First Drive: 2021 Genesis G80 Ramps Up Styling and Tech

The powertrains, handling, and beautiful interior impress, but the infotainment system is confounding

2021 Genesis G80 Consumer Reports

The redesigned 2021 Genesis G80, like its predecessor, offers luxury sedan buyers a quiet and refined driving experience with a more feature-packed cabin than key rivals, such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90. What's more, the new car has much sleeker styling than the outgoing version, along with a completely reworked, more high-tech infotainment system.

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in October, 2020, we finished testing the Genesis G80.

Read the complete Genesis G80 road test.

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The 2021 Genesis G80 is based on a new rear-drive platform shared with the also-new 2021 GV80 SUV. It’s lower and wider than the outgoing model, and boasts a pair of turbocharged engines, the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, and numerous standard advanced safety features.

Prices for the G80 start at $47,700 for the rear-wheel-drive turbocharged four-cylinder model and top off at $62,250 for the turbocharged V6 with all-wheel drive. The destination fee adds $1,025.

We rented two early examples of the G80 from Genesis, Hyundai's luxury-focused division, to give us a chance to experience both of the new powertrains before the car goes on sale.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the new G80 is available to you here. We bought a G80 model to put through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including those that evaluate acceleration, braking, fuel economy, handling, car-seat fit, and controls. CR members have access to the full road-test results.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all of our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

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What we rented: 2021 Genesis G80 and Genesis G80 Prestige
Powertrain: 300-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 375-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
MSRP: $47,700 and $65,100
Destination fee: $1,025
Total cost: $48,725 and $66,125

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