2025 Genesis G80 Is Refreshed, Continues Its Push Upmarket

We have seen significant progress since the time of the Hyundai Genesis. The early success of the Genesis G80, and the Genesis brand as a whole, can be attributed largely to its roots as the Hyundai Genesis. This trend persisted into the next generation, with Genesis establishing a Korean presence in the market for high-quality and good-value vehicles. It also provided Hyundai with the push it required to eventually separate Genesis into its own luxury brand. 

Skip ahead to the present day, and the G80 carries on the practices established by its predecessor, which inspired the entire business operation. While the 2025 model of the sedan may not have as competitive pricing as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it has recently been refreshed and now offers a luxurious option for buyers looking for something different from the usual German luxury trio. 

What are the Latest Developments? 

Possibly the most common mid-cycle update includes a slight nose job and an increasing number of expanding interior screens. And you know what, that's precisely what we're facing in the 2025 Genesis G80 - although, we were getting tired of the G70-style interior layout, which seemed slightly inferior to the much more luxurious G90. However, the gap is getting smaller, and the G80 is rapidly catching up to its bigger brother.

The interior of the G80 is luxuriously designed, particularly in higher trims which feature details such as diamond-stitched nappa leather and stylish cabin trim. The overall layout is now much more similar as well; the G80's two screens have combined into a single 27-inch OLED display that handles both the gauge display and infotainment touchscreen functions.

If you want to avoid fingerprints, there is an extra physical knob, and the entire system is still as user-friendly as any other Korean technology. The climate controls also get a significant upgrade. Their location under the infotainment screen hasn't changed, but now they are seamlessly incorporated into the dashboard design, extending down from the top in a waterfall-like style.

The appearance is appealing, the touch screen is easily adaptable, and fans of switches will be pleased to see physical controls still present. Changes are more constrained outside. The G80 has a bigger grille and minor updates to the headlights, bumpers, and wheels. Higher-tier sports models come with a distinctive bumper that appears more aggressive and features larger air intakes for increased airflow. 

Driving the G80 

We focused our time on the top-of-the-line G80 Sport Prestige, equipped with every available feature, including special sporty elements like a limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering. It includes a Sport+ mode that changes shift points, turns off some of the electronic nannies, and enhances the steering and suspension. The twin-turbo V-6 gives ample power to accelerate.

It may not be extremely fast, but it feels quick—a 2022 model clocked a 4.7-second 60-mph time in our tests—and the engine noise is decent. Artificial sound can be transmitted through the speakers, however, Genesis thought ahead and made sure it could be completely turned off. The eight-speed automatic transmission smoothly changes gears, and even in the car's sportier settings, shifts never feel too abrupt. 

The electronically controlled suspension, using cameras to scan the road ahead and adjust for bumps and holes, maintained a peaceful atmosphere for the G80. Some slight movement of the body is incorporated into the more rigid songs, serving as a reminder that this vehicle prioritizes luxury over sportiness. We find the steering to be overly heavy in its sportier modes for our preferences.

The infotainment system allows the brake pedal to be adjusted to two different levels of responsiveness, although the default setting works well enough. The setting for more athletic performance causes significant head movement but little else, so it's advisable to avoid using it. Genesis continues to excel in its representation of luxury.

The cabin is absolutely charming; the comfy Nappa leather seats provide support and comfort, activating the massage function to keep the driver refreshed after an hour of driving. Visibility is strong, the sound isolation is praiseworthy, and overall it has a pleasant feel. It's a great example of evolution for a car we already liked. However, the Sports models need to have cabin-trim materials that are not aluminum or (sigh) carbon fiber.

The Wheelbase of the 26 Genesis Electrified G80 is Extended

Oh, and a great new feature we love: There's a small opening in the center armrest cubby that lets you thread a phone cable through, preventing it from sticking out of the middle like a weed growing through a sidewalk crack. A small detail helps maintain a slightly neater appearance overall. Its wheelbase performs very well and is now more advanced and developed to make things easier for users.

Conclusion

It is expected that as the G80 enters more luxurious territory, its price will also increase. Prices are expected to increase in the range of $2700 to $4400 by 2025. Purchasing a 2.5T base model will cost you $58,350. Upgrade to the $63,150 2.5T Advanced for more advanced features like fancier trim, larger wheels, a panoramic roof, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

For the price of $69,600, the 2.5T Sport Prestige comes with features such as an electronically controlled suspension, a wireless device charger, various driver-assist technologies, and power-closing doors. And finally, we arrive at the 3.5T models. The Sport Advanced, priced at $70,850, is the most affordable V-6 model and includes the same features mentioned earlier, but lacks a few driver assistance features and power-closing doors.

Leading the pack is the $78,250 Sports Prestige we tested, equipped with top-of-the-line features including Nappa leather, rear limited-slip differential, rear-wheel steering, a heated armrest, and the unique Sport+ mode. Setting aside any claims to being sporty, as it seems to be a common requirement these days, the 2025 Genesis G80 maintains its track record of excellence. It remains a highly luxurious car, and although its value is not as exceptional as before, it still stands out among existing competitors.