In essence, Genesis started with the Hyundai Genesis, which has since evolved in to the Genesis G80. The midsize sedan’s third generation debuted this week featuring many of the design elements seems in the 2020 Genesis G90 and 2021 Genesis GV80 to strike an elegant and upscale tone.

“The core of our brand lies within the G80,” said William Lee, Executive Vice President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand. “This segment represents where we started and we’re pleased that our newest offering achieves a perfect balance of discerning luxury and inspiring performance for our customers.”

Genesis has put its new signature crest grille front and center on the model.Photo courtesy of Genesis Motors

At the front are the brand’s signature crest grille and double-lined quad lamps. Two line graphics extend into the rear fenders and the tail lamps delivering a cohesive look. The car rides on 20-inch wheels and has chrome trim that runs from the front wheel area across the side sills and upward to the rear.\

“The all-new G80 is the centerpiece of our lineup perfectly weighing athletic and elegant characteristics. This represents the clearest interpretation yet of the Genesis brand identity,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Genesis Design. “Our goal is to offer unique, design-inspired experiences for our customers.”

Built on a rear-wheel drive platform, the five-seater third-gen model is lower than the previous generation and available in all-wheel drive. The body is made up of 19 percent aluminum, reducing the weight of the car by 243 pounds versus the outgoing model which allows the car to be more fuel efficient and athletic in its performance.

The G80 comes in two powertrain options in the U.S.Photo courtesy of Genesis Motors

In the U.S., the G80 will be available in two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that yields 375 horsepower and 392 pound-feet of torque.

Like the larger G90, the G80 focuses on the human experience, maximizing efficiency of function rather than overwhelming its occupants with high-tech features. That doesn’t mean that it’s low-tech. Its A-pillar has been minimized to deliver as much of a panoramic view out the front as possible.

The steering wheel is designed to continue that openness, as are slim air vents and minimum number of buttons and switches on the center stack.

Head- and legroom has increased in the model by lowering the second row. There are leather seating surfaces, soft-touch materials, and open pore wood finishes throughout the cabin. Buyers can opt for a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment touch screen.

The rear of the car features a sloping roofline but has more headroom for back seat passengers than the 2020 model.Photo courtesy of Genesis Motors

Genesis has improved insulation and employed sound-reducing innovations to keep road and engine noise at bay more now than before. The car’s electronically controlled suspension reduces the impact of the terrain on the car by using a camera at the front of the vehicle to read the road ahead and adjust accordingly. Lincoln and Rolls-Royce offer similar technology.

The Genesis version of Hyundai’s Smart Park technology comes to the G80, allowing drivers to control their car via the key fob.

Additional luxury-level features available include a new HVAC system that allows the driver to adjust the heated/ventilated seats in the second row and the air conditioning mode/temperature independently of the first row, increasing the convenience for second row passengers, a Lexicon sound system, and mood lighting.

A full suite of safety technology includes advanced driver assistance systems including smart cruise control, highway driving assist, forward collision avoidance assist, and blind spot collision assist. Those active protection features help mitigate a series of movements that can help avoid collisions.