Exclusive: This is how the Genesis G80 drives 🎥
NEW BRAND Hyundai launches Genesis as an independent brand. The choice is between the G80, a five-meter sedan, and the SUV GV80. Robin Donat and Thomas Herren tested the G80 exclusively in Switzerland. With its chic design and many details, customers in the premium segment are to be convinced by the Genesis. Background: Between 2014 and 2017, the [...]
Customers in the premium segment are to be convinced by the Genesis with its chic design and many details.
Background: Between 2014 and 2017, Hyundai offered a large sedan called Genesis with moderate success on the German market. Now the Koreans are venturing a new attempt with Genesis as an independent brand. Electric models are also planned.
Exhibition space on Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse
With an attractive and transparent pricing model as well as an all-round service with no hidden extras over five years, the vehicles will be available both online and in showrooms for end customers in sought-after city center locations in Munich, in Zurich at Bahnhofstrasse 62, and London.
Clearly recognizable forms of design language
Genesis designer Luc Donckerwolke is anything but a stranger to the car scene. He spent his training period in Brussels and Vevey, among other places. Other stations in his career included Peugeot, Audi, Skoda and Seat. During these times, he worked on classics such as the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Audi R8 Le Mans.
Prior to the Genesis engagement, he held the role of Director of Design at Bentley. The genes of these activities can also be seen in his latest vehicle compositions.
From the wing logo to the radiator grille on the G80, the design language is visible. Short front and long tapered rear. Headlights and taillights in a distinctive design language.
Facings made of high quality material
The interior of the precious Asiatic is tidy and very well manufactured. The command center is horizontally aligned and appears self-confident and sympathetically dominant. The steering wheel makes an unusual visual impression with the new chrome clasp, but it feels good in the hands. The 14.5-centimeter infotainment screen blends harmoniously into the overall picture and scores with self-explanatory operation.
Except for small parts of the interior trim, all materials used look very high-quality. There are no plastic parts to be found, neither haptically nor visually. Unless you specifically go looking for them.
Sound each according to the taste of the occupants
The audio sound system with nine speakers can look for its equal: Volume and quality without end. The driver is surprised when the turn signals are used for the first time: Next to the green flashing arrow, the rear camera in the speedometer display automatically switches on in each case on the right or left. A brilliant idea.
Sufficient power in all speed ranges
AutoSprintCH leads the base variant with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and 304 hp that puts 442 Nm of torque on the track. The power is transmitted by an eight-speed automatic transmission with guidance via a rotary wheel in the center console and all-wheel drive.
Even on Swiss passes, there is more than enough power available in all speed ranges with this engine.
Be more than appearances and yearn for V8 bubbling? The sound can be adjusted in three stages according to the wishes of the passengers. This has also been thought of!
Ten airbags for the front and rear passengers
The chassis of the G80 does not have to hide. Quite the opposite: Here it can show what's what and can take on models from competitors in the segment. A dream of every long-distance driver comes true: to be able to get out fit and alert even after hours of driving.
Both the chassis and the seats have been given a good workout. Ten airbags for the front and rear passengers, lane change and stop assist, parking assistance, blind spot assist and the Pre-Safe system ensure adequate safety for the frequent driver.
There is comparatively much car for the money
Hyundai's premium brand Genesis hands over the car keys with the G80 starting at 60,500 francs (Premium Line model). The test car we drove in the Luxury Line version (from 67,100 francs) costs 84,260 francs including all optional extras. Not nothing - but a lot of car for comparatively little money. If you don't believe it, you should calculate what all this would cost comparatively in a competitor's model in this class. You'll be amazed.
