The U.S. car market continues to shrink as Americans eschew passenger sedans for larger, high-riding SUVs and crossovers. As a result, there are a limited number of choices left for drivers who love a spirited, sporty drive experience—especially those who want sedans and coupes born for the track.
Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai, is carving out a piece of that small field by adding the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport to the midsize sedan’s lineup. The new performance-oriented offering is essentially a punching up of the outgoing turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 turbo variant.
You won’t see the name “Sport” splashed across the rear of the Genesis G80, but it’s evident from behind the wheel thanks to several upgrades to the premium version of this luxury sedan. The same all-wheel-drive, 375-horsepower engine that defined the re-designed 2021 G80 adds a Sport+ mode, launch control and rear wheel steering.
What Makes the G80 Sport Different?
The Genesis G80 was already competitive in the luxury sedan segment with 375 horsepower and lots of luxury features. However, the G80 Sport designation puts this model squarely in competition with the BWM 540i, the Audi A6 55 TFSI and the Mercedes-Benz E 450, all of which feature more sport specs and larger engines than their base models. The base G80 has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower. Both engine choices use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new G80 Sport features sportier tuning and some track-worthy details, including rear wheel steering, which allows the rear wheels to turn up to 2 degrees for a tighter grip on curvy roads. The new Sport+ mode tones down traction control letting giving the driver a more manual experience, (think drifting abilities). The Launch control setting allows the driver to rev the engine and release the brake for a drag-strip style launch (safely, on closed roads, of course). Additional performance enhancements come from special sport tuning via an electronically controlled suspension that reads the road conditions, such as hills and curves.
The G80 Sports also gets Monobloc Genesis branded brakes, which can be seen through the wheels. Summer tires are optional for increased grip in warm weather. There also is an active noise cancelling system for G80s equipped with these rubber band tires.
How Does the G80 Sport Drive?
My test drive took me through the curvy roads of central California and along the state’s highways, allowing me to evaluate all the new tuning and power. On the highway the G80 Sport was simply lovely; it accelerates effortlessly, delivering a smooth and quiet ride. I tested both Sport and Sport+ modes on the twisty back roads and both demand a snugger grip on the wheel. I could feel the suspension tighten and hear the engine revving a bit louder. The brakes displayed more bite and the response from the accelerator was more immediate. The G80 Sport confronted each curve with confidence, displaying a distinct ability to transform a boring commute into a fun, lively drive.
The interior, on the other hand, is distinctly not centered around performance. There are no racing seats or body-hugging bolsters to keep your rear-end firmly planted. Still, the Nappa leather is comfortable and the lack of track-ready amenities did not undermine the enjoyment from the curves and hills of the road.
The head-up display, a pillar of luxury vehicles, allowed a sharper focus on the road, keeping my speed at the ideal level: just fast enough to stay below the radar of law enforcement.
How Much Does the Genesis G80 Sport Cost?
The Genesis G80 Sport starts at $64,475, including a $1,025 destination fee. It includes 19-inch wheels with Genesis-branded monobloc front brakes, metal pedals and electronic suspension. Buyers can upgrade to the Sport Prestige model for the true sport experience.
Priced at $70,775, including destination. It gets larger 20-inch wheels, (the same sculpted wheels on the GV 70 Sport model), rear wheel steering, sport-tuned suspension, carbon fiber trim, head-up display, 12.3-inch digital driver information screen and Nappa leather upholstery. For $500, buyers can add summer tires and active noise control.
Comfort and Convenience
Both Sport models deliver the full Genesis experience with a panoramic sunroof, massaging seats, a premium suite of advanced driver-assistance safety features and a premium Lexicon sound system. But the Sport Prestige truly spoils. Features such as head-up display and smart park assist—including the remote feature that you can operate with the key fob—give this sedan a truly exclusive feel.
The indulgent and opulent Nappa leather and microsuede headliner also set the tone. It’s more comfortable than you can imagine, and it smells like heaven. The materials create and urge to point the rearview mirror at the seats and constantly touch the ceiling because it’s so beautifully crafted, especially in the cream Anthracite interior color.
Rear seat passengers won’t feel forgotten with ample legroom and with USB ports in the center arm rest, which also serves to control the rear seat heaters and an electronic sunshade. Back-seat riders also can control their climate settings
Advanced Safety Features are a Step Beyond
I found myself on a busy highway with a steep grade and trucks merging slowly into my lane. I noticed because the G80 told me. I was using adaptive cruise control and suddenly, could feel the car slowing, and the steering assist system tugging a bit to the left while a warning light flashed on the driver’s information screen. It was the safety system warning me that a large object was approaching my lane. I saw at the truck and was never in danger, but the Genesis wanted to move out of the truck’s way sooner than I did.
Genesis has always been a leader of value luxury and the brand gets it right with safety, too. Driver assistance and safety features are not only standard but enhanced. The technology uses cameras to warn the driver of vehicles migrating into your lane, warns when pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles are nearby as well as enhances adaptive cruise and lane departure assist. The blind spot monitoring system flashes a video image of the lane beside when the turn signal is on. The Sport Prestige trim adds lane change assistance and rear park collision avoidance.
The burgeoning popularity of Genesis is unsurprising given the brand’s commitment to delivering a world class luxury experience in a more-for-the-money car. And now, with that commitment extending to sport performance, expect a whole new super fan to emerge.