The 2025 Genesis G80 stands out as a very compelling offering in the luxury midsize sedan segment—delivering strong value, upscale styling, rich features, and a comfortable ride that punches above its badge. While it may not carry the brand prestige of some long-established European rivals, it more than makes up for that with thoughtful design, tech, and a sense of style that belies its price. Below is a deep dive into what makes the 2025 G80 noteworthy—and where it may fall a little short—so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
From a performance perspective, the 2025 G80 offers two main powertrain options. The base (for U.S. markets) is a turbocharged 2.5-litre inline-four generating about 300 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Car and Driver+2Autoblog+2 Step up to the “Sport” or higher trims and you’ll find the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque—again with an eight-speed automatic and AWD. MotorTrend+2Car and Driver+2 The result is strong straight-line performance: according to some test results, the 3.5T hits 0-60 mph in the low 5-second range. MotorWeek+1
What makes these powertrains especially compelling is how they are packaged into a vehicle that does not cost the premium you might expect for similar horsepower and luxury from, say, a German competitor. As one review phrases it, the G80 “is a great option for luxury-minded buyers who prioritise true value over badges.” MotorWeek
The driving experience is refined. The ride is composed, the steering is effortless, and the brakes are dutiful. In its base 2.5T form the G80 delivers a comfortable, relaxed driving experience. Car & Driver notes it is less “athletic” than some rivals, but that is partly because the G80 emphasises comfort and luxury over sharp dynamics. Car and Driver Move to the 3.5T “Sport” version and you get more athletic flair, though still not the outright “sports sedan” feel you might get from something like an ﹙Audi A6 or ﹙Jaguar XF. MotorTrend
In terms of economy the base 2.5T is rated at about 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, while the twin-turbo V6 sees lower figures (around 17/25 mpg city/highway). Car and Driver+1 So if fuel economy is a major concern, the four-cylinder version is the more logical choice—but if you prioritise performance and refinement, the 3.5T is compelling.
On the styling front the 2025 G80 brings a restrained yet elegant presence. The exterior updates for 2025 include a refreshed grille, new bumpers, revised headlights and wheel designs. Autoblog+1 The design language leans into a clean, modern aesthetic rather than overly aggressive lines—so it may not “shout” performance, but it does look premium, and its understated nature is part of the appeal. Inside, Genesis has invested heavily in materials and design. Reviews highlight the sumptuous Nappa leather, matte-finish carbon-fibre trim (on higher trims), and thickness of the premium touches. MotorTrend
Technology is another area where the 2025 G80 shines. One of the headline features is the enormous 27-inch OLED display that spans much of the width of the dashboard—combining the instrument cluster and infotainment functions. MotorTrend+1 Standard tech includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. MotorTrend+1 The result is a cabin that not only looks luxurious but also feels up to date with what tech-savvy buyers expect.
Comfort and refinement are strong suits. The front and rear seats offer generous space: front-row legroom is commendable and rear-seat comfort is competitive with rivals. MotorTrend Reviewers note that the ride quality is excellent—isolating occupants from road harshness and ambient noise. For daily driving, highway cruising or chauffeured transport, the G80 delivers. One forum user put it plainly:
“I really liked how it drove, and was really impressed with the material and build quality in the interior space.” Reddit
Cargo space is decent though not outstanding. The G80 offers around 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space in its ICE form, which is comparable to many rivals—but some competitors do offer a little more. Autoblog+1 So if you regularly haul large loads or luggage for multiple passengers, it’s worth checking the space in person.
One of the key advantages of the 2025 G80 is its value proposition. Compared with many luxury-badged alternatives, you get a lot of standard equipment, strong performance, refined ride and premium finishes for a lower starting price. For example, in one test review the 3.5T Sport Prestige version was priced around $79,930—less than some similarly equipped rivals. MotorTrend Given that the vehicle punches up in luxury feel and feature content, many commentators see the G80 as “offering more car” for the money. It’s especially appealing for buyers who want a luxury sedan experience without spending luxury brand premium multiples.
In addition, Genesis offers a strong warranty and ownership value in many markets. While exact warranty terms vary by region, the brand is increasingly seen as offering one of the better coverage and ownership cost packages in its class.
Of course, no car is perfect—so a balanced view means acknowledging the trade-offs. As mentioned, the G80’s performance in the “sport sedan” sense is good but not best-in-class. Some reviewers note that understeer creeps in when driven aggressively, turn-in lacks sharpness, and the car’s weight is a factor. MotorTrend+1 If your primary priority is a high-performance driving experience with razor-sharp handling and dynamic agility, there may be sportier alternatives.
Fuel economy is another area where the G80 lags a bit compared to some rivals. As one review points out:
“No matter which powertrain you choose, the Genesis G80 guzzles gas quicker than its competitors.” Autoblog
Also, although the interior and finish are premium, some buyers may still perceive the brand as less established than the long-time luxury stalwarts (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi). That may affect resale value or brand perception in the long run, depending on market. The relatively smaller trunk is another subtle downside for those who prioritise storage capacity over style or comfort.
Another point: while the ICE G80 is strong, the fully electric version (the “Electrified G80”) which Genesis had offered is reportedly being discontinued in certain markets such as the U.S. due to low sales. Car and Driver That doesn’t impact the ICE version directly, but if you are comparing future-proofing or full EV transition readiness, you might factor in the wider brand and model strategy.
From a buyer’s perspective several practical tips stand out. If your usage is predominantly daily commuting, comfort driving, occasional weekend highway trips and you value luxury and tech over outright sportiness, the 2.5T version of the G80 offers excellent value. If you want stronger performance, the 3.5T is worth considering—but you should be aware of fuel economy and slightly heavier handling. Option wisely: you want the “Sport” or “Sport Prestige” trim if you want upgraded materials, the more luxurious seats, ambient lighting, advanced tech packages and possibly upgraded suspension or wheels.
Check the specific market for pricing, warranty and service coverage—Genesis is generally strong, but regional differences matter. For example, in the U.S. the G80 competes with cars like the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series—and the G80 undercuts many of them while delivering similar levels of comfort and tech. But local incentives, dealer availability, resale value and service network are things to check.
Inspect the interior in person: reviews repeatedly highlight how good the materials feel, how the ambient lighting improves the mood, and how the large screen and clean layout give a modern impression. One reviewer described the interior as “timelessly restrained, like a good suit.” Classic Motorsports
On the dynamic side, don’t expect the G80 to behave like a dedicated sports car; expect a luxury sedan that can hustle when needed. If you shy away from corner carving and instead appreciate silence, comfort, well-weighted steering and upscale manners, the G80 delivers. If you’re a driving enthusiast, you might compare it within the rivals and see if one offers sharper handling.
Finally, consider future proofing: while there may not currently be a hybrid version (depending on market) or the electric version in some regions, the ICE G80 is still highly compelling now. But if your longer-term plan is moving to EV, check the brand’s roadmap for your market.
In summary, the 2025 Genesis G80 is a luxury midsize sedan that hits a sweet spot: premium ambience, tech-rich features, strong performance options, and excellent value for money. Its ride quality and interior refinement stand out among the competition, and its styling is elegant rather than over-the-top—which may appeal to buyers seeking understated luxury. The trade-offs are fewer sporty handling extremes, modest fuel economy (especially for the V6 version), and perhaps less residual recognition for the Genesis brand compared to heritage luxury marques. But for many buyers those trade-offs are acceptable—and the G80 delivers a lot of luxury for the money. If you are in the market for a sedan that offers comfort, technology, style and value—with the credibility of a rising luxury brand—the 2025 G80 deserves strong consideration.