The Understated State of Divine
There is a special word known as… Value. What do you value most in an Executive Sedan? The features? Or how about the performance? The Genesis G80 presents a circumstantial question mark, in a market where cars this size, and in this market segment would cost an arm and a leg more. Putting all that aside for a while, we take a closer look at what Korea’s answer to the 5 Series and E Class is as a car built with the quality of those qualities in-mind. The brand is the result of Hyundai’s efforts to basically “pull off a Lexus”, and with the size and feel of the G80, it is quite evident that they are aiming at one of the world’s largest automotive pies… an American one…
The G80’s 3.8 litre V6 is something of a gem, with a linear and creamy delivery of torque, nearly 400Nm of it to the rear wheels. In a time where most anything is force-fed, the naturally aspirated behaviour of this engine is certainly refreshing (or perhaps a sweet throwback to when big engines ruled), while you may need to work the engine a little bit more to coax some sweet delivery of power, acceleration is still decent with a 0-100km/h clocking in at 6.5 seconds. Not that quick by today’s standards, but there way the G80 uses that 8-speed automatic to get there is genuinely satisfying.
There is also that somewhat old-school, large car feel when you depress the throttle, with a short but noticeable, engine spins up, transmission follows, and then the rear wheels react sequence. Satisfyingly mechanical to me, but some might not agree.
On a down side though, all those cylinders and no turbo would also mean higher consumption figures, the 3.8 does a combined 9.3km/l, and with a heavy foot, you might just see that fuel gauge move quite significantly within a day.
Steering feel is decent, and turning full lock from the centre requires just one and a quarter turns. However we do not like that the brakes come across as spongy and rather vague.
Where it does shine though is in how it delivers its ride quality. The G80 is not built for outright performance, but comfort. Somehow, engineers have found the sweet spot of delivering a genuinely comfortable ride that we feel, would satisfy the American buyer, while still ensuring that car feels balanced, without excessive bounce.
For around the same money, you could probably get yourself a Hybrid version of the ES series Lexus, which in-turn is a glorified Toyota Camry.
The G80 does offer all the spoils, where we think they are needed, and none of the technological complexities offered by the more expensive competition.
Perhaps, it will take some time, before the public will warm up to the brand, but if it is value and superb comfort and easy everyday liveability that you are looking for, the G80 might be spot-on in its offerings.
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