2025 Genesis G80 First Drive Review: Elegant Velocity

The Genesis of Genesis  

Every automaker has a vehicle they’ve never admit is the favorite within the lineup, but have more photos of it the mantle than the others. Specific vehicle models or nameplates sitting at best seat in the table by breaking sales records, setting a trend, or being the reason motorsport fans wear their logo on ball caps.

For Genesis, the unofficial golden child is the G80 sedan because its the first model to wear its name when it debuted in 2008 as the Hyundai Genesis. It had a glow-up in 2017 when it official became the Genesis G80. Since then, this sedan has spearheaded the brand’s continuing evolution as South Korea’s premiere and only automotive luxury brand.

I traveled to the horse fenced land of Lexington, Kentucky to test drive the 2025 Genesis G80 and find out what’s new with the OG of Genesis lineup.

What’s New with the 2025 Genesis G80

Genesis gave the G80 sedan a facelift inside and out for 2025. New changes include a redesigned front and rear fascia, with the front end featuring a Micro Lens Array (MLA) inside its signature two-line headlamps, said to magnify the lamps’ performance in low light without affecting the visibility of other drivers on the road. In addition, a new wheel design complements the G80’s 10 exterior color options, including the new Vatna Gray, said to have been inspired by the volcanic landscapes of Iceland.

2025 Genesis G80 Interior Features

The G80’s interior gains a new 27-inch OLED digital screen displaying the instrument gauges and infotainment. Plus, a reconfigured center console with the brand’s signature crystal rotary dial shifter surrounded in premium materials and a new three-spoke steering wheel. The car’s interior is available in four color options: black monotone, camel monotone, beige/gray two-tone, and my favorite, the two-tone red and black exclusive to G80 Sport trim levels. 

Other interior goodies include a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, which is enjoyed thanks to the cabin’s excellent sound deadening, quiet enough to hear a church mouse to sneeze. Higher-spec trim levels feature a retractable power rear window sunshade controlled by the rear passengers. However, my favorite feature is a button located on the side of the front passenger seat that allows the driver or rear passengers to access the power seat. 

This interior design detail can be easily overlooked until the rear passenger needs more legroom. Having the controls to adjust the front passenger side within arm’s reach saves you the trouble of straining your sciatic nerve trying to adjust the seat by reaching over to the other side of the cabin. In addition, the 2025 G80 sedan offers heated armrests for the front passengers, which will earn its appreciation come January.

Genesis G80 AWD Turbo Powertrains

Powering this luxury sports sedan is one of two engine options fitted to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Entry level models like the 2025 Genesis G80 2.5T Sports Prestige, feature a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder producing a potent 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Higher tier models, like the G80 3.5T Sport Advanced AWD are motivated by a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 producing a brawny but suave 375 hp and 393 lb.-ft. 

Other performance upgrades include rear-wheel steering, an electronic limited-slip differential and four-piston monobloc brake discs to enhance the G80’s responsiveness and handling. I took great delight in stress testing this performance hardware on the switchback roads of rural Lexington, Kentucky.

2025 Genesis G80 Performance Driving Impressions

The model I tested was a full-spec Capri Blue ($650) Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD with Vanilla Beige Ash Gray interior. A recent rain storm had cooled the area down to the low 80s with a crisp breeze keeping any potential sweat at bay. It was a refreshing change from the pre-heated oven sensation of Texas in August. 

On these Kentucky hill hugging roads, I discovered the G80 felt more comfortable in Sport+ compared to its default Comfort drive mode. The car’s plush body weight could be felt in the bends. The stiffened suspension of Sport+ gave me better control and confidence to throw it into the turn at speed.

The car’s rear-wheel steering allowed it to feel planted to the road without the uncomfortable sensation of your head being pulled by gravitational force. Moreover, my co-driver, Stephen Rivers from Car Scoops, was riding in the backseat, putting out fires in his email inbox while I drove. This improvised chauffeur test proved the Genesis G80 to be a well-balanced sports luxury sedan because he did not get car sick typing on his laptop while I tackled sharp bends at 50 mph.

The car’s twin-turbocharged V6 makes an audible but soft-spoken rumble when you feed it a healthy dose of gasoline. I tip my cowboy hat to the interior designers for giving the G80 an atmosphere that can help prevent road rage and anxiety through quality sound deadening, adjustable lumbar support, and interior materials that don’t squeak, rattle, or flinch when you apply pressure. Everything you touch inside feels sturdy and well-made with the slickness of a polished marble countertop.

G80 Fuel Economy and Pricing

Fuel economy is standard for a vehicle of this type. The V6-powered G80 I drove averaged 17 mpg during the dynamic test drive, which is on par with its EPA rating of 17 mpg city and 25 highway.

The single turbocharged 2.5L models perform a little better with 22 mpg city and 30 highway. Pricing starts near the $60,000 mark at $57,100 for the G80 2.5T AWD entry model. You get 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats with power lumbar, a 12-speaker audio system and Apple CarPlay as standard for that kind of money.

Move up one tier to the 2.5T Advanced AWD, starting at $61,900, and you gain 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, matte finish wood trim, a rear window sun shade and three-way climate controls.

Skip ahead to the top-of-the-line G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD at $77,000 with all the bells and whistles riding on 20-inch wheels, and a cabin loaded with Nappa leather wrapped dashboard tastefully decorated with carbon fiber trim and micro-suede headliner. In addition to a digital heads-up display, the 375 hp V6 powertrain, 360 view monitoring and remote start with parking assist, which allows the driver to park the car without being in the driver seat.

Genesis is still a relatively young company cementing its reputation. So far, they are doing the right thing but building vehicles that stand out aesthetically with hyper-visual attention to quality details.