2025 Genesis G80 Review: A Break from Faux Luxury

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      I've been eager to drive the 2025 Genesis G80 for quite some time. It's rare for an automaker to launch a new model or a successor that immediately captures my interest, but the second-generation G80 did just that upon its debut in 2021. For the first time, Genesis stepped out from the shadow of its German competitors and established a style that was distinctly its own, one that began to gain attention.

      However, time moves on, and four years later, the G80 has been refreshed to remain competitive. The interior is still impressive—though I’d argue it's slightly less so now that the instrument cluster and touchscreen have merged into a single long curved panel, similar to nearly every modern Hyundai Group vehicle. The overall design, quality, and textures remain exceptional. This vehicle is undeniably a comfortable cruiser rather than a sporty sedan, and that’s completely acceptable. If there's a drawback, it’s that the beautiful cabin isn’t as user-friendly as it could be.

      Adam Ismail

      The Essentials

      That might sound foreboding, but I want to clarify: If I were spending around $70,000 on a midsize sedan, the G80 would definitely be on my shortlist. This particular model, a Sport Prestige AWD variant equipped with a 3.5-liter, 375-horsepower, twin-turbo V6, is priced at $78,495 and includes everything desirable: rear-wheel steering, electronic dampers, a Nappa leather interior with a massage feature for the driver’s seat, a microfiber suede headliner, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, along with numerous other appealing features.

      When comparing it to the $83,400 Mercedes E350 I tested last year, although the Mercedes offered a slightly more comfortable ride with its Airmatic suspension, I have a strong preference for the quality and finish of the G80’s interior. Genesis truly understands the essence of luxury, avoiding gimmicks like RGB lighting and mere screens for streaming. Even the carbon fiber accents here look striking rather than cheap, which is a significant achievement for faux materials.

      The main distinguishable update in the 2025 G80 versus its predecessor lies in the dashboard design, which replaces some physical buttons with capacitive ones and spaces out the HVAC display elements for easier interaction. The two previously separate upper displays are now integrated into a single extended OLED panel.

      In the prior G80, the infotainment screen was designed to be operated using a touchpad since it was set far back, although you could touch it directly when parked. The new setup brings the screen within closer reach of the driver, allowing touch operation while driving as well as the use of the crystalline dial that still doubles as a touchpad. This setup provides three navigation methods, which is a benefit since most cars limit you to just one.

      While this improvement is generally positive, every time an automaker moves a screen forward that wasn’t meant to be touched, it often detracts from the dash’s aesthetic. A similar fate befell the Lexus LC, which initially had a sleek center stack that was compromised for a design similar to other vehicles. I’m not suggesting Genesis' choice wasn’t justified for usability’s sake, but the prior look was indeed more refined.

      Adam Ismail

      In saying that, there were still a few elements of this stylish interior that bothered me. The graphics in the driver’s display transition slowly when switching between views or information pages. Additionally, the small touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel used for skipping songs did not respond to my touches during one trip. I also find the infotainment dial too similar in size and shape to the shifter dial located just behind it, which could easily lead to accidental shifts into neutral. I would recommend reversing their positions, bringing the navigation dial closer since that is used more frequently on the road, while a shifter should require a more intentional reach.

      Also, while the HVAC layout on the pre-refresh model felt cramped, this new arrangement is no improvement. It remains easy to mistakenly touch the wrong icon due to their close proximity.

      Adam Ismail

      Driving the Genesis G80

      Fortunately, that covers most of my negative thoughts about this vehicle. The G80 isn’t particularly exciting to drive, even with the optional engine and electronic limited-slip differential available in the Sport Prestige trim. However, it offers enough power and agility for anyone looking for a comfortable luxury sedan for long highway drives. The rear-wheel steering enhances the G80's maneuverability at low speeds, despite its 197-inch length, and the steering feels perfectly weighted for everyday use. It even lifts its wheels over potholes, which is a significant advantage in the Northeastern U.S.

      Of course, you’ll want to switch to the most performance-oriented Sport+ mode; this sacrifices some comfort but reduces body roll moderately. However