?2018 Genesis G80 3.8 RWD?
Genesis Marches to a Different Drummer

Hyundai introduced the first Genesis in 2009 as a luxurious rear-wheel drive sedan that enjoyed successful sales. 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. In its second year as a stand alone brand, three Genesis models are offered for 2018: the Genesis G80, Genesis G80 Sport and Genesis G90.

Only three levels of trim make up the G80 lineup: a Standard or base model trim, a Premium level grade and the Ultimate model. All are offered in either a RWD or AWD configuration.

There are also three longitudinally mounted front engine variants: a 3.3-liter Twin-turbo V6 in the Genesis G80 Sport; a 3.8-liter, GDi V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 for the Genesis G80.

Our review here will be of the Genesis G80 3.8 RWD with its DOHC, 24-valve V6 with D-CVVT, VIS and GDI that produces 311 horsepower at 6,000 rpm along with 293 pound feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Motive energy reaches the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC? manual mode, paddle shifters and Intelligent Drive Mode featuring ECO, Normal, Sport and Snow modes. The EPA fuel economy estimates are 19-mpg city, 27-mpg highway for the 3.8 RWD.

Base pricing ranges from $41,750 for a G80 3.8 standard RWD model to $59,500 for a 5.0-liter powered AWD model in Ultimate trim. Cost for the automatic transmission across the board for all trims is $2,500. Add another $975 to each for Destination and Handling.

Visually, the exterior of the 2018 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.

My test 2018 Genesis G80 Sedan was the 3.8-liter V6 powered model in Standard trim with a Santiago silver metallic exterior and an interior executed in Charcoal tones with aluminum finished trim accents. The base price was set at $41,750., with the Destination and Handling charges bumping the final sticker to $42,775.

SUMMARY: If there were to be a perceived problem with the 2018 Genesis G80 3.8 RWD five-passenger sedan it would be with the almost unbelievable content for the price. The latest Genesis offerings are an incredible bargain 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.

In the final scheme of things, the 2018 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 provides in terms of features and equipment. 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.

So, if you?re 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 do yourself a favor and consider looking into the purchase of a 2018 Genesis G80 sedan.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Genesis G80 3.8 RWD

Base Price: $41,750.
Price as Tested: $42,725.

Engine Type and Size: 3.8-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with D-CVVT, VIS and GDI

Horsepower (bhp): 311 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 293 @ 5,000 rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC? manual mode, paddle shifters and Intelligent Drive Mode with ECO, Normal, Sport and Snow modes.

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

Suspension: Front ? Independent Multilink (5) with gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar.
Rear ? Independent Multilink (5) with gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, VSM, ESC with TCS and BA.

Tires: Michelin Primacy MXM4 ? 245/45 VR18 mounted on alloy wheels with 5-grooved spoke with 5-double spoke separators.

Wheelbase: 118.5 inches
Length Overall: 196.5 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 58.3 inches
Curb Weight: 4,195 lbs.
Turning Circle: 36.2 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 20.3 gallons ? approx.
EPA Mileage Estimates: 19 mpg city / 27 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.