If you want to impress, well, everybody, this will do it. I'm talking about the 2025 Genesis G80. Newly redesigned, this luxury sedan is more refined than ever thanks to well-thought out and executed tweaks inside and out. My test vehicle is the epitome of a show-stopper: the top-of-the-line 2025 G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD.
The G80 is an absolutely stunning sedan. My test vehicle is wearing a new for 2025 Vatna Gray hue inspired by the volcanic landscapes of Iceland. The Sport Prestige rides on statement-making 20-inch Sport alloy wheels. For 2025, Genesis designers enhanced Sport models with a bolder grille with a wider mesh design.
The G80 also gets updated headlight technology - Micro Lens Array headlamps. Genesis says they're designed to maximize lamp performance in low-light areas while minimizing the impact of other vehicle's visibility. A redesigned tail end sports rear LED combo tail lights and dual exhaust. High-end exterior features include power-folding outside mirrors with Genesis logo puddle lamps.
Powertrain
The G80's 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 will make driver enthusiasts like myself happy with its robust 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a quick and smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. It's also equipped with available all-wheel drive.
When you open the G80 driver's door, whatever you were thinking about goes right out the window. A Sevilla Red and Obsidian interior commands all of your attention.
Gorgeous, soft Nappa Leather quilted seats feature intricate stitching, and a lot of it. Carbon fiber trim gives it that just-right sporty appeal. The door panels are an expertly crafted mix of soft touch materials, carbon fiber trim and quality switchgear. Attention to detail is everywhere you look including the Sport Prestige's Microfiber Suede headliner and pillars.
The Sport Prestige trim treats the driver to an Ergo motion massage function seat, along with a power bolster and seat cushion extender. The leather feels amazing. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. A redesigned two-toned 3-spoke leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters. It's so well designed. The color head-up display is absolutely fantastic.
A big update for the interior is the new ultra wide 27" OLED display that includes a 12.3" 3D Digital Instrument Cluster and navigation. It's really something. The graphics are incredible. The multimedia system is compatible with newly wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and the typical features you'd expect. A 3D vehicle view is where you access and control areas in the vehicle. The G80 also has Hyundai Pay.
Cabin updates refine the interior even further. They include a redesigned leather-wrapped upper instrument panel along with a revamped center stack with a new climate control layout. The center console is also redesigned. Two dials are still the focal point of the super sleek and minimalistic center console. The new shift-by-wire dial gear selector is just gorgeous. It's inspired by jewelry design. The console also gains a new fingerprint authentication button like the ones you see in other Genesis models. The wireless charger has also been relocated to just ahead of the center console bin, that surprise, is heated! It's something I discovered when enabling the heated steering wheel.
Second-row passengers will travel in cushiony, luxurious comfort as well with access to their own digital climate controls, 2 USB-C ports and manual sunshades. You control the heated seats on the drop-down center console which looks fantastic with a glossy black top area and lid that covers the cup holders. Second-row passengers (and the driver) can also adjust the passenger seat using power controls located on side of the seat.
A rear-seat pass-through to the trunk is always a plus in a sedan. The remote hands-free power trunk itself provides plenty of space.
Other standard features include a panoramic sunroof, 4 USB-C ports, a power rear sunshade, alloy pedals, carpeted floor mats, 3 zone climate, 64-color ambient lighting, Wi-Fi hotspot, and rain sensing wipers.
Make no mistake, the G80 3.5T is a luxury performance sedan with the power and handling to prove it. It's divine to drive. While it's not going to have the handling of say the Kia Stinger, acceleration is fantastic and you'll enjoy driving it in Sport+ Drive mode, exclusive to this trim, for responsive steering. Also exclusive to the Sport Prestige: Rear Wheel Steering, Rear Electronic-Limited Slip Differential, and performance brakes. The ride itself is smooth, comfortable and quiet.
Genesis advanced driver assistance systems excel. Standard ADAS features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert. Highway Driving Assist 2 is fantastic and is one of my favorites in the industry. It held its own in a construction zone! Very impressive.
The Sport Prestige adds a few more features too: Blind-Spot View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Head-Up Display, Surround View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, my favorite remote parking system out there.
The only option on this vehicle is a NFC Card ($30) which is basically a digital key card. MSRP as equipped runs just over $78,000.
The Genesis G80 heads into the 2025 model year with some significant updates that further refine this already exceptional luxury performance sedan.