Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
2020 Genesis G80 strong on style, technology, value CONTENDER
Seems like the 2020 Genesis G80 just arrived and already they’re trying to sweep it off the lots. Why? To make room for the early arrival of the 2021 model, due out sometime in the second half of this year, and that means great deals on the 2020.
Genesis, you’ll recall, is the Korean brand that lacks the decadeslong reputation of its German and Japanese counterparts but offers everything they do — technology, luxury, performance — for thousands less.
And then there’s the warranty: 5-year, 60,000mile bumper-to-bumper; 10-year, 100-mile powertrain (twice that of many carmakers); plus five years of roadside assistance and three years of scheduled service. A valet will even pick up and deliver (no more leafing through old magazines in the waiting room).
Situated between the sportier G70 and full-size G90, this one hits the sweet spot when it comes to style and performance. Turbopowered G-forces will press driver and passenger against the two-tone premium leather seats before there’s a chance to appreciate the carbon fiber accents on the dash and doors.
The G80 this year gets upgraded technology, too, with a 9.2-inch touch screen and more capable blind-spot warning system that now brakes the vehicle if it’s not clear to merge. Don’t want anything messing up the thick mesh grille with copper accents up front or wraparound taillights and dual exhausts with quad chrome tips in the rear.
While most G80s get a naturally aspirated V-6, the G80 3.3T Sport is powered by a 3.3-liter (surprise!) twin-turbo V-6, good for 54 more horses at 365 hp and 376 pound feet of torque.
For the truly power hungry, a 5.0-liter V-8 capable of 420 hp and 383 pound-feet is available in the G80 5.0 Ultimate. All engines deliver power via a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.
Equally nice is the openroad comfort and quiet, plus the ride quality afforded by a sport-tuned adaptive suspension system that tightens on corners and adjusts for varying road conditions. The ride is on the firm side but, hey, that’s why they call it the Sport.
There are four drive modes — Normal, Eco, Sport and Snow — so tapping the button to Sport will give G80 more aggressive performance.
Unlock the G80 and be greeted by an illuminated Genesis logo on the asphalt. Seats are made of soft Nappa leather with accent stitching, are ultra comfortable, heated and ventilated.
New technology starts with Genesis’ larger touch screen. The system has better voice recognition and greater flexibility for tailoring your own home screen. It includes compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you can stand the wait, the next-generation 2021 G80, a fastback sedan, is due out “in the second half ” of this year, Genesis has said. Meanwhile, the current G80 is a solid contender in the midsize luxury market — and a clever way to score a Genesis for even less.