Hyundai’s move to wrap up their more luxurious cars into their own sub-brand was one that began last year with the Genesis G90 and continues into 2016 with the smaller and sleeker New York Concept plus the announcement of more cars in the near future.
But because they chose to name their luxury offshoot Genesis, the link to their large saloon of the same name was the cause of some confusion as it was still being sold in Hyundai dealerships. It was a model that, by no fault of its own, had its foot in both doors.
Now Hyundai, or rather Genesis, has fixed that with the launch of the G80, a model that should look very familiar with the outgoing Hyundai Genesis. In fact, there’s very little that separates this newer car with the older one save for the rebadging and corporate distancing from the larger Hyundai brand.
Not that it’s a bad thing as the second-generation Genesis was already a handsome and car that wouldn’t need a restyling, especially for no good reason. After all, Genesis (the brand) based the design of their first car, the G90 (which replaces the Equus), to be in-line with the design cues that Hyundai started with the 2013 Genesis. Consequently, the G80 does fit in very well as the flagship’s smaller sibling.
The G80 also carries over the all-petrol powertrain options that the Hyundai Genesis offered, ranging from a 3.8-litre V6 producing 232kW/397Nm to a 5.0-litre V8 that yields 313kW/519Nm. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties for both, sending power to the rear wheels.
Genesis has taken the opportunity to pack in as much tech as the G80 could handle, too, with an 8-inch high-resolution infotainment touchscreen that now includes support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a 17-speaker audio setup, the Lexicon Discrete Logic 7.
New connectivity features means that an owner can have limited control over their G80, using their smartphone to find the car in a crowded parking lot, remotely start the car, toggle climate control, and lock or unlock doors.
Genesis’ automatic emergency braking system fitted to the G80 is boasted to be able to brake to a full stop should the need arise while travelling anywhere between 8 and 80km/h. In addition, standard safety tech also includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, high beam assist, rearview camera, and an optional head-up display.
The G80 will go on sale as a 2017 model later this year, with Hyundai already in the process of retracting the second-generation Genesis sedan in preparation of Genesis’ (the brand) market push into the premium space.
For more on Hyundai vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
