2018 Genesis G80 SPORT

Genesis Motors is still in its infancy, but it’s quickly learning to run… and the 2018 Genesis G80 SPORT is proof. Genesis the company was born from Hyundai’s Genesis the cars. With the original mid-size sport sedan renamed the G80. Now, for its second year under the new banner, the G80 SPORT adds a more athletic driving experience to its already luxurious ambitions.

We’ve always thought the G80 had competitive ride and handling. But the G80 SPORT brings a standard continuous damping control suspension, so much like European rivals, it’s stiffer when you push it, while relaxed and compliant at cruise. As before rear drive is standard and all-wheel drive an option.

This SPORT’s power, a 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6, comes from the larger G90. It’s matched with a sport-tuned eight-speed automatic. Gear changes are smooth but rapid, keeping up with all 365 horses.

Inside the very quiet cabin, athletic aspirations are obvious with leather sport seats and steering wheel with copper contrast stitching, and carbon fiber trim.

When we drove the original Genesis sedan, we were surprised by its highly refined luxury feel. Now that there’s more dynamic driving to go along with the pampering, Genesis is further removing itself from its Hyundai beginnings, with German stalwarts clearly in its sights.  

On sale now, pricing for the 2018 Genesis G80 SPORT begins at just over $55,000.