Yahoo Autos The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport Should Put Other Luxury Sedans On Notice
Genesis seems to have finally found its footing with its lineup of luxury sedans and crossovers. But the brand is still trying to appeal to new customers. After spending a week with Genesis’ midsize sedan offering, the G80 Sport, I can say with confidence that more buyers should be looking to the South Korean automaker. This thing is really, really good.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport: What is it?
The Genesis G80 plays in the same arena as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The previous-generation G80 could be had with a base 3.8-liter V6, an upgraded 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 or an optional 5.0-liter V8. However, the car’s redesign in 2021 dropped the base V6 and V8 options. The G80 now comes with a 2.5-liter turbo I4 engine that makes 300 hp, or the carryover 3.3-liter V6 that you get in the G80 Sport, with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.
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While there is technically a Sport package for the four-cylinder G80, it’s mostly cosmetic. When you step up to the V6, this automatically makes the G80 a Sport model and adds things like aluminum interior trim, 19-inch wheels, electronically adjustable dampers, and rear-wheel steering.
While the price of the G80 Sport undercuts its German competition, it’s still not cheap. The G80 Sport starts at $63,700, including $1,095 for destination. My car has the optional and beautiful Cavendish Red paint that’s exclusive to the Sport ($575), as well as a $6,300 Prestige package that gives it things like Pirelli P Zero all-season tires (245/40R-20 up front, 275/35R-20 out back) Nappa leather seats, 3D graphics in the gauge cluster, larger 20-inch wheels, carbon fiber trim, and a slightly stiffer suspension tune. All in, including a $1,095 destination charge, my Genesis G80 Sport costs $71,670.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport: How Does it Drive?
The G80 Sport is a fine luxury car. It’s as quiet and smooth as any Lexus, with the adaptive suspension helping to soak up road imperfections like they aren’t even there. There’s a vault-like serenity to the G80’s cabin and it isolates road and tire noise well.
However, put the G80 Sport into Sport+ mode and it becomes a different animal. Here, increased throttle response helps the G80 Sport achieve a 0-to60-mph time of less than 5 seconds. It’ll pin you to your seat, too, as all 391 lb-ft of torque is available from just 1,300 rpm. The sport suspension also firms up, giving you enhanced cornering composure.
On top of that, the rear-wheel steering system helps to enhance both overall handling and low-speed maneuverability. At speeds above 37 mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front ones; below 37 mph, the wheels turn in the opposite direction by two degrees. It’s a godsend for parking maneuverability and U-turns, making the G80 feel way smaller than it actually is.
The G80 Sport has 14.2-inch front and 13.6-inch rear disc brakes that bring it down from speed just fine. You’ll notice a little fade when they heat up after a brief canyon sprint, but it isn’t enough to be a concern.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport: What’s Great and What’s Not
