Sunday Drive: 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T – A Masterclass in Luxury and Performance | News, Sports, Jobs

We always enjoy a week at the luxury brand Genesis. So getting to ride the new 2025 G80 for a bit was a real fall treat, as the brand makes a bold statement in the luxury sedan market.

Known for its stylish design, impressive performance, and many high-tech features, the G80 model further cements Genesis’ reputation as a serious contender in the luxury automobile field during the week we enjoyed this sedan. I kept increasing it.

After spending a week behind the wheel of this sophisticated machine, we can confidently say that the 2025 G80 is a must-have model for drivers looking for the perfect blend of elegance and athleticism.

Exterior design: athletic elegance

From the moment the G80 arrived in the driveway, it was clear that Genesis had created a visually striking vehicle. The smooth lines, aggressive stance and unique crest-shaped grille combine to create an aura of luxury and strength. The Sport Prestige trim has unique touches like blackout chrome accents and 20-inch alloy wheels, giving it a sportier feel without sacrificing its appeal.

The quad-LED headlights and sweeping rear taillights were elegant yet futuristic, ensuring the G80 stood out day or night. The G80’s design caught a lot of attention during our “Sunday Drive” through the scenic roads of Heber Valley.

Modern and bold, its design language is enough to compete with German rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. And the Tasman Blue exterior color added an extra touch of sophistication to our week-long adventure.

Powertrain and Performance: Thrill and Comfort Combined

The heart of the 2025 Genesis G80 is under the hood, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, this car delivered smooth, responsive power at all speeds.

On Utah’s typical highways, the sedan accelerated effortlessly and had plenty of torque for passing, merging, or pulling away.

Switching between the drive modes (Comfort, Sport, thrilling Sport+) changed the driving dynamics significantly. In Comfort mode, the G80 is quiet and buttery smooth, making it perfect for long drives and commuting. The adaptive suspension absorbs road irregularities, making it easy to handle the rough roads around Midway.

But switch to Sport+ mode and hit the canyon roads and the G80 transforms into a nimble, performance-oriented machine. Sharper throttle response, firmer suspension, and more precise steering made every twist and turn an exhilarating experience.

Despite its sporty character, the G80 was very quiet, with minimal interior noise even at high speeds. Genesis has done a great job of isolating the interior from the road, giving the car an air of luxury as well as power.

Interior: A combination of luxury and technology

Step inside the G80 and you’re greeted by a world of high-end materials and cutting-edge technology. The cabin design combines quilted Nappa leather seats, real wood, and brushed aluminum accents to create a luxurious feel unmatched in this price range. The attention to detail was evident throughout, from the seat stitching to the feel of the controls.

Both driver and passenger seats are equipped with heating, ventilation and massage functions, ensuring maximum comfort even on long drives. The driver’s seat also has 16 levels of adjustment to ensure a perfect fit for all body types.

One of the G80’s standout features is its 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen display. The infotainment system was intuitive, with crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, making integration with your smartphone seamless. The head-up display is another highlight, projecting important information such as speed and navigation directions onto the windshield so you can always keep your eyes on the road.

Audiophiles will appreciate the Lexicon premium audio system with 21 speakers that delivers concert-quality sound throughout the cabin.

Technology and safety: cutting-edge innovation

The Genesis G80 didn’t skimp on safety features. It was equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features have made highway driving and navigating city traffic completely stress-free.

One of the standout safety technologies is Smart Parking Assist, which allows the sedan to automatically park in tight spaces with minimal input. This feature makes parking easier, whether you’re parallel parking on a busy road or squeezing into a crowded parking lot. A 360-degree camera system also adds to your convenience and provides a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings.

Additionally, the Highway Driving Assist II system has revolutionized long-distance driving. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering combined to keep the car in its lane and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Fuel efficiency and practicality

The 2025 G80 achieved respectable fuel economy despite its powerful engine. In a variety of driving conditions, the car achieved a total of 19.5 miles per gallon during our week-long adventure. This would be competitive for a luxury sedan with this level of performance.

During our test week, we found fuel economy to be particularly impressive when driven in Eco mode, which sets engine responsiveness to maximum efficiency.

The G80 had 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which was plenty of space for luggage, groceries, golf clubs, and more. The rear seats can be folded in a 60/40 split, adding versatility for storing larger items. The G80’s trunk, while not the most spacious in its class, provided enough utility for most everyday needs.

At the end of the week: Luxury sedans worth every penny

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige was a masterclass in luxury, performance, and technology. Genesis has created a vehicle that not only matches its European competitors, but surpasses them in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver or a lively performance sedan, the G80 delivers on both fronts.

Base price: $77,000

Destination fee: $1,250

Price as driven: $78,930