Luxury carmaker Genesis today revealed the first images of its second-generation G80 luxury sedan, the latest model to adopt the brand's new styling language, introduced with January's launch of the GV80 SUV.
While the new GV80 was a more significant reveal as the Genesis brand's first crossover SUV model, the G80 is notable for being the car that helped establish its Hyundai parent's upscale intentions: the original G80 made its debut as the second-generation Hyundai Genesis sedan in 2015.
Genesis' press release is short on technical details, but the redesigned G80, set to make its Korean market debut this month, uses a new platform and powertrains. The car will arrive in Canada in the second half of 2020. While Genesis is coy about the car's power sources, it does say the G80 will continue to have standard AWD in Canada.
Today's announcement focuses instead on the car's design, which sees the G80 take on what Genesis calls a "coupe-like" fastback roofline bearing a not-unwelcome resemblance to that of the Audi A7. However, Genesis's press release paints the G80 as a traditional sedan rather than a hatchback. When the G80 goes on sale here, it will compete for buyers with more established mid-size luxury models like the Audi A6 and A7, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The front of the new G80 is dominated by a five-point grille and quad headlights that, taken together, are meant to evoke Genesis's winged crest logo. The quad light theme is echoed in the car's taillights.
Inside, the G80's dash is dominated by a 14.5-inch infotainment display; despite the screen's width, Genesis says the car's cabin was designed around the idea that "technology should not dominate and only present itself when necessary." From the driver's seat, Genesis says slim A-pillars and a large rearview mirror help improve visibility.