Genesis has been an also-ran in the luxury
segment, but the Korean brand is trying to change that by launching an
assortment of new and significantly improved models. The company’s first
crossover, the GV80, was introduced in January and now the automaker is turning
its attention to the mid-size luxury sedan G80 which is described as the “core”
of the brand.
Previewed earlier this month, the 2021 G80
is a revelation as it adopts an “Athletic Elegance” design that is far sportier
than its predecessor. The front end is dominated by a large crest grille which
resides above a wide air intake. On either side are “double-lined” quad
headlights which are echoed on the front fenders.
Moving farther back, there’s a long hood
and a dynamic parabolic line which runs from the headlights to the taillights.
The line is contrasted by an upward sweeping chrome accent at the base of the
doors. Of course, one of the biggest changes is the new four-door coupe
styling. As part of this effort, the G80 adopts a rakish windscreen and a
sloping roof which flows downward to meet a trunk with an integrated spoiler.
The overall design recalls the Audi A7 Sportback and it’s a huge improvement
over its predecessor.
Other notable styling features include
20-inch wheels and a dual exhaust system with finishers that recall the crest
grille. The car also has a “horseshoe-shaped negative surface” trunk with
chrome trim and a release button that mimics the shape of the Genesis logo.
Overall, the sedan measures 4,995
mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,465 mm tall. This
means the 2021 G80 is 5 mm longer, 36 mm wider and 15 mm lower than its predecessor. The only number that carries
over is the 3,010 mm wheelbase. While the previous G80 ticked all
the luxury boxes, it never really felt that upscale. This is no longer an issue
as the 2021 model features higher quality materials, advanced technology and a
more modern design.
Drivers sit on a leather-wrapped “ergo
motion” seat which features seven air cells that adjust depending on the
selected driving mode. The seat also features an automatic posture correction
function and a “stretching mode” that helps to reduce fatigue on long drives.
Once ensconced in the high-tech seat,
drivers will find themselves looking at a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
with glasses-free 3D technology. To their right is a 14.5-inch infotainment
system which features over-the-air updates as well as Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay compatibility.
Below, there’s a wide swatch of open pore wood trim and
slender air vents that appear to span the width of the leatherette-wrapped
dashboard. The model also has a heads-up display, ambient lighting and a rotary
shifter. Elsewhere, there’s heated and ventilated seats as well as new
switchgear.
Designers adopted a “beauty of white
space” concept which is “inspired by traditional Korean architecture.” It aims
to balance personal space with state-of-the-art technology. Speaking of space,
there’s more head- and legroom despite the sportier exterior styling. In order
to achieve this, Genesis lowered the height of the second row seat to maximize
interior dimensions.
Genesis stylists also created thinner
A-pillars and a slimmer rearview mirror. This, combined with revamped side
mirrors and a shorter dashboard, allows for improved visibility as well as a
greater sense of openness in the cabin.
The third-generation G80 rides on a
brand-exclusive rear-wheel drive platform that is presumably shared with the
GV80. Genesis didn’t say much about it, but noted approximately 19 percent of
the body is aluminum and this helps the car to weigh110 kg less than
its predecessor. Besides being lighter, the car is more comfortable as it features
better sound insulation, improved door seals and “resonant sound-reducing
wheels.”
The model also has an electronically
controlled suspension with road preview technology which uses a forward-facing
camera to detect road imperfections such as potholes and speed bumps. When an
obstacle is detected, the system automatically adjusts the damping to ensure a
smooth and comfortable ride.
Under the hood, the G80 has a turbocharged
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 300 hp and 421 Nm of torque. Customers will also be able to opt for a turbocharged
3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 530 Nm of torque.
Outside of the United States, the luxury sedan will be offered with a 2.2-liter
four-cylinder diesel. It develops 207 hp and 441
Nm of torque. Genesis didn’t go into other performance specifics, but
confirmed the model will be offered with rear- and all-wheel drive.
On the safety front, the G80 features an
upgraded Highway Driving Assist II system. It controls the vehicle’s steering,
acceleration and braking to maintain a speed set by the driver, while also
keeping the vehicle centered in its current lane and keeping a safe distance
from the vehicle ahead. Buyers will also find a new adaptive cruise control
system with machine learning technology. It aims to learn how you drive and
then replicate it.
Other safety features include forward
collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection and a blind-spot collision
avoidance assist system. The model also has remote smart parking assistant
which is probably best known as “Smaht Pahk”. It allows drivers to exit the
vehicle and then use the key fob to pull the car into or out of tight parking
spaces.
The 2021 Genesis G80 will go on sale in
South Korea tomorrow, while a U.S. and Canadian launch is scheduled for the
second half of this year, with more details to be released in the coming
months.