The Genesis brand, though relatively young in the automotive world, has quickly established itself as a formidable contender in the luxury segment. Launched in 2015 by Hyundai Motor Group, Genesis aimed to redefine luxury with a fresh perspective. But what happened?

Initially launched as a standalone online brand, but with no dealerships, Genesis faced challenges in reaching a wider audience. To address this, Hyundai merged Genesis into its operations in early 2024, and while the Genesis brand remains, it's now part of Hyundai's network, offering a more traditional dealership experience, which by all accounts people want.  Who knew.

What is it?

The G80, originally a Hyundai Genesis before the brand split, has been a flagship model that showcases the evolution of Genesis from a budding marque to a full-fledged competitor against the likes of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.

Updated for 2024, the big G80 is the first big 4-door saloon that I’ve driven in a long time, and it reminded me of how much I love big 4-door executive cruisers.

Yes, it rubs shoulders with other high-end saloons from BMW, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes, but just like Lexus before it, the G80 offers a complete package at a more reasonable price.

On the road

Pushing out 300bhp, the 2.5ltr turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is as smooth and as quiet as they come.  If performance is your thing, it’ll propel you to 60mph in just 6-seconds and carry on until it hits the limiter at 155mph, though you do get the sense it would rather you take it easy as opposed to sprinting everywhere.

Winding in your boy, or girl racer means you get a more serine driving experience. The refined suspension setup and adaptive dampers work harmoniously to absorb road imperfections, providing a silky-smooth ride. In addition, the ‘ride preview’ tech scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension to prepare the car for surface nasties before they intrude on the occupant’s well-being, giving you a waft-o-matic experience.

The steering is light yet responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre through tight city streets or cruise effortlessly on the motorway.

The G80’s sound insulation is exceptional, effectively cocooning occupants from external noise and creating a serene environment within the cabin. The chassis is well-balanced, offering stability and confidence in corners without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re navigating the winding roads of the Scottish Highlands or cruising down the M1, the G80 Lux delivers a composed and enjoyable driving experience.

Economy wise, expect around 32mpg.

Interior

Step inside the G80, and you’re greeted by an interior that oozes sophistication and comfort. The cabin is a blend of high-quality materials, including supple Nappa leather, open-pore wood, and brushed aluminium accents. The attention to detail is impeccable, with every stitch and surface exuding luxury.

The 2024 G80 boasts a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a massive 14.5”touchscreen display. The system is intuitive and responsive, offering seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Lexicon premium audio system delivers concert hall-like sound quality, ensuring your favourite tunes sound their best, from Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini to Mozart.

The front seats are heated, ventilated and offer infinite adjustments, including multiple massage functions. In fact they’re so orthopedically advanced that they get the German back health association’s seal of approval. Look, you don’t have to be staring down the barrel of impending middle age to appreciate this stuff, you know. Rear passengers are not left out, with ample legroom and the option for heated seats as well. The dual-zone climate control ensures that everyone can set their preferred temperature, adding to the overall comfort of the cabin.

The central screen is navigated via a rotary touchpad or directly by touch in an easy and intuitive manner. Its graphics and illumination are spot-on, the haptics of the controller a text-book example of how to do it. Augmented reality uses real-life real-time footage from the front-facing camera to show the route ahead on the sat nav in stunningly rendered detail. The drive controller is another rotary job, also smooth in action. And the climate control combines touch with actual physical switchgear - hell yeah!

Luxury saloons often sacrifice practicality for style, but the G80 Lux 2.5T manages to strike a balance. The boot space is generous, offering 371 litres of cargo capacity. This is ample room for a weekend getaway or a shopping spree. The rear seats can also be folded down to accommodate larger items, adding to the G80’s versatility.

Loading and unloading are made easy with the hands-free smart boot, which automatically opens when you stand behind the car with the key fob. This feature is particularly handy when you have your hands full and need to access the boot without fumbling for keys.

Conclusion

Creating a luxury vehicle is no small feat, and the 2024 Genesis G80 Lux 2.5T is the result of meticulous planning, design, and engineering. The design philosophy behind the G80 is “Athletic Elegance,” a term that perfectly captures its blend of dynamic performance and sophisticated styling.

In a nutshell, the Genesis G80 Lux 2.5T is like that perfectly tailored suit - it looks fantastic, feels even better, and leaves a lasting impression. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to arrive in style?