The 2017 G80 comes powered by either a 3.8L V6 or a 5.0L V8. The 3.8L V6 is rated at 311 hp while the 5.0L V8 makes 420hp. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. For the first time on the Genesis, all-wheel drive will be an option with the V6 engine. All-wheel drive adds $2500 to the price of the Genesis.
Being a luxury car, the G80, even in the base 3.8 trim comes packed full of equipment that is typically optional in lesser vehicles. Standard equipment includes heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, leather-covered 12-way power adjustable heated front seats. Buyers get a choice of wood or metal paneling on the interior, standard automatic climate control, a leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth and voice command control interfaces, LED interior lighting, a proximity-based entry system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. The audio system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-speaker sound system with SiriusXM and HD radio compatibility and a navigation system that includes traffic updates.
The 5.0 V8-equipped trim is even more opulent and includes an audiophile Lexicon 14-speaker premium stereo, a 7-inch LCD display in the instrument panel, intelligent adaptive cruise control with full start/stop functionality, a rear sunshade, a heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone climate control, a seat memory system, a rearview camera, front and rear parking assist and fog lamps.
Safety features include dual stage front airbags, side curtain and driver knee protection. Anti-lock brakes, a backup-camera, electronic stability and traction control are also standard.
Luxurious And Spacious Interior, Clean And Sophisticated Exterior Styling, Dynamic Rear-wheel Drive Platform
Competitive Pricing
The biggest news this year is a change of names. The 2016 Hyundai Genesis returns as the 2017 Genesis G80. Hyundai is following in the footsteps of Toyota, Honda and Nissan by creating their own luxury division, which they've named Genesis. Hyundai hopes to compete with Lexus, Acura and INFINITI.
Other than a name change, the 2017 G80 also gets several equipment updates and more standard features. There is a new Premium package available, while many of the items on the old Tech and Signature packages now come standard on the car. With these changes though comes a jump in base price, which now starts at a little over $41,000.
In terms of size and features, the G80 competes with midsized luxury sedans such as the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes E-Class. While very well-equipped, the Hyundai comes in price closer to entry-level luxury cars such as the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class. For those willing to overlook a little bit of brand snobbery, the Genesis represents an excellent luxury value, offering an excellent luxury and performance value ratio than anything in its segment.
