SEOUL: Despite an ongoing pandemic, Genesis went ahead to introduce the G80 in a digital world premiere.
The third-generation executive luxury sedan.goes on sale in South Korea today and in the second half of the year in other markets, starting with North America. It is in direct competition with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.
Engineered for world market, the G80 features three powertrains: a 2.5-litre turbocharged Inline-4 producing 304PS; a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 producing 380PS; and a diesel 2.2-litre inne-4 producing 210PS.
Aluminum is used for about 19 percent of the G80 body, reducing the weight by 125kg compared to the previous one, increasing fuel efficiency and performance.
The story of the G80 begins with the brand’s emblem which inspires the crest grille and quad lamps, the distinctive face of every Genesis model.
The G80 sports a classy exterior. On the side, the parabolic line, which begins at the front quad lamp and gradually runs lower to the rear through the top of the door, is inspired by the look of classic cars.
This elegant line is counter-balanced by athletic “power lines” emphasising the strength of fender volume and the upfitted 20-inch wheels. In addition, the chrome trim beginning from behind the front wheels stretches out along at the bottom of the door, crosses the side sills and swells upwards to the rear, strengthening forward visual motion.
The rear view features a dramatic, tapered look – highlighted by a sloping decklid and rear quad lamps which visually link to those in front. Chrome decor at the top of the trunk stretches the full-width repeating the theme of the Genesis emblem, while the dual exhaust finishers reference the Crest Grill design.
The steering wheel and sleek, thin air vents run across the passenger compartment splitting it into the panoramic area above and the control area below. The number of hard buttons and switches was intentionally kept to a minimum, both for aesthetic purposes and ease of use.
In the panoramic area, a heads-up display, a 12.3-inch cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system display all the pertinent information while driving.
The control area is equipped with a suite of interfaces: a Genesis integrated controller for HVAC controls, a rotary-operated electronic shift dial and touch-and-write infotainment system.
The G80’s leading interior space has been further refined. Both headroom and legroom were increased by lowering the seating height of the second row, allowing for both more interior room and a more dramatic roofline.
Completing the space, the G80 features leather seating, steering wheel surfaces, soft-touch fabrics and coatings as well as open pore wood trim finishes.
The new G80 uses a rear-wheel drive platform that lowers the body and the centre of gravity to secure a wider cabin and improved driving stability.
“The new G80 brings all the existing strengths from the previous generations coupled with an upgrade to the powertrain, platform and communication system,” said Hyundai research chief Albert Biermann.
“The core of our brand is the G80,” said Genesis global head William Lee. "This segment represents where we started and we’re pleased that our newest offering achieves a perfect balance of discerning luxury and inspiring performance for our customers.”
