Genesis has started testing the next G80 on public
roads, with a heavily disguised prototype being spotted by Carscoops spies. With the current G80 being
essentially a rebadged Hyundai Genesis, the Korean premium brand had to
completely change the mid-sized executive sedan, making it not only more modern
but more appealing to the eye.
The new generation of the
Genesis G80 does look like its gunning for a sportier design, directly inspired
by the smaller G70. The end result is expected to be a sleek, wide-hipped
four-door sedan that will try to keep you away from a German dealership.
The overhaul will continue inside, with Genesis
expected to go with an impressive range of safety and comfort features, along
with high-quality of materials and fit-and-finish. As the company’s new luxury
executive sedan, the 2020 G80 will offer everything from a configurable digital
instrument cluster and a last-gen connected infotainment system to the latest
semi-autonomous systems.
The current Genesis G80 is powered by a V6 in both
naturally aspirated and twin-turbo guises, as well as a 5.0-liter V8. It’s no
secret that Genesis has been working on a new generation of electrified
powertrains, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the V8 bites the dust and gets
replaced by a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Genesis has been developing a mid-sized SUV as well,
set to go against models like the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, among others. The
Korean brand also plans to launch its first all-electric vehicle in 2021, which
is said to have a driving range of at least 500 km.
As for the new Genesis G80, expect the new Korean
executive sedan to launch in different regions as of late 2019.
