The drive
Sport Plus models also feature high-performance brakes and "Road Preview", a system that reads the road surface and proactively adjusts damping to better absorb any road imperfections.
In principle, this sounds interesting, but in practice, the braking is brutal and difficult to control, especially at low speeds, and the car retains a dry damping even in Comfort mode. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the whole thing is amplified and the ride can become almost unpleasant on rough roads.
Otherwise, driving the G80 is a positive, engaging experience. You quickly get a taste for the German-style sporty driving offered by this Korean car. On-board comfort is enhanced by the ambient road noise cancellation, present in our Sport Plus model. The multi-position adjustable Nappa leather seats in the front also allow you to find the optimal seating position.
Drivers benefit from a system called “Ergo Motion” which allows a better adjustment according to the driving and the possibility of having a massage while driving. Very practical after several hundred kilometers on the road, and I have yet to meet someone who’s used and not loved it.
The prices
On its own merits, the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport Plus is in the same ballpark as the German cars it does battle with, but unlike some of the other of the brand’s models, it’s also in the same ballpark when it comes to its price. With an entry-level model priced at $67,615 for the 2.5T Advanced version, it sits virtually even with the BMW 5-Series, which starts at $67,952, and the Audi A6, which retails for $67,400. Our test model, the Sport Plus version, is priced at $81,115, which compares to the A6 Technik 55 TFSI, also priced at $81,300, or the BMW 540i at $77,652.
It's certain that at these prices and with the model going head-to-head versus fearsome German competition, we won't see many G80s on the road, at least in the short term. The challenge for Genesis is to entice drivers who are loyal to German brands to come and see for themselves. Without the price advantage, that becomes more complicated.
The last word
Pricing aside, the Genesis G80 Sport Plus is still a heck of a car, and one to consider seriously if you're not tied by the umbilical cord to the German brands, or even if you are, in fact. At least you'll be standing apart with your Genesis. For our part, we really enjoyed our week of testing and the car drives like a dream.
While it's clearly in the same league as the German sedans quality-wise, the Genesis' advantage is that it offers a host of equipment and other value-added features that are included with the vehicle. In addition to all the available driver-assist technologies, the warranty coverage is one of the best in the class with 5 years or 100,000 km and will at least give you peace of mind in use.
One last note: Genesis is debuting an electric version of the G80 this year. We'll have a full review of the G80 Electrified for you in the coming weeks.
We like
Comfort and interior design
On-board technology
Engine with the 3.5T
We like less
No wireless connectivity for Apple Carplay/Android Auto
Stiff suspension
Non-ventilated rear seats
The competition
Audi A6
BMW 5 Series
Cadillac CT5
Lexus ES
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Volvo S90
