Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD: The Ultimate Solo Drive

As many of you are aware, the Prince of Darkness passed away last week.

Ozzy Osbourne was the ultimate leader of the band, recognized for his talent in generating media attention both during and outside performances. Naturally, he will always be associated with Black Sabbath, a quartet rock group formed in Birmingham, England. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the band played a key role in shaping an emerging style called heavy metal, with Osbourne serving as the main vocalist, quickly becoming a rising superstar.

In other words, this changed when he was let go from Sabbath in 1979 due to heavy use of drugs and alcohol. That very same year, oddly enough, Sharon Levy—daughter of Sabbath's manager Don Arden—and Osbourne began seeing each other. Levy assumed managerial responsibilities and played a key role in launching the musician's successful solo career. Osbourne evolved into "OZZY!" and eventually became the well-known figure he is now.

It's difficult to determine where Osbourne might have ended up without his successful solo career and chart-topping first album. Blizzard of Oz Would we still have "Crazy Train?" Would we lose "Goodbye to Romance?" Still, it should be acknowledged that wife Sharon played a role in salvaging Ozzy's career by encouraging his solo work.

This leads us to Chung Eui-sun, perhaps the equivalent of Sharon Osbourne within the realm of South Korean automotive companies. As the Executive Chairman of Hyundai, he is responsible for establishing the independent career of the luxury car brand Genesis. Just as Ozzy was originally the frontman of an English rock group, Genesis started off as merely one model among many in Hyundai’s lineup.

In 2015, when Chung Eui-sun held a "vice" position in his title, he oversaw the complete overhaul of Genesis, transforming it from basic entry-level luxury sedans—such as the Genesis Coupe, which was discontinued in 2014—to an emerging luxury brand. After ten years, the automaker now holds its own among established names like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Genesis GV80 SUV has earned praise as a "budget-friendly Bentley," the G70 sports sedan competes effectively against more performance-oriented versions of BMW's 3 Series, and the G80, their flagship luxury sedan, offers an affordable option compared to a Mercedes E-Class. Recently, we tested a 2025 G80 Sport over the course of a week in southeast Michigan to determine firsthand how well it performed.

Considering the brand's youthful status, it's logical that the G80 is currently in its second iteration. Indeed, we reviewed the car Three years prior, and ever since, just minor adjustments have been applied to the formula. Why alter something that works?

Some of the adjustments include the subtly updated front ends and newly designed wheel options, features that might go unnoticed unless you've closely examined dealership materials or previously driven an earlier version. These vehicles feature a distinct "G-Matrix Crest Grille" along with bigger airflow openings—meaning the "Sport" designation in G80 Sport refers more to appearance than performance.

Specifications: 2025 G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD

• Price $57,100/$78,495 with shipping cost included (standard/tested model)
• Powertrain: dual turbochargers with an intercooler, DOHC, 24 valves, 3.5-liter V-6 engine
• Output: 375 hp, 391 lb-ft
• Layout: Rear-mounted engine, full-time 4x4, four-door, five-seater car
• Weight: 4200 to 4600 lbs
• EPA-rated Fuel Economy : 16/24 mpg (city/highway)
• Competitors: Mercedes-Benz E-Class model, Audi A6 variant, BMW 5 Series edition

Beneath its spacious nose, our top-of-the-line Vatna Gray model (available only in this shade without additional charge, aside from white) features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers strong performance—375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive system gives reassurance, although our testing took place under pleasant spring conditions. This V-6 produces 75 more horses compared to the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, yet comes at the expense of lower fuel economy, achieving just 16 miles per gallon in urban areas and 24 on highways. (A fully-electric variant of the G80, visually almost indistinguishable from its gasoline-powered counterpart, offers all-wheel drive through motors located at each wheel, appealing to drivers who favor charging over refueling.) No matter whether equipped with cylinders or not, both powertrains pair seamlessly with an eight-speed automatic transmission that consistently shifted smoothly throughout our evaluation period.

The suspension delivers exceptional comfort, particularly at this trim level. The 3.5T Sport Prestige features an electronic suspension system called "road preview," which uses a forward-looking camera to detect upcoming bumps or potholes and instantly modifies the front and rear dampers for improved handling. Most notably, it is the sole version of the G80 equipped with rear-wheel steering. Initially, we thought the rear steer was just another feature for show (this isn't typically a vehicle meant for spirited driving on winding roads), but we soon realized how helpful it is when maneuvering this large vehicle into confined areas.

The G80 is quite large: measuring 197 inches in length and 75.8 inches in width, it is broader and features a longer wheelbase compared to the present-day BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class.

This concept carries through indoors with a spacious 27-inch curved display. The dashboard was redesigned to fit the oversized panel, yet even with its dimensions, the screen seems perfectly suited. We would rate the whole cabin as an outstanding success.

Our five-seat vehicle was wrapped in Sevilla Red Nappa leather featuring black trim. Genesis interior designers clearly put in the work: The front bucket seats and the backbench offer some of the most attractive and cozy seating options available today. The central console stands out as very luxurious, boasting two elegant controls (one for gear selection and another for navigating menus) placed above a carbon fiber pattern. Additionally, touch-activated climate control buttons were included at the bottom of the center panel.

I wish we had planned a genuine road journey in this vehicle, simply to experience everything fully.

Regarding its performance, the G80 excels as a reliable vehicle for highways, without ambitions beyond that. Its suspension is designed for everyday road use — Genesis understands that its customers aren't looking for a racing machine even though the model has "Sport" in its title, and the most exciting driving the G80 will experience is during stop-and-go traffic and merging onto ramps. The "Sport+" mode and launch control are best reserved for relaxation after long Zoom meetings, and nothing more.

Who purchases this vehicle? The G80 has consistently offered an affordable option compared to comparable sedans from Mercedes or BMW. Its starting MSRP is under both of its competitor's four-door models at $57,100, yet the Sport 3.5T Prestige version comes out to $77,000 ($78,495 including shipping). This is a significant amount for a sedan, irrespective of brand or configuration, making it less appealing at such a high cost.

Some people might choose the Genesis due to what it lacks. Despite the prestigious status that brands like BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz have held in this category for years, they come with certain drawbacks. The G80 features a large, badge-free front grill and tautly pulled body lines, offering something modern and different from traditional designs such as the kidney-shaped grille or the three-star logo. While parked on the road, I noticed several passersby glancing back at it more than once.

Perhaps Genesis owners tried out all the top-tier luxury sedans and concluded that the G80 is truly the calmest and most opulent option available, offering a price tag that could cover several additional evenings spent partying downtown.

Just like Ozzy after Blizzard of Oz , this is yet another artist poised for a successful solo journey.

2025 G80 3.5T Performance Luxury All-Wheel Drive

Highs: New look remains elegant, premium cabin, perfect mix of comfort and agility.

Lows: It will need to be explained to people what it is, with a price tag of $77K for this highest trim level might make the car less appealing from a value standpoint.

Takeaway: Genesis keeps enhancing its standalone performance by refining this luxurious sedan.

The post Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD: Ultimate Individual Performance appeared first on Hagerty Media .

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