2024 Genesis G80

How does the G80 drive? The G80 is a solid performer all around. The turbocharged V6, which is what we tested, has plenty of power whether you're hoofing it from a stop or need a squeeze of power on the highway. At our test track, our V6-equipped G80 test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That's a bit slower than six-cylinder German rivals but right in the running with the Cadillac CT5 V-Series. Other highlights include smooth and quick transmission shifts and an unobtrusive engine stop-start system.

The G80 3.5T comes standard with an adaptive suspension. (It's otherwise optional on the 2.5T.) Put the car in its Sport mode and the suspension firms up and does a good job of reducing body roll when you drive around turns.

How comfortable is the G80? The G80 is sport sedan adjacent, so it should be exceedingly comfortable, right? Yes. Mostly. The plush seats are wonderfully supportive and wide without making you feel like you're being swallowed by them. Other highlights include nicely sculpted rear outboard seats and quick heating for the seats and steering wheel.

Now for the "mostly" part. We expected more from the G80's trick road-scanning adaptive suspension. Overall tuning is on the soft side when you put the car in Normal mode. Pleasingly, there's no residual bounciness after traveling over bigger bumps. However, the ride can get overly brittle over cracked pavement. There's also some noticeable road noise, though wind and engine noise is sufficiently muted.

How’s the interior? An agreeable ride height and narrow doorsills make it easy to get in and out of the G80. The driver literally has the best seat in the house, with additional adjustments (including massage) that aren't available on the front passenger seat. The view outward, though not bunker-like, is hampered slightly by thick front and rear pillars and a tall decklid. Certain features included on our test vehicle — including surround-view and blind-spot cameras — definitely help.

Once inside, tall folks might notice their hair brushing against the headliner in either row. Sub-6-footers should have no problem, however, and you can always slouch a little and take advantage of the prodigious amount of legroom.

The dashboard layout and design are attractive, with a pleasing selection of physical buttons for controls that you might use frequently. The touchpad/wheel infotainment controller presents an initial learning curve. Some of our drivers found it became second nature after some practice, but others never warmed up to it. The display is a short but ultra-wide touchscreen. Touching the right side of it from the driver's seat can be a stretch.

How’s the storage? The G80's trunk is average in size. Interior storage space is more impressive, with numerous large bins and trays sprinkled throughout the cabin. Got kids? It can be initially difficult to install a child safety seat because the lower car seat anchors are not as easily accessible as those in other luxury sedans. But once you've got that done, the large rear doors and expansive rear legroom make it easy to get infants in and out.

Is the G80 a good value? Value has always been a Genesis strong suit, and the G80 starts off thousands of dollars less than its German competition. Interior materials are a pleasant mix of leather, synthetic leather, open-pore wood and aluminum. The overall effect is simply stunning. That said, our test vehicle exhibited a popping noise after hitting a bump or turning the wheel full lock at low speeds, which really marred the luxury experience.

Genesis' warranty coverage can't be beat: five years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. Three years/unlimited miles for roadside assistance is a little stingy, but three years of complimentary maintenance is among the segment's best.

The G80 is supremely comfortable in most situations, whether you're stuck in traffic, puttering around town, or cruising on the highway. It's a little slower and less fun to toss around than Germany's best, but the G80 gives you 95% of what you'd expect from a midsize luxury sedan.

Genesis' shield-like grille is an acquired taste, but you have to admit the G80 won't get lost in a parking lot anymore. The new cabin design is also hugely impressive compared to the previous model. While the first-generation G80 did a great job differentiating itself from its Hyundai roots, the second-gen model allows Genesis to forge its own distinct identity.