Genesis G80 review: impressive executive saloon with petrol or electric power

The Genesis G80 executive saloon is a car that immediately grabs your attention: the exterior is suitably stylish, while a peek inside the luxurious, upmarket cabin highlights how committed the Korean luxury car brand is to winning buyers from the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Audi.

The fit and finish of the G80 certainly passes muster in this hard-fought sector, but the car doesn’t quite possess the full breadth of skills to beat very best in class. The ride is a little firm which compromises comfort, while the lack of any hybrid or plug-in hybrid options means you're left with the polar choice between a pure petrol or an all-electric model.

About the Genesis G80

Taking on the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class is no easy task, but Genesis has struck an impressive balance with its talented G80 executive saloon - a car that, at least at first glance, possesses a lot of the key features needed to succeed in this hard-fought premium sector.

The iconic German manufacturers have a wealth of experience in producing cars that manage to combine impressive levels of comfort and refinement with stylish interiors and the latest on-board technology. The fact that they’re generally good to drive as well just makes the quest to create a competitive rival all the more difficult.

Of course there are other executive saloons that offer slightly different takes on the luxury theme. The understated Audi A6 has a sophisticated interior and a superb level of build quality, while the DS 9 offers something different from the norm. Business users, with an eye on running costs, could be interested in the hybrid tech of the Lexus ES while others might choose to seek out one of the final Jaguar XF models before its discontinued in 2024.

Genesis initially offered a 206bhp 2.2-litre diesel unit in the G80 range, although this is no longer available. Instead, buyers after a fossil-fuelled model now have a single 300bhp 2.5-litre petrol option, available with an eight-speed automatic transmission in rear and all-wheel drive forms. The Electrified G80 features an 87.2kWh battery and dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive and a total output of 364bhp.

True to its executive aspirations, the G80 comes with a generous level of standard kit. Three specifications are available for the petrol model: Premium, Luxury and Sport, while the all-electric G80 comes solely in Luxury specification. The Premium Line offers 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, power folding mirrors, electrically-adjustable heated front seats, dual zone air-conditioning, front and rear parking sensors and a smart cruise control function. Upgrading to the Luxury Line version means you’ll need to part with an extra £5,300, but you get extra features such as bigger 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and a powered tailgate.

Engines, performance and drive

While the G80 grabs your attention with its sleek exterior style and sumptuous cabin, out on the road it doesn’t offer up quite the same level of dynamic polish. Compared to the class leaders from Mercedes and BMW, the G80’s ride is a little firm and it struggles to deal with the typical pockmarked tarmac of UK roads. 

Things feel better when cruising along on the motorway, with the eight-speed automatic gearbox proving itself to be a smooth shifting unit. Driving with a little more urgency doesn’t really suit the G80. It will struggle at times when you’re looking to kick down to a lower gear, while we’d suggest leaving the manual paddle shifters well alone. 

During our own test, we found the Mercedes E-Class’s nine-speed auto ‘box more in tune with the actual driving conditions, while the CVT transmission in the Lexus ES was also quicker to respond to inputs. The G80’s overly light steering is a further reason not to treat the Korean exec as a performance driving tool. It doesn’t provide much in the way of feedback, and things can feel slightly unsettled through quicker turns.

A drive mode select function is included for all models and provides an augmented engine sound piped into the cabin via the speakers. It’s not overly intrusive and is dependent on which drive mode you opt for - which is a good thing as the G80 is particularly quiet inside, even at higher speeds.

Again, when we tested the Electrified G80, we found it to be incredibly refined and were left impressed at its composure as we tackled faster, sweeping bends. The steering is direct and well weighted, with the heavy battery kept low in the car’s structure, while the excellent and intelligent regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, too.

0-62 acceleration and top speed

With 300bhp on tap and a meaty 422Nm of torque available from just 1,650rpm, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the G80 2.5-litre petrol model delivers impressive straight line speed. It dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in 6.0 seconds and is capable of a 155mph maximum.

The 2.2-litre diesel model is no longer available to buy from new, and you'll struggle to find many on the used market. But if you do happen to locate an oil burner, you'll have a 206bhp executive car that's capable of accelerating from a standstill to 62mph in 8.0 seconds, with a top speed of 147mph, all while bringing the usual fuel economy advantages.

The 364bhp Electrified G80 is unsurprisingly the quickest from 0-62mph - taking just 4.9 seconds, with a 139mph maximum.

MPG, CO2 and running costs

Genesis initially offered the G80 with either a petrol or diesel engine, but has since decided to drop the 2.2-litre oil burner. The range now includes the original 2.5-litre petrol car alongside an all-electric model, which means business users, in particular, may wish to take a longer look at this impressive executive saloon.

In rear-wheel drive petrol form, the G80 will return average fuel economy of up to 33.9mpg, with the all-wheel drive model just behind with a figure of 31.2mpg. CO2 emissions are predictably high - ranging from 189g/km to 210g/km. If you were to track down a used diesel car, then Genesis claims you should see overall economy of around 45mpg.

Making a case for business users is a now a little easier with the Electrified G80 model. Previously, all versions fell into the top 37 per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket, while fuel economy wasn't as competitive with rivals that employed some form of hybrid set-up. Now, the 364bhp all-electric G80 sits in the lowest tax band which attracts just a 2 per cent rate, while its official (WLTP) range is quoted at a useful 323 miles. Based on the same 800-volt electrical architecture as the GV60, the G80 can charge from 10-80 per cent in just 22 minutes.

Insurance

If you’re in the market for an executive saloon then you probably won’t be surprised that insurance premiums will almost certainly be a little more expensive than the norm. This is the case with the G80, as even the (now discontinued) 2.2-litre diesel Premium Line model is in group 40, while the top-spec 2.5-litre petrol Luxury Line sits in group 43. The more powerful Electrified G80 sits in the top group 50.

You will find other manufacturers, such as BMW and Mercedes, offer base models which have less power and are therefore likely to be cheaper to insure. The E-Class and 5 Series start from group 36 and 37 respectively, although move up to group 40 and above for the more potent versions.

Depreciation

Our data suggests that values for the G80 have softened just a touch over the last year or so; from holding on to around 44 per cent of its value after a typical three year/36,000-mile ownership period, the petrol model is now predicted to retain around 40-42 per cent over the same period, while the all-electric car is on 44 per cent.

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our free car valuation tool...

Interior, design and technology

A premium executive car has to offer the right balance of style and sophistication that will win over customers seeking to make a particular impression. The G80 looks suitably purposeful with its coupe-like lines, long bonnet and oversized grille providing a little individuality and helping it to stand out from the office car park crowd.

If the exterior appeals, then a glance inside the cabin will possibly seal the deal, as the G80 serves up a serious slice of luxury: high-quality materials are in use throughout the interior, with real wood trim and Nappa leather upholstery available as an option on top-spec versions. It’s not just the areas in frequent use that make a good impression, the fit and finish everywhere is first class and we think the G80 can hold its head high alongside the Mercedes E-Class on this score.

The Premium Line version possibly doesn’t set off the interior as well as the more expensive Luxury Line. The cheaper option uses a ‘leatherette’ upholstery in contrast to the quilted real leather of the Luxury version, while extras such as bigger 20-inch wheels, a power tailgate, and a heated steering wheel help provide a real executive feel. It's no surprise that, in offering a single trim level for the Electrified G80 model, Genesis has chosen to go with its Luxury specification.

Opt for the Sport trim and Genesis will throw in gloss black brake calipers and carbon fibre interior trim, along with features such as three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and unique 19-inch alloy wheels.

One gripe buyers might have is that Genesis continues to wrap up some individual options into more expensive equipment packs. For example, if you wanted to add wireless phone charging, you’d have to specify the £6,270 Comfort Seat and Executive Pack, which offers a range of comfort and convenience features.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The widescreen infotainment set-up in the Genesis G80 looks very smart, doesn’t distract from driving and is easy to glance at for quick directions. The interface is excellent, offering an easy-to-use menu layout that looks modern and has useful functions displayed by default, including the weather wherever you are, alongside the navigation map. It’s a touchscreen, so typing in directions is easy enough, although using it on the move isn’t ideal because it’s quite far away and you need to reach forward.

Another issue is the rotary dial controller. Usually we love these, but here, the dial is set deep into the centre console, so it’s controlled with a fingertip rather than grasping it with your fingers. We also found that the digital dials don’t show as much data as we’d like, but at least the display is sharp.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The G80’s cabin is a quality affair and full of luxurious touches; the seats are extremely comfortable and there is the option of specifying the Comfort Seat and Executive Pack for an extra £6,270. This includes front and rear heated and ventilated seats, electrically-adjustable front seats with a massage function, blinds for the rear passenger windows and rear screen, a wireless smaertphone charging function, and a host of other comfort-based features

On-board storage isn’t a problem and there are plenty of places to store your phone or other oddments. Other practical features include auto headlights and wipers, a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors to help with tricky parking manoeuvres.

Dimensions and size

The G80 is a little larger overall than a Mercedes E-Class. At 5,005mm long, 1,925mm wide and 1,465mm tall, the G80’s dimensions are 70mm, 73mm and 5mm bigger than the German exec, respectively. 

Leg room, head room & passenger space 

Interior space is an area where the G80 really shines. It offers tremendous interior space for the driver and passengers, with even taller occupants easily able to get comfortable. During our own test, we found the G80 does not have as much headroom as a Mercedes E-Class, but it’s really only an issue in the rear if you’re particularly tall and sit in an upright position.

Boot space

At 424 litres, the G80’s boot isn’t close to rivalling the best in class. Again, the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class show their all-round quality with 540 litres and 530 litres respectively. The G80’s battery is stored under the boot floor, so there is no underfloor storage or even the option of a space saver spare wheel. Boot capacity for the Electrified G80 takes a 70-litre hit, with just 354 litres of space on offer.

Reliability and safety

Genesis didn't appear in our 2023 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, although being the luxury arm of parent company Hyundai should inspire some confidence - the Hyundai Kona and Ioniq models finished 11th and 16th respectively on the list of the best 75 cars to own.

Industry crash-test body Euro NCAP awarded the G80 a full five-star rating, with a 91 per cent score for adult safety, 87 per cent for child protection and a reassuring 91 per cent mark for on-board safety assist technology.

All models include Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and a range of driver ‘Assist’ features: blind-spot collision-avoidance, lane keeping, forward collision-avoidance, intelligent speed limit, lane following and highway driving are all standard. 

All Genesis models are to be sold through bespoke stores rather than the usual dealer outlets, with a concierge-style service available to arrange delivery to your home address.

Warranty and servicing

Genesis offers a Care Plan for all of its model ranges that brings together warranty cover and servicing under one banner. The package includes a five-year warranty and free servicing with a limited mileage of up to 50,000 miles. When your car is due an inspection, Genesis will arrange to collect your vehicle, perform any necessary work and return it to an agreed location. A courtesy car will also be made available while your car is off the road.