Hyundai doesn’t want you to know they build big luxury sedans– that’s why their top two offerings were rebranded. The Hyundai Genesis has evolved into the Genesis G80, and the Equus is now the Genesis G90. Being a tremendous bargain in the sedan marketplace, you’ve probably seen them at work and on the street.
Attention to details and great build quality have made the Genesis a smashing success, but perhaps Hyundai wants us to perceive them as the small & affordable alternative to Japanese or European imports. So the current strategy seems to leave Kia as the introduction, Hyundai for the mainstream, and Genesis for the elite. Sharing parts and engineering across the brands has allowed for innovation in every area. That is how they shocked the world with the 2012 Genesis R-Spec. It had a 429 horsepower V8 that was a plausible CTS-V fighter.
And now they’ve done it again. The 2018 Genesis G80 Sedan is available with the same 5.0 liter V8 we’ve come to love, but this is something new. Under the hood is a 3.3 liter V6 with twin turbos. Everyone else is adding boost to small V6 engines, so it was bound to happen. The motor is the only real difference since our review of the 2017 Genesis G80, so click that link for the full rundown. On premium fuel it makes 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.
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The transmission is the same 8 speed automatic as last year. Shifting is on the comfort side so it would be nicer to have more bang on WOT downshifts. Brake boosting is a great way to launch, and it will catch the unsuspecting with tire smoke and strange looks. Although it only makes a few less pound-feet than the V8 Genesis, it is nice to have better highway mileage. To differentiate it from the V8 models, the Sport has satin nickel accents along with unique grilles & wheels. Apple CarPlay and Android are fully supported with the Lexicon 17 speaker system. Other pleasantries include a wireless charging pad, carbon fiber interior trim, and a full-color HUD screen.
What are they asking for a new motor and upgraded details? Only $56,225. Much cheaper than any other twin turbo sedan, but almost $1,000 more than the V8 from last year. It is still a good buy if you are looking for a solid & quiet ride, especially one backed by a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. Head to your local dealer to find out more and stay with us for all your automotive news.
