2024 Genesis G80

Midsize luxury sedans are alive, well, and thriving. There are exciting new generations from a couple of German contenders, comfy and dependable stalwarts like the Lexus ES, and this — the 2024 Genesis G80.

Every time we drive a G80, we become more impressed. This second generation debuted for 2021 and really has evolved to become eminently recommendable. It does everything a car of this sort needs to do. And let’s not gripe about prestige. The old badges don’t seem to mean as much these days, not with the rise of electric car companies making great products and charging serious sums for them.

So the field is more open. No one who knows their stuff will look at a Genesis owner and make a derogatory judgment. The G80 has gone a long way in establishing its maker’s premium credentials and will carry on doing so.

Genesis is expanding its dealer network. The ones we’ve seen have been designed as relaxing spaces, not a spot for the hard sell. Which is becoming a typical Genesis thing — the vehicles are capable of selling themselves.

The all-electric 2024 Genesis Electrified G80 is reviewed separately.

All-wheel drive becomes standard in all versions with the 2.5T engines. Models with the 3.5T had this system already. Wi-Fi comes in across the lineup, along with Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (enhanced by things like junction tuning assistance and evasive steering assistance) and Highway Driving Assist 2. There’s a minor shakeup with exterior colors as well.

The base 2.5T is no longer eligible for a raft of extras (such as the Lexicon sound system and power rear shades) still offered in the higher models. Regarding the 3.5T variants, a new Sport Advanced trim slots between the Sport and Sport Prestige. Power-closing doors are no longer available.

Remember that optioning up a German rival to the same levels would push its final price way past that of a comparable G80. That said, our Teutonic friends have an exciting time this year. The refreshed-for-2024 Audi A6 begins at $57.3K. The new-for-2024 BMW 5 Series goes from $57.9K, with the also-new-for-2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class starting in the $60K region. Both the Acura TLX and Lexus ES kick off in the low $40Ks, and the Volvo S90 starts in the high $50Ks.

Before buying a new G80 luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The Lexus ES tends to have the strongest resale values in this class, but the G80 is also above average.

The G80 2.5T AWD enjoys 300 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This is one of the most powerful base engines in the class. The ability to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds puts the G80 2.5T among the liveliest contenders.

We reckon this amount of power is more than adequate for the usual duties. Punchy enough for reaching freeway speeds without stress while responding well to prods of the accelerator pedal. The 2.5T models gain all-wheel drive as standard this year. We also appreciate how well the suspension has been tuned, providing comfort and composure.

As well as more thrust (a muscular 375 horsepower) and bigger brake discs, the 3.5T adds a sport-tuned adaptive suspension for a bit of extra poise. This model even offers the option of rear-wheel steering, raising its agility game and improving low-speed maneuverability at the same time.

Regardless of model, the wide array of standard driver assistance features provides a lot of confidence and reassurance. This year, an upgraded Highway Driving Assist 2 feature arrives, bringing steering assistance to keep the car centered in its lane. It’s now smart enough to edge over a little if a vehicle in an adjacent lane gets too close. We’ve encountered this feature in other Genesis vehicles, and it works extremely well.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury cars, including the Genesis G80.

Fuel Economy

The 2.5T engine achieves 25 combined mpg (22 city, 30 highway). That’s a slight downside to having such a zesty engine. For example, the 261-horsepower Audi A6 (with all-wheel drive as standard) manages 27 combined mpg.

The 3.5T returns 19 combined mpg (17 city, 25 highway). Again, remarkable for the wrong reasons. Both engines require premium gasoline and have an automatic engine stop/restart function.

Even the simulated leather seating surfaces in the entry-level 2.5T look and feel good. Along with soft-touch plastics, a quiet cabin, cool technology, and a well-considered dashboard design, the 2024 G80 has all the right luxury qualifications.

The standard central touchscreen measures 14.5 inches on the diagonal, which is one of the larger examples of its kind. The infotainment system can also be controlled by voice commands.

An 8-inch LCD instrument cluster with analog gauges is standard, but the 3.5T has the option of a 12.3-inch all-digital version with graphics simulating a 3-dimensional look.

The Ergo Motion driver’s seat (optional in the 3.5T) has seven interior airbags providing optimum comfort and support, plus an automatic lumbar massage function after an hour or so of sitting. Rear passengers have 38.7 inches of legroom, a little less than the Lexus ES (with 39.2 inches) but still generous.

Trunk space of 13.1 cubic feet is on the small side for the class. To compare, the new BMW 5 Series has 18.4 cubic feet.

Colors come and colors go. The 2024 G80 is no longer available in Valencia Gold, Verbier Matte White, or Siberian Ice. Although Bond Silver Matte is a new choice this year.

Overall, the G80’s styling looks to us like a bona fide luxury car. Anyone not particularly up on the comings and goings of the car world would surely see a G80 and realize that this was no mainstream offering. If anything, we wish Genesis could get rid of the transparent plastic rectangle on the grille. We know it’s for the sensors, but isn’t there a more elegant solution?

Heated seats
Not just the fronts, but the outboard rears as well. And not just the seats, the steering wheel is also heated and has a power-adjustable column. This is all standard equipment.

Genesis Connected Services
A smartphone app creates a deeper link between driver and G80. There’s a remote start function with the ability to set cabin temperature, keyless entry/ignition with the phone, automatic collision notification, parking spot memory, and various other features. Every new Genesis comes with a 3-year subscription.

Lexicon surround-sound system
Among the 21 speakers in this 1,050-watt set are two subwoofers, one under each front seat. So occupants can feel the bass as well as hear it. But Lexicon is a well-respected name in recording studios where any kind of music is being made. It’s optional in the 2.5T and standard in the 3.5T. Give it a good listen before finalizing the deal. You’ll probably want it.

Adaptive suspension with Road Preview
This comes standard in the 3.5T. The Road Preview aspect entails a forward-facing camera reading the conditions ahead and adjusting the settings to suit. It means superb ride quality at all times.

Remote Smart Parking
Drivers can be outside their G80 and get the car to inch into a parking space automatically just by pressing a button on the key fob. Or they can do it all from the comfort of their car seat. This is an option in the 3.5T.

Blind Spot View Monitor
Another option for the 3.5T, it shows real-time views in the digital instrument cluster of either side of the car, according to which turn signal is activated. This is one of those features we don’t like to be without now that we’ve used it.

The engine in the 2.5T is, unsurprisingly, a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit, half a liter bigger than most rival base engines. Output is an impressive 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5T is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 developing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines connect to an 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is standard throughout.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty from Genesis lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first, with roadside assistance for five years at unlimited mileage. The powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. These terms are some of the best in the automotive industry. Genesis also includes three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

The second generation of G80 has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It’s the institute’s highest accolade. Likewise, the car also took the maximum 5-Star overall score from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.