fact took the new-look Genesis G80 for a spin, discovering that comfort, character and class can carpool with ease in one mid-sized saloon.
“When we pulled out to overtake on the highway, it felt almost casual, the torque arriving early and with conviction.”
A facelift is always a delicate moment for a car – change too much and you risk losing what people liked, change too little and it fades into the background. The G80 3.5T Royal arrived freshly updated and we were eager to experience how all the elements came together.
A Fresh Face
Genesis didn’t try to reinvent the exterior design; it simply sharpened the highlights and refined the details. We appreciated the broader dual-weave mesh Crest Grille and the slimmer Two-Line headlamps with Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, that together gave the G80 the sort of calm expression that says, ‘I know I look good, let’s not make a fuss’.
At the rear, we noticed the three-dimensional contours of the bumper and how the mufflers had been replaced with a polished V-shaped chrome trim that added a luxurious feel. The new LED tail lamps sharpened things up further, while at the flanks, the 20-inch alloy wheels – shaped like aircraft propellers – had us pausing for a second look.
Interior Touches
Inside, the updates were immediately noticeable. The Nappa leather ergo motion seats were supportive and comfy, with ventilation, heating and a massage function so good, we half expected someone to turn up with a cucumber water and a hot towel. The UV-C steriliser in the armrest was impossible to ignore – we gave anything we could find a zap, because, well, why not?
The rest of the cabin carries the same attention to detail: high-quality materials, clean lines and subtle ambient mood lighting that made the space feel calm and refined without ever being showy. The suede headlining, pillars and sun visors gave the interior a plush finish, complemented by real wood and aluminium garnishes and metallic door scuff plates, proof that the finer details weren’t overlooked.
In-Car Smarts
The upgraded G80 showed us how high-tech can feel effortless. From first entry, touch-sensitive door handles and welcome lights added a little flair, showcasing the amount of thought the brand has put into improving the user experience.
Front and centre, the 27-inch display stretched across the dashboard. It didn’t feel like a screen bolted on as an afterthought, but effortlessly blended into its surroundings, becoming part of the cabin’s design language. Paired with the Genesis Integrated Controller, we could effortlessly navigate the crisp-looking menus without the usual finger-poking frenzy that leaves screens looking like a crime scene.
A fingerprint authentication system remembered our preferred settings, wireless charging ensured a cable-free cabin, the three-zone climate control kept us cool and the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system transformed our playlists into an immersive audio experience.
In the rear, dual 14.6-inch screens promised plenty of entertainment for children and other passengers while on the move.
Performance on Tap
Of course, looks and tech mean little if the drive disappoints. The G80 3.5T Royal quickly proved it was up to the task. Its twin-turbo V6 engine gave us more than enough muscle – 375hp, delivered smoothly through the eight-speed automatic transmission. When we pulled out to overtake on the highway, it felt almost casual, the torque arriving early and with conviction.
What struck us most, though, was the comfort. Even when we hit a few uneven patches along the way, the suspension system, complete with frequency-responsive structures in the front and rear shock absorbers, soaked them up.
The cabin was peaceful throughout the drive, thanks to the double-glazed windows and sound-absorbing tyres. It was quiet enough that our conversations naturally softened, as though the car itself dictated the tone.
One Step Ahead
In rush hour traffic, we put the driver-assist features to the test. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist kept a watchful eye on other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Driver Attention Warning used grip sensors to accurately detect when the driver was holding the steering wheel (without nagging). Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist warnings acted like an extra pair of eyes.
The highlight for us was Remote Parking Assist. We stepped out, pressed the button and watched the G80 park itself neatly between two oversized SUVs. A few passersby stopped to watch, and we pretended not to notice – though we couldn’t resist feeling a little smug.
Genesis has also included several other assistance systems to ensure the safety of all occupants.
Final Thoughts
By the time our test drive wrapped up, the G80 3.5T Royal had won us over not just with its spec sheet but with how effortlessly it wove those impressive specs into the driving experience. It was stylish without trying too hard, powerful without being unruly and packed with tech without making us feel like we needed a manual to use it.
For us, that was the charm: a luxury saloon that didn’t need to be loud to make its point. The updates haven’t reinvented the G80 – they’ve sharpened it, building on its strengths, while keeping its character intact.
GO: CALL 800 8899 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE.
