Big grilles are the latest trend in car design – you know what we’re talking about. We’re not sure what should be the definition of “all grille”, but if we have to choose one car, the all-new Genesis G80 definitely comes very close to it. Divisive grille design choices aside though, the all-new G80 is actually quite a pretty thing.
Being the definitive model of the brand, the G80 takes the Genesis design identity to the next level, starting with its front fascia. The giant Crest Grille is flanked by the brand’s new Quad Lamps as seen on the GV80 SUV – designed to resemble the Genesis emblem.
However, what caught our attention is the parallel lines from the Quad Lamps, which flow all the way around to the side fenders and the tail lamps, forming a cohesive line around the entire car.
the straight lines are complemented by an arc-shaped character line, mirrored vertically by a chrome strip running from the front wheel arch to create an aerofoil shape – which again, references the wings on the Genesis emblem.
The Genesis G80 rides on 20-inch five-spoke wheels finished in chrome, which contrasts nicely with the chameleon-esque two-tone paint job shown on this example.
On the inside, Genesis split the cabin of the G80 into two parts – panoramic and control areas, apparently inspired by traditional Korean architecture. These include the steering wheel, as well as the entire dashboard, separated by a full-width air-conditioning vent.
The panoramic area includes a heads-up display, 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, and a 14.5-inch infotainment display, fully equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, paired to a Lexicon sound-system.
Meanwhile, the control area includes the HVAC controls, and a rotary dial-touchpad combo for the infotainment system. Genesis says that the hard buttons are intentionally kept to a minimum, for both aesthetic purposes and ease of use.
Despite adopting a fastback-like roofline, Genesis says that the all-new G80 actually gains in both headroom and legroom, thanks to the lowered seating position on the rear seats, courtesy of the new platform.
The 2020 Genesis G80 is built on the brand’s exclusive third-generation rear-wheel drive platform – not shared with parent-company Hyundai – designed specifically for a lower centre of gravity and wider cabin for improved driving stability.
Three powerplant options are available for the all-new G80, starting with a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 304 hp and 422 Nm of torque. Going one step up is the 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 mill, pushing out a respectable 380 hp and 530 Nm of torque.
For fans of oil-burners, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel inline-four engine is also available, with its output rated at 210 hp and 441 Nm of twist.
All that extra power output from the new engines pairs nicely to a lighter overall weight, too. Genesis says that the G80 utilises aluminium in approximately 19% of its body construction, which helps reduce weight by 110 kg.
The third-generation Genesis G80 is packed to the brim with the latest advance safety and convenience technologies. These include Highway Driving Assist II which supports lane-change actions, Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist.
The electronically-controlled suspension uses information from the front cameras to “brace” the dampening settings for large potholes, ensuring utmost comfort for passengers. The G80 also comes with Remote Smart Parking Assistance, which lets you move the car forwards or backwards remotely via the key fob.
