2019 Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 is the latest iteration of Hyundai's first foray into the luxury car segment. It's the second generation of a car that began its life as the Hyundai Genesis, before the Korean company turned that nameplate into a separate premium brand.

As the middle child of the Genesis range, slotted between the compact G70 and full-size G90, the G80's design dates back to 2015's arrival of the second-gen Hyundai Genesis sedan. Since, then, Genesis has made minor styling changes and added a turbocharged Sport model, but the car's basics are the same.

There are no major updates for 2019.

The G80 3.8 models are named for their 3.8L V6, which makes 311 hp and 293 lb-ft of torque. G80 Sport upgrades to a 3.3L turbo V6 with 365 hp and 376 lb-ft. Finally, G80 5.0 Ultimate gets a 5.0L V8 with 420 hp and 383 lb-ft. All three engines are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.

We applaud parent company Hyundai's decision to broaden the G80 range with the turbo Sport model. It gives this car a little more meat to compete against more established luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90. Where the G80 lags behind its main competition is with its big-displacement base V6: most upscale mid-sizers have long since moved to turbo four-cylinders for their entry-level models. The 3.8L V6 is a good performer, but its fuel consumption is relatively thirsty.

The G80 range starts with the generously equipped 3.8 Luxury, which comes with 18-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and lane change warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, Nappa leather upholstery, a 900-watt/14-speaker sound system, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats and HID headlights.

3.8 Technology trim adds a multi-view exterior camera system, wireless smartphone charging, head-up display, 9.2-inch touchscreen, 17-speaker stereo, 7.0-inch LCD gauge cluster display and a power trunk with automatic opening.

G80 Sport gets 19-inch wheels, various exterior sport appearance add-ons, sport-tuned adaptive suspension, carbon fibre interior trim, sport steering wheel and LED headlights with adaptive cornering.

Finally, the G80 5.0 Ultimate adds a continuous damping control suspension, micro-suede headliner, power rear window sunshade and a card-type proximity key.

Genesis' fuel consumption figures are 13.4/8.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 3.8L engine; 13.8/9.7 with the 3.3L turbo; and 15.6/10.4 L/100 for the 5.0L V8.