2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Review

Intro

Genesis continues to make impressive strides in the luxury sedan segment. What started as Hyundai's ambitious entry into the premium market has matured into a legitimate luxury brand that can stand toe-to-toe with the established German players.

The Genesis brand has assembled an impressive roster of automotive talent. Luc Donckerwolke, former design director of Bentley, Lamborghini, and Audi, currently serves as Chief Creative Officer. Filippo Perini, former Lamborghini head of design, leads the Genesis Advanced Design Studio in Europe. Albert Biermann, who spent over 30 years at BMW including leading the M Division, joined Hyundai Motor Group in 2015 as executive vice president of performance development and played a key role in establishing the N performance brand before retiring to an advisory role in late 2021. With this caliber of talent, Genesis is clearly serious about competing with the best in the world. The G80 is their mid-size luxury sedan designed to challenge the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, and even the Lexus ES.

For 2025, the G80 receives a thoughtful mid-cycle refresh that brings meaningful updates to both exterior styling and interior technology. Thanks to Genesis Canada, I had the opportunity to spend a week with the top-spec 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior

The 2025 G80 maintains Genesis's "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy while receiving subtle refinements that keep it looking fresh and contemporary. The changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, which is exactly what this handsome sedan needed.

At the front, the signature Genesis crest grille has been slightly enlarged and now features a double-layered design with dark chrome finish on Sport models. The Sport Prestige variant I tested gets an exclusive front bumper with larger air intakes that emphasize the G80's performance credentials. The new Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology in the LED headlamps creates a distinctive two-line signature that's both modern and sophisticated. These smaller, lighter, and more efficient LED arrays give the G80 a futuristic appearance, especially at night.

The side profile showcases the G80's substantial proportions. At just over 5m in length with a wheelbase of 3,010mm, this is a proper executive sedan. The 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels on my Sport Prestige tester featured an elegant five-spoke design that perfectly complements the sedan's athletic stance. Subtle character lines flow along the flanks, while the Makalu Grey Matte paint finish brings out the muscular curves beautifully. Outside mirror approach lights project the Genesis logo onto the ground—a nice touch that adds a premium feel.

Around back, the changes are more restrained. The LED taillights maintain their sleek appearance, while the Sport models get updated hidden dual exhaust tips integrated into the redesigned rear bumper. The V-shaped chrome trim ties the rear design language to the front fascia. The overall look is sophisticated and understated, exactly what you'd expect from a luxury sedan at this price point.

The G80 looks every bit the premium luxury sedan it aims to be. It may not have the instant recognition of a BMW or Mercedes, but it certainly has the presence and refinement to compete.

Interior

Step inside the 2025 G80 and you're immediately greeted by what can only be described as a budget-Bentley experience. The cabin quality is exceptional, with premium materials covering virtually every surface.

The most significant change for 2025 is the all-new dashboard design featuring a massive 27-inch OLED display that stretches across two-thirds of the dash. This expansive screen combines the instrument cluster on the left with the infotainment touchscreen on the right in one seamless glass housing. While some might worry about such a large screen being overwhelming, Genesis has executed it beautifully. The display is sharp, responsive, and integrates naturally into the cabin design. The configurable gauge cluster provides multiple display options, from traditional analog-style gauges to full-screen navigation maps.

The Sport Prestige trim features stunning Nappa leather seats with diamond-pattern quilting that's exclusive to Sport models. These seats are not only beautiful but exceptionally comfortable, offering excellent lumbar and lateral support. Both front seats are power-adjustable with 16-way adjustment for the driver's seat, including power side bolsters and cushion extension. The Ergo Motion driver's seat even includes an automatic massage function that activates after an hour of driving to help reduce fatigue on long journeys. Heated and ventilated functions for the front seats work quickly and effectively.

The rear seats are covered in the same luxurious Nappa leather and are also heated. Legroom is adequate for adults, though not quite as generous as you'd find in a long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series. Headroom is acceptable, though taller passengers might find it slightly limited due to the G80's sloping roofline. The center tunnel intrusion means the middle rear seat is best left for shorter journeys.

My test vehicle featured the microfiber suede headliner and A-pillar trim, which adds an extra layer of refinement to the cabin. Carbon fiber trim adorns the dashboard and door panels, giving the interior a sporty edge without feeling overdone. The three-spoke steering wheel features a D-cut design exclusive to Sport models, wrapped in leather with integrated paddle shifters.

Genesis has wisely listened to customer feedback and added physical controls where they matter most. New volume and tuning knobs sit alongside the central rotary controller on the center console. These are welcome additions, making basic functions far more intuitive than scroll wheels or touch-only controls. My only minor complaint is that the rotary gear shifter is positioned very close to the media controller, which can occasionally lead to confusion when reaching blindly.

The fit and finish throughout the cabin is exemplary. There are no squeaks or rattles, and all switchgear operates with satisfying precision. The Bang & Olufsen 18-speaker audio system delivers rich, detailed sound that rivals systems from the German premium brands. The acoustic laminated glass on the windshield and front windows does an excellent job of isolating road and wind noise, creating a serene cabin environment.

While the G80's interior doesn't have quite the same level of technological gimmickry as the latest Mercedes or BMW, it offers something arguably more important: genuine quality and thoughtful design. This is a cabin you'll enjoy spending time in, whether you're commuting through city traffic or embarking on a long highway journey.

Infotainment

The new 27-inch OLED display is the star of the 2025 G80's interior update. This massive screen combines the driver's gauge cluster and infotainment system into one cohesive unit, and it works brilliantly.

The display is crisp, bright, and highly responsive to touch inputs. Unlike some large screens that feel like an afterthought, Genesis has integrated this one seamlessly into the dashboard design. The interface is intuitive, with clear menus and logical organization. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, a welcome upgrade from the previous wired-only system.

The gauge cluster portion offers multiple display configurations. You can choose traditional analog-style gauges, a minimalist digital layout, or expand the navigation map to fill the entire cluster area. When using navigation, the system can display a seamless map that flows across both the cluster and central infotainment screen, creating an impressive visual effect.

Climate controls have been updated with new touch-sensitive buttons integrated at the base of the center console. These work well and are more responsive than typical capacitive touch controls. The three-zone climate control system maintains comfortable temperatures throughout the cabin, with individual controls for driver, passenger, and rear occupants.

The Head-Up Display (HUD) is standard on Sport Prestige models and projects key information onto the windshield, including speed, navigation directions, and driver assistance alerts. It's well-implemented and reduces the need to glance down at the gauge cluster.

The wireless charging pad in the center console works well, though it's worth noting the G80 doesn't use browser storage APIs, so any connected device features rely on your smartphone's native apps rather than in-car storage.

While the G80's infotainment system may not have all the cutting-edge features of the latest Mercedes MBUX or BMW iDrive systems, it's user-friendly, reliable, and provides everything most drivers will need. Genesis has struck a good balance between technology and usability.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The G80 comes exceptionally well-equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance features. Genesis doesn't nickel-and-dime customers with expensive technology packages—virtually everything is standard across the lineup.

Standard safety features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane Keeping Assist with Road Edge (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Highway Driving Assist II
• Safe Exit Assist
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (forward/side/reverse)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist II
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)

The Highway Driving Assist II system is particularly impressive. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to provide semi-autonomous driving on highways. The system works smoothly, maintaining a safe following distance and keeping the car centered in its lane with minimal steering corrections. The Captive Hands-on Detection system ensures drivers keep their hands on the wheel without being overly intrusive.

The Blind-Spot View Monitor displays a camera feed in the gauge cluster when you activate the turn signals, showing your blind spot. It's a helpful feature that supplements the traditional blind-spot warning lights in the side mirrors.

The 360-degree Surround View Monitor makes parking the sizable G80 much easier, with high-resolution cameras providing a clear bird's-eye view. The Remote Smart Parking Assist II even allows you to maneuver the car in and out of tight parking spots using the key fob while standing outside—a party trick that's occasionally useful in cramped Canadian parking garages.

Driving

The 2025 G80 3.5T Sport Prestige is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not a dual-clutch gearbox, the conventional automatic shifts smoothly and intelligently, with minimal lag in response.

The V6 engine delivers strong, effortless acceleration. Genesis claims 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.0 seconds, which feels accurate from behind the wheel. The engine pulls strongly from low revs, with peak torque available from just 1,300 rpm. This makes the G80 feel quick in everyday driving situations—passing on the highway is accomplished with confidence, and merging into traffic is never an issue.

The transmission can be manually controlled using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and in Sport mode, shifts are executed more quickly and held longer before upshifting. The Shift-by-Wire rotary dial selector on the center console is elegant and modern, though as mentioned, its proximity to the media controller can be confusing.

The G80 Sport Prestige includes several performance-oriented features not found on lesser trims. The Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview uses a forward-facing camera to scan the road ahead and pre-adjusts the dampers for upcoming bumps and undulations. The result is an impressively smooth ride that seems to glide over imperfections. Even on Canadian roads with potholes and frost heaves, the G80 maintains its composure remarkably well.

Rear-wheel steering is standard on Sport Prestige models, and it makes a noticeable difference in tight situations. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to the fronts, reducing the turning circle. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction as the fronts, improving stability during lane changes. The system works transparently in the background, but you notice its benefits in reduced steering effort when parking and improved agility on winding roads.

Drive Mode Select offers six modes: Comfort, Smart, Eco, Sport, Custom, and Sport+. The differences between modes are noticeable, particularly in Sport and Sport+ where throttle response sharpens, the transmission holds gears longer, suspension stiffens, and steering weight increases. Comfort mode is ideal for relaxed cruising, while Sport+ unlocks the G80's most engaging character.

That said, the G80 is not a sports sedan in the truest sense. It doesn't have the razor-sharp handling of a BMW 5 Series or the playful rear-biased dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. What it offers instead is refined, composed driving dynamics with a clear bias toward comfort. The steering is accurate and provides decent feedback, though it's not as communicative as the best in class. Body control is excellent—the G80 stays flat through corners with minimal lean, and the all-wheel-drive system provides reassuring grip in all conditions.

The G80 excels at isolating occupants from the outside world. Road noise is well-suppressed thanks to acoustic laminated glass and careful sound deadening throughout the cabin. Wind noise is minimal even at highway speeds. Engine noise is present and not unpleasant—the V6 has a subdued growl under acceleration—but it's never intrusive.

Where the G80 truly shines is on long highway journeys. The combination of a supple ride, quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and effective driver assistance systems makes mile-eating effortless. This is a car that coddles you while delivering confident performance when needed.

Fuel economy is the G80's Achilles heel. The 3.5T is EPA-rated at 15.6 L/100km city, 10.2 L/100km highway, and 13.1 L/100km combined. During my week of mixed driving, which included more city driving than usual, I averaged 12.8 L/100km. That's not terrible considering the performance on offer, but it's worth noting you'll need to fill up with premium fuel. The 19.3-gallon (73-litre) fuel tank provides reasonable range between fill-ups.

Cargo Space & Storage

The G80's trunk offers 371 litres of cargo capacity, which is adequate for a luxury sedan in this class. It's not the largest in the segment—the BMW 5 Series offers more space—but it's perfectly usable for luggage, groceries, and everyday items. The trunk opening is wide and the space is well-shaped, making it easy to load larger items. The rear seats don't fold on the G80, which limits cargo flexibility compared to some competitors.

Interior storage is well thought out. The center console storage bin is generous and includes a pass-through that allows you to route charging cables cleanly without having them sprout up through the clamshell lid. Front door pockets are deep and can accommodate large water bottles. The glove compartment is reasonably sized and features interior lighting. Two cupholders in the front center console are well-positioned and include adjustable inserts.

Rear passengers get their own cupholders in the fold-down center armrest, along with seatback pockets on the front seats. There are also dedicated coat hangers mounted in the rear.

The wireless charging pad in the center console works well with compatible smartphones, though it can get warm during extended charging sessions.

Verdict

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige is an impressive luxury sedan that deserves serious consideration from anyone shopping in this segment. It offers genuine premium quality, sophisticated styling, strong performance, and an extensive list of standard features—all at a price that undercuts the established German competition.

The refreshed interior with its massive OLED display is a highlight, executed far better than many large-screen implementations from other manufacturers. The cabin materials and build quality are excellent, creating an atmosphere that punches well above the G80's price point. The V6 engine delivers smooth, effortless power, and the ride quality is superbly comfortable.

The G80 is not without compromises. Fuel economy is average at best, requiring premium fuel and returning consumption figures that won't impress eco-conscious buyers. Rear seat space, while adequate, isn't as generous as some competitors. The driving dynamics, while competent and refined, lack the sporty edge of a BMW 5 Series. And while Genesis has made tremendous progress, the brand still doesn't carry the prestige of a three-pointed star or a blue-and-white roundel.

But for buyers who prioritize substance over badge snobbery, the G80 makes a compelling case. It offers a serene, luxurious driving experience backed by Genesis's industry-leading warranty.

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige represents excellent value in the luxury sedan market. It may not have the heritage of its German rivals, but it delivers where it counts: quality, comfort, features, and performance. Genesis has proven it can compete with the best, and the G80 is a strong testament to how far the brand has come.

Test Vehicle

2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD

MSRP
$89,000 CAD (Sport with V6)

As-Tested Price
$90,700 CAD

Color
Makalu Grey Matte