The Genesis G80 Sport brings available four-wheel-steering to the luxury brand’s midsize model.
Genesis plans to dust off the old Sport moniker and apply it to the latest iteration of its G80 luxury sedan. Like the prior G80 Sport, the likely 2022 model year addition to the G80 model line wears subtle but distinct styling cues to separate it from less driver-oriented G80 models. This includes a new front-end piece with a more prominent lower fascia, dark chrome fitted to the midsize sedan’s front and rear trim pieces, black headlight surrounds, a model-specific 20-inch wheel design, and a reworked rear bumper. Additionally, Genesis offers the G80 Sport with either red or black brake calipers.
We really wanted to love the 2021 Genesis G80, but the midsize luxury sedan segment requires a delicate touch the redesigned model just doesn’t deliver. Genesis has nailed certain aspects while leaving us cold in others.
The most basic compliment we can pay the G80 is thanking Genesis for continuing to offer a sedan in this price range. While Genesis was putting final touches on the 2021 G80, the Acura RLX, Lexus GS, and Lincoln Continental were discontinued, leaving the luxury sedan world three cars the poorer.
The Genesis G90 is an affordable, appealing alternative to the established crop.
You know the major players when it comes to full-size luxury sedans: Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz – you might even be able to throw Lexus into the mix. And there’s a reason those brands are so successful: because their full-size options are very good. But of the outliers, the 2020 Genesis G90 might be one of our favorites.
Not only does the new Genesis G90 look great (even if this latest model is just a heavy facelift), but it does almost exactly what its competitors do, only at a more affordable price. The G90 is stylish, luxurious, and loaded with some really good tech – all for under $80,000 as tested.
Our contemporaries in the automotive press have praised the Genesis G90, and we feel compelled to join them in that cadence. The G90 is a simple recipe: one part new technology, one part old school motorcar. Put in the oven (assembly plant) and bake. Let cool at a lower MSRP than the rest of the market.
The Genesis GV80 SUV kickstarted the brand’s new “quad lamp” design language with its debut in January. Now, those same styling cues make their way to the company’s full-size sedan. The 2021 Genesis G80 debuted online today from its headquarters in South Korea sporting the all-new look, as well as a trio of new engines underhood and tons of new technology inside.
The same quad headlight fixture from the SUV carries over to the 2021 G80 almost unchanged, as does the brand’s massive shield-shaped grille. And it’s a look that translates well. The only thing separating the sedan from its SUV sibling head-on is a lower grille piece that extends the length of the front fascia, accentuated by a silver horizontal grille bar at each corner that provides more depth.
In addition to offering a sporty driving, these two sedans bring luxury and convenience to all occupants. Besides offering an engaging drive, sports sedans have been known for providing terrific luxury and comfort features. From plush leather to heated steering wheels, and even massaging seats, luxury automakers are equipping their cars with components we once thought to be the domain of living rooms. The 2019 Volvo S60 and 2019 Genesis G70 are two of the newest sports sedans in the market, and they were both designed to treat their passengers with luxury. We took our long-term Volvo S60 Momentum and compared its interior to our long-term Genesis G70 Elite. Although the Volvo is priced at $50,630 and the Genesis at $46,495, both are medium-spec trims, and each brings plenty of features while still delivering good value.
Welcome back to Fabulous Auto Club, and this post is the largest comparison (and also longest title) in our blog to date! We’re comparing ten different compact luxury sedans which are for family comfort with prices ranging from $35000 to $50000 CAD.
Pricing
Mercedes C-Class – $46100
BMW 3 Series – $49000
Audi A4 – $39800
Genesis G70 – $42000
Infiniti Q50 – $43995
Jaguar XE – $49900
Volvo S60 – $42400
Lexus ES – $45000
Acura TLX – $37490
Alfa Romeo Giulia – $49345
Prices are subject to change.
Styling
The C-Class, 3 Series, TLX, XE, and A4 all look somewhat boring, but a new 3 Series is coming for the 2020 model year. The sportiest is the Genesis G70 because of its position and the side vent that makes it feel like a racing car. The Giulia is very similar, just like what you would expect from an Alfa Romeo. The Q50 looks like a baby Q70 and can appear outdated. The best looking car by far here is the Volvo S60 for only $42400! The Lexus ES literally looks sharp because of its edges, not to mention the oversized grill.
Performance
The performance of compact/midsize sedans range from 240 to 500 horsepower, which is a big range due to the fact that you can upgrade to AMG, Quadrifoglio, F Sport, Polestar and many others. I have to note that the A4 only has 188 horsepower, and that’s just another example of an under-powered Audi. Most of them are powered by an inline-4 with the optional V6.
Interior Comfort
To make sure everyone in your family/group of friends has comfort, luxury sedans are equipped with leather seats (heated and cooled), wood trims, and advanced climate control. The C-Class and G70 specifically stand out by looking in the interior. The Jaguar XE has failed to provide optimal interior quality unlike other rivals in this segment.
