Benchmarking Luxury

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2025 Genesis G80

“The essence of the 2022 Genesis G80 is how well it is executed. Yes, it is bold, dynamic, and luxurious. Is that what you want from a mid-size luxury sedan? My answer is ‘yes.’ It is because it does everything you wanted from one its competitors in a package that stretches your ideas and embraces it with attainability and an air of excellence.”

That was what I wrote about the 2022 Genesis G80. 

For 2025, Genesis gave their mid-size luxury sedan a mid-cycle refresh. While it looks the same, you can certainly tell the difference. 

While that is part of the story – there is more to it. 

One of the most overused words on this website is “relevance.” I use this word as a measurement of whether a vehicle can still attract customers with its charms, even as market forces dictate otherwise. 

I still believe that sedans continue to matter. In the luxury car field, they must be relevant. 

My argument is simple: Luxury car consumers still buy sedans. Not just smaller sports sedans, but larger ones, too. The space between sports sedans and flagships is an elevated arena where you can attract a certain customer – everyone from entrepreneurs, CEOs, middle-to-upper management, their spouses, etc. 

They don’t need a chauffeur or a large flagship to exude their importance. They can drive a G80 instead. 

The updates to the 2025 G80 are seen up immediately with a new front clip. Just a few nips and tucks, along with a new grille texture and a bolder lower grille. The dual horizontal headlamps remain the same. 

No other updates were made to the rest of the exterior.  Including those signature 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels! 

They shouldn’t mess with the sleek, fastback-like profile that made the G80 stand out in its segment. It is full of correct choices without using references to other vehicles. That are two things a luxury car should be – original and organic. Sounds like a G80 to me. 

Most of the notable changes are inside. Immediately, you will see the 27-inch OLED screen running two-thirds across the dashboard. The left screen provides you with customized information that is clear and beautiful to look at. However, you might want to keep your eyes on the road, as the head-up display offers you essential information for optimal attention on the road. Otherwise, the sensor on top of the steering column will sense your lack of attention and will warn you to refocus on the road. 

The other screen on the right is an infotainment touchscreen with multiple functions. You do have the option of wireless smartphone connectivity, which works very well with this system. Sound is sent through the Bang & Olufsen Premium audio system’s speakers. 

The one thing I appreciate in a Genesis are its controls and switchgear. The new steering wheel is a great start – a much better one the previous G80 models. Tactility is expected, and Genesis delivers. As a finishing touch, Genesis applied some carbon fiber trim with a smooth, slick coating to protect it.

The Sport Prestige Nappa leather seats have switched to a “mesh” pattern emulating the grille. The front seats were firm, but very supportive. The rear seats offer plenty of comfort and there is adequate space for most people. The trunk offers 13.1 cubic feet of well-shaped space. 

You came for the luxury of the G80. But, you really came for the performance. This tester is powered by a 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V8 engine. This smooth and powerful engine also puts down 391 pound-feet of torque. This power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. 

Smooth and powerful is exactly what this driveline is all about. No hesitation when it comes to passing and clambering up hills. Cruising is done effortlessly. In terms of fuel economy, we achieved an average of 21.7 MPG. 

The driving experience matches its style. The ride quality was luxuriously smooth and offered absolutely no drama. Handling is equally superb with its tendency to want to sharpen its reflexes through curves and evasive maneuvers. If you wish to add more to your driving experience, push the Drive Mode button and flip it into Sport. For a more exciting drive, Sport+ is there. Just remember that putting it into Sport+ turns off the traction control. 

Depending on Drive Mode, you can switch between a nice, compliant steering feel to a more exacting and heavier one. Either way, turns are precise and steering wheel feel is very good. The brakes are strong and have great stopping power. Pedal feel is just right.

The 2025 Genesis G80 lineup offers you a choice of five trim levels – two of which have this powerful twin-turbo V6 engine. You can opt for one with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Pricing for the entire lineup starts at $57,100. Our 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige tester came with a sticker price of $78,280.

The space where the G80 resides remains as a measurement of luxury car excellence. It is the place where drivers gravitate to. Not a small sports sedan with a prestigious badge, but something more substantial with proper road manners. 

Given these benchmarks, Genesis not only meets them. They created their own. Not just through design, but through engineering and engagement. 

This is why one should consider the Genesis G80. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Hyundai Motor America – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern