Genesis finds itself the new kid on the block and this neighborhood's trending upscale quite nicely.
Genesis represents a newly christened luxury brand (Genesis Motors) seeking to duplicate past successes achieved from Pacific Rim rivals.
At the end of the go-go 1980s, Japan's large-volume automakers (Honda, Toyota and Nissan) began introducing entire new luxury divisions (Acura, Lexus and Infiniti respectively) to battle long-established nameplates from Germany (BMW, Mercedes-Benz) and ensconced domestics (Cadillac, Lincoln).
The three newbies focused primarily on the U.S. before eventually expanding to other markets. Now, it's South Korea's largest automaker's turn to join the neighborhood block party.
The Genesis name already existed within the Hyundai Motors family, debuting in the 2009 model year as a rear-wheel-drive 'luxury' sedan. Two years later, the pricier Equus arrived, promoted as the newly appointed 'flagship' sedan. Hyundai launched its Genesis luxury sub brand in the 2016 model year, repositioning these two previously Hyundai-badged sedans into the Genesis-brand fold with new alphanumeric identifiers.
The sedan Hyundai Motors introduced in 2009 as the Genesis (with a second-generation redo in the 2014 model year) became the mid-luxury Genesis G80. The flagship vehicle aka Hyundai Equus transformed into the Genesis G90, which underwent a next-generation makeover in 2017.
Of the two, G80 remains the volume leader. Through November, Genesis Motors sold 14,673 G80 units compared to G90's 3,992. In the coming year, expect a crossover debut from Genesis Motors (utilizing a GV prefix) and a compact-sized sedan (the G70). By 2020, Genesis plans to expand its lineup to six vehicles.
Purchasing a five-passenger G80 sedan requires visiting a Hyundai showroom, although plans remain in the works for stand-alone Genesis dealerships.
Two G80 powertrains return unchanged from 2017 while a third, intriguing opportunity joins the team. Returning is a 3.8-liter V-6 delivering 311 horsepower and a 5.0-liter V-8 summoning 420 horses. New for 2018 and worth consideration; a 3.3-liter twin turbocharged V-6 generating 365 horsepower, providing more-than ample get-up-and-go. G80s with the new 3.3-liter turbo add a 'sport' suffix designate. Both the twin-turbo V-6 and 5.0-liter V8 powertrains are offered in the larger G90 sedan. All three engines team with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Genesis Motors takes a page from the Hyundai family scrap book, delivering a value-driven philosophy with pricing thousands less than comparably-equipped rivals. The G80's price and option structure remains ultra-simple and straight forward.
Base 3.8-liter V-6 editions offer two option packages, Premium ($5,000) and Ultimate ($5,000). Both the 3.3-liter Sport and 5.0-liter V-8 include these packages standard. About the only other decision involves opting for all-wheel-drive, a $2,500 extra in all three engine choices. Rear-drive comes standard. All too often, luxury brands slot in with a designated starting point, with pricing escalating quickly when adding a-la-cart items.
Premium packages include power tilt-and-slide two-row moon roof, upgraded sound system, power rear sunshade and LED fog lamps. Ultimate packages add larger 9.2-inch display screens, leather seating surfaces, driver seat side bolsters, multi-view in-dash camera, power trunk lid and dynamic bending headlight guidance.
As with all Hyundais sold in America, Genesis vehicles include a trend-breaking 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the longest-duration coverages in the luxury segment.
Genesis builds upon generous warranty coverage with the 'Genesis Experience.' Both G80 and G90 come with three years of complimentary routine maintenance (oil change, air filter replacement) and valet-delivered loaner cars, if circumstances merit. Also included; a three-year satellite radio subscription.
A base 2018 rear-drive G80 with 3.8-liter V-6 starts at a very respectable $41,750. Genesis dropped off an all-new, well-equipped 3.3-liter turbo-charged V-6 Sport for a week's worth of testing with a starting price of $55,750. Zero options and a $975 destination charge brought the bottom line to $58,725.
The mid-sized G80 nicely combines driving dynamics along with a quiet, supple ride. Sport trims feature adaptive suspension for more spirited glides along with leather-wrapped sport seats contorting with lower body shapes. Decent-sized side and rear windows support excellent multiple-direction visibility for drivers. At night, flood lights illuminate from below side view mirrors when opening front doors, showcasing a ground view of the Genesis logo. The winged logo appears in solid form above the grille and on the trunk lid.
The G80 includes a sizeable diamond-mesh front grille snout, a Genesis brand trademark. From profile, the hood stretches extra -long, contrasting with a short rear deck lid. Sport trims add dark, 19-inch wheels. Exterior styling tilts conservative, not radical.
The larger V-8 engine coupled with all-wheel drive plays havoc with mileage, registering a rather disappointing 15 mpg city and 23 highway, making a stronger case for the 3.3-liter turbo. However, our all-wheel-drive Sport delivered estimates of 17 mpg city and 24 highway, also below the segment median.
Premium fuel is recommended for optimal horsepower numbers, although regular 87-octane may be utilized to fill the 20.3-gallon tank, one of the largest in the mid-luxury segment.
The easily interpreted instrument panel rocks a three-dimensional effect. Two analog circles (tachometer left, speedometer right) team with smaller, half-moon inserts (temperature left, fuel gauge right) along the bottom. Display needles illuminate with bright white lighting. A center digital screen includes multiple panels summoned from the steering wheel's 3 o'clock thumb-tab, the same region where cruise control operates. Secondary audio and station presets occupy the 9 o'clock steering wheel face.
Smack dab in the center of the dash, an in-board, 9.2-inch multi-function screen, operational via touch or the chrome push-twist dial found between front bucket seats. Now standard, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing easier Smartphone interplay through the in-dash screen. A second USB plug-in port is added for 2018; one's located inside the center arm rest, with a vertical top opening like side-byside refrigerator/freezer doors, the second closer to the lower portion of the center dash.
While digital time illuminates within the multi-function window, Genesis includes a stylish, square, newfor-2018 analog clock below the in-dash monitor. Flanking Big Ben, push-button ventilation control flanked by dual temperature zone twist dials.
Below, a long, narrow section of sound-system control buttons flanked by twist dials (similar sized as temperature zone twists) manually adjust sound and station presets.
The circular, dashboard-located push-button electronic start situates right of the power-adjusting tilt and-telescope steering column. The electronic eight-speed transmission shifter, between front bucket seats, requires a push of a rectangular forward button to engage 'park.' Reverse, neutral and drive command via a stubby T-bar moving forward or back. Selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) summon via a push of a button aft of the T bar.
2018 Genesis G80
Price as tested: $58,725
Engine: 3.3-liter turbo V-6
Horsepower: 365
Wheelbase: 188.5 inches
Overall Length: 196.5 inches
Overall Width: 74.4 inches
Overall Height: 58.3 inches
Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
Curb weight: 4,674 pounds
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Assembly: South Korea
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