2021 Genesis G80

Overview

From its unique double headlights and gigantic pentagonal grille to its slippery bodywork and sloping roofline, the all-new 2021 Genesis G80 is a rolling beauty. It also earns a spot on our Editor's Choice list. The shapely sedan is inspired by the company's new GV80 SUV, which also looks the part of a high-class luxury vehicle without the high-end price tag. Both entries are Genesis' attempt to usher in a new era and increase its cachet as a burgeoning luxury brand the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The G80 slots in between the smaller G70 and the larger G90 sedans, and it's expected to compete with mid-size luxury cars such as the BMW 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz E-class.

What's New for 2021?

The 2021 G80 is all-new and represents a big step up in terms of luxury over the 2020 model. It shares a platform and powertrains with the recently introduced GV80 SUV. The sedan also bears a striking resemblance to its high-riding counterpart inside and out, with a massive front grille and unique exterior lighting as well as a clean-looking and luxury-lined cabin.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The entry-level G80 comes with a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower. Buyers seeking quicker acceleration will want to opt for the more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged four-cylinder snapped off a perky 5.7-second zero-to-60-mph time at our test track while the V-6 made it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The G80 provides a relaxed ride, effortless steering, and dutiful brakes, but it doesn't feel as athletic as some rivals.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2021 G80 with the base four-cylinder engine will earn up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Opting for the more powerful twin-turbo V-6 brings ratings of 19 mpg city and 27 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, the G80 2.5T with all-wheel drive managed a 29 mpg result; a V-6–powered model delivered 28 mpg. For more information about the G80's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With its primary focus as a luxury car, the G80 offers a properly upscale interior. Its cabin showcases an elegant design with a streamlined dashboard, soft-touch surfaces, and rich-looking materials. The steering wheel has an odd aesthetic and the rotary shift knob is never as intuitive as automakers think, especially when positioned near other circular-shaped controls, but overall the inside of the G80 looks wonderful. The sedan offers desirable features such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and more. The new G80 has more headroom and legroom than the outgoing model, too, which was spacious to begin with.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

A huge 14.5-inch touchscreen sprouts from the top of the dashboard and acts as the hub for the G80's infotainment system. The display can be manipulated via a circular controller on the center console as well as buttons on the steering wheel and voice commands. Every G80 also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A powerful Lexicon audio system with distinct sound modes is part of the infotainment setup, too.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 G80 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Genesis sedan offers a host of driver-assistance technology as well as a cool feature called Smart Park. Also available on select Hyundai models, the system allows the driver to maneuver the car in and out of tight parking spot without actually being at the controls. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Genesis provides a remarkable limited warranty and the longest powertrain coverage in the biz. It also supplements those noteworthy protections with one of the better complimentary maintenance plans available, apart from Jaguar's unbeatable five years or 60,000 miles

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs