?2017 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate?
No longer badged as a Hyundai ? Genesis goes its own way

In the market for a premium luxury sedan that delivers the latest state-of-the-art safety and connectivity technologies along with an extremely attractive and appealing design form both inside and out, that?s based on a global platform, with mechanical attributes capable of providing dynamic performance, all at a price that won’t break the bank? You should consider looking into the purchase of the 2017 Genesis G80 sedan.

The Genesis first bowed as a Hyundai in 2009 as a luxurious rear-wheel drive sedan, enjoying successful sales. Only five years later, rather than introducing an evolutionary enhancement to the first generation model, Hyundai chose a more revolutionary path, coming up with a ?clean sheet of paper? Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, an emotion stirring design, that was based on a stiffer, more stable platform architecture tuned by Lotus Engineering, with a mind-boggling level of vehicular technology ? certainly more than most of its rivals, at a price thousands of dollars less than the majority of its competitors.

Visually, the exterior of the 2017 Genesis G80 leads off by displaying a modern look, with a premium single frame hexagonal grille, followed by refined and enhanced fluidic aesthetics that address surface forms and volumes, and wrapping up with a high-tech sculptural surface rear design that completes the character line flow.

The interior design and execution is a reflection of the sophistication and attention to detail displayed by the car?s exterior appeal.

The 2017 Genesis lineup provides a variety of choices, covering the gamut from Sport sedan to Luxury sedan. There will be two engines to choose from: a Lambda 3.3-liter, DOHC, 24-valve twin turbochargedV6 engine with CVVT and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that produces 356 horsepower along with 376 pound feet of torque; or a Tau 5.0-liter V8, DOHC, 32-valve V8 with CVVT and GDI that cranks out an impressive 420 horses at 6,000 rpm, while generating 383 pound feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The EPA fuel economy estimates are 18-mpg city, 29-mpg highway and 22 combined for the 3.3 RWD. The AWD is 16/25/19 mpg and the V-8 is 15/23/18 mpg.

Both engines deliver motive force to the driving wheels via an 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission with skip shift capability and a lock-up clutch from gears 2-8, standard paddle shifters, a new drive model select (Eco, Normal, Snow and Sport modes). Shift logic is enhanced along with improved shift speed. Drive configurations include both Rear-wheel drive or HTrac All-Wheel drive system with dual mode tuning, available only on the 3.3 liter V6 models at this time for $2,500., which includes heated rear seats and steering wheel and headlamp washers.

Packaging for the new Genesis is simple, actually offering a limited number of buildable combinations that factor in engine, drive configuration and option packaging. Trim levels will be Premium and Ultimate.

The 5.0-liter V8 models feature 19? Alloy wheels with P245/40R19 tires up front, and P275/35R19 tires in the rear, LED fog lamps, Quad exhaust tips, Illuminated door sill plates and genuine matte finish wood trim and aluminum trim.

My test 2017 Genesis G80 Sedan was the 5.0-liter V8 powered model in Ultimate trim with a Patagonia Blue metallic exterior and an interior executed in Ivory and Charcoal tones with aluminum and genuine dark wood matte finished trim accents. The base price was set at $54,550., with the First Aid Kit and Mud Guards being the only options and with the Destination and Handling charges., elevating the final sticker to $55,660.

SUMMARY: If there were to be a perceived problem with the 2017 Genesis G80 Ultimate 5.0 V8 RWD sedan it would be with the almost unbelievable content for the price. The new Genesis is an incredible offering that surpasses most competitors in both content and price.

Safety features abound, as does connectivity and infotainment technology, with all the latest bells and whistles. In fact, I don’t believe that there?s a vehicle in the Genesis?s market segment that delivers as much ? certainly not more in its price range.

The V6 delivers much more than simply ample acceleration, although the V8 example is obviously superior. The V8 would benefit from more of a traditional V8 rumble from my perspective, but for most consumers who will purchase it, this will likely not be an issue.

The sumptuousness and luxury exuded by the interior delivers stellar levels of comfort and convenience features, and the ride quality is smooth and planted without and harshness, but also without being mushy. The steering initially feels a little benign with its added assist.


Attention to little details such as puddle lamps that project the Genesis logo on the road surface, activated by the key fob.

Bottom line, the 2017 Genesis G80 in any of its trim levels is an amazingly satisfying luxury sedan, that provides stunning good looks along with spirited performance capability at an unheard of price, especially when one considers all that it has to offer. Essentially, the Genesis is base-priced at roughly $2,600 more than when it was a Hyundai. It of course now appears without the Hyundai moniker, and even so, it still manages to come in at considerably less than similarly equipped models from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Genesis G80 RWD 5.0 Ultimate

Base Price: $54,550.
Price as Tested: $55,660.

Engine Type and Size: 5.0-liter V8, DOHC, 32-valve V8 with CVVT AND GDI.

Horsepower (bhp): 420 @ 6.000 rpm Torque (ft./ lbs.): 383 @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC.

Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-wheel Drive.

Suspension: Front – Independent 5-link design with high performance gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar.
Rear – Independent 5-link design with high performance gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front)

Tires: Continental ProContact / P245/40R19 94W A/S (front); P275/35R19 A/S (rear) mounted on 5-tri-spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 118.5 inches

Length Overall: 196.5 inches

Width: 74.4 inches

Height: 58.3 inches

Curb Weight: 4,541 lbs.

Turning Circle: 36.2 ft.

Fuel Capacity: 20.3 gallons

EPA Mileage Estimates: 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway

Drag Coefficient: 0.26 0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.