+ — changed the driving dynamics significantly. In Comfort mode, the G80 is serene and buttery smooth, making it ideal for long drives or commutes. The adaptive suspension absorbed road imperfections, and even the rougher roads around Midway were handled with ease.

However, when we switched to Sport+ mode and took the car through the canyon roads, the G80 transformed into an agile, performance-oriented machine. The sharper throttle response, firmer suspension and more precise steering made every twist and turn an exhilarating experience.

Despite its sporty character, the G80 remained exceptionally quiet, with minimal cabin noise even at higher speeds. Genesis has done an outstanding job isolating the interior from the road, making the car feel as luxurious as it does powerful.

Interior: Opulence meets technology

Getting inside the G80, we were greeted with a world of high-end materials and cutting-edge technology. The cabin, designed with its mix of quilted Nappa leather seats, real wood and brushed aluminum accents, showed forth with a sense of luxury that is hard to match in this price range. Attention to detail was evident everywhere, from the stitching on the seats to the tactile feel of the controls.

Both the driver and passenger seats were heated, ventilated and featured massage functions, ensuring maximum comfort on long drives. The driver’s seat also offered 16-way adjustability, allowing for a perfect fit regardless of body type.

One of the standout features in the G80 was the 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen display. The infotainment system was intuitive, with crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, making smartphone integration seamless. The head-up display was another highlight, projecting essential information such as speed and navigation directions onto the windshield, allowing us to always keep our eyes on the road.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 21-speaker Lexicon premium audio system, which delivered concert-quality sound throughout the cabin.

Technology and safety: Cutting-edge innovation

The Genesis G80 did not skimp on safety features. It came equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features made highway driving and navigating through city traffic completely stress-free.

One of the standout safety technologies was the Smart Parking Assist, which allowed the sedan to park itself in tight spaces with minimal input from us. Whether parallel parking on a busy street or squeezing into a crowded lot, this feature made parking a breeze. The 360-degree camera system also added an extra layer of convenience, providing a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.

Additionally, the Highway Driving Assist II system was a game-changer for long road trips. It combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to keep the car in its lane and maintained a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

Fuel economy and practicality

Despite its powerful engine, the 2025 G80 delivered respectable fuel economy. In mixed driving conditions, the car achieved 19.5 miles per gallon combined for our week-long adventures. This would be competitive for a luxury sedan with this level of performance.

During our test week, we found that the fuel efficiency was particularly impressive when driving in Eco mode, where the engine’s responsiveness was dialed back for maximum efficiency.

With 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, the G80 offered enough room for luggage, groceries or golf clubs. The rear seats could fold down in a 60/40 split, adding versatility for larger items. Though it may not be the most spacious in its class, the G80’s trunk offered enough practicality for most everyday needs.

At the end of the week: A luxury sedan worth every penny

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige was a masterclass in luxury, performance and technology. Genesis has crafted a vehicle that not only rivals but, in many ways, surpasses its European competitors. If you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver or a spirited performance sedan, the G80 delivered on both fronts.

Base price: $77,000

Destination charge: $1,250

Price as driven: $78,930

Starting at $4.32/week.

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