Behind the Wheel: 2022 Genesis G80
The Genesis line, for many long years, has been scrubbing away the old stigma that Hyundai only knows how to manufacture cheap, plastic cars. For anyone paying attention, if that were true in the past, it hasn’t been true for a very long time. The 2022 G80 stands as concrete evidence that Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, knows how to build a proper luxury sedan. Popular as these luxury sedans have become, high-performing luxury sedans are especially desirable. Genesis answers the call with the 2022 G80 Sport Prestige.
This exciting new model for 2022 wears 20” sport wheels and features carbon fiber trim, Nappa leather seating surfaces and a microfiber suede headliner and pillars. The Sport model also comes with rear-wheel steering. This works with the retuned suspension to improve the car’s agility and responsiveness to steering inputs. While the AWD system ensures you always have traction to spare. Other unique design enhancements, like the reworked front and rear bumpers and interior trim further separate the Sport Prestige G80 from the rest of the pack.
A powerful 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine churns out nearly 400 lb ft of torque. Plenty of muscle to get this long sedan moving. With a launch control feature to really help you blast off from a dead stop. Electronically controlled suspension with sport tuning and a variety of driving modes will let you further customize the kind of driving experience you’re in the mood for.
A smooth ride, strong acceleration, tight handling and control are important for any luxury sport sedan, but maybe not as important as the interior. Here, the Genesis G80 really showcases its talents. Properly upscale, with a streamlined dash, huge 12.3” 3D digital display, rich-looking leather, shiny carbon fiber, brushed metal and other finishes that fit together snug and are ready to treat the eyes and fingertips. Not to ignore our ears, a 21-speaker sound system from Lexicon does the job. Room up front and in the back is ample. More than the outgoing model in fact, which was plenty spacious already.
The proverbial cherry topping it all of is the remarkable warranty that Genesis continues to offer. The longest for powertrain in the industry. With one of the best complimentary maintenance plans you’ll find. Once again, Genesis gives you a level of performance and luxury that German rivals can only match once you’ve paid $20,000 more. Further distancing us from any notion that Hyundai only knows how to work in cheap plastics.
