Genesis Vehicles

Supreme comfort and surprising performance – Rather than making incremental improvements to slowly improve the G80 to its full potential, Genesis has leapfrogged and offered the strongest… Read more

underdog to the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S Class.

The attention to detail is impeccable, and it's the sole reason why Genesis has established ‘Design Studios’ in Australia’s largest CBDs. Genesis wants customers to be converted by interacting with their product, as the brand doesn’t have a strong enough recall with buyers just yet.

The G80 oozes luxury, and has the strongest chance yet of convincing buyers to own a neck-turning sedan like this. Although, for those who have owned an S-Class or another German sedan, the G80 is a little light on incorporating bleeding edge technology or an excessive use of materials like brushed aluminium.

This is the second most expensive G80 you can buy, with a 3.5L twin-turbo petrol V6 motor and fitted with the optional $10,000 ‘Luxury’ trim, bringing the total price to $122,703 drive away.

In this trim, we have luxury appointments such as soft close doors, rear reclining seats and rear seat entertainment screens. Additionally, rear passengers receive their own controls for the front passenger seat, and to use on the entertainment screens.

There’s a rear automatic blind, sunroof, passenger blinds, machine learning radar cruise control, automatic adjusting suspension and AWD.

The driving experience alone goes above and beyond what I’d expect for over $120,000, more so in line with something that costs double this.

For a similar spec alternative, BMW, Mercedes or even Lexus would love for you to spend over $250,000 just to see screens in the rear seats.

It’s not just the interior, the exterior design is an example of design mastery. I was blown away by the dimensions, presence and execution of this design.

Whereas the previous G80 felt slightly stunted, even on its long wheelbase, this generation G80 has used its length to its advantage to provide a Bentley-esque refinement to the eye.

Instead of just offering the standard 5 year/Unlimited kilometre warranty, new buyers with Genesis are provided capped price servicing, and a door-to-door pick up service. Genesis will send someone to pick up your car from your home or work, swap it out for a loaner vehicle, and then drop your car back to you. If that’s not service, I don’t know what is.

Active noise cancellation, thicker sound deadening and a twin-turbo petrol motor - there's a lot to love about the sound experience in the G80.

Starting off with the upgraded Lexicon sound system (a subsidiary of Harman/Kardon), it’s been engineered to provide the most quiet possible ride. Thanks to the G80 being a sedan, it avoids the boot creating more road sound, there’s less ambient sound here than it is in the GV80 SUV.

When not solely being used for noise cancellation, the depth and clarity provided via these speakers are adequate for $120,000.

The active sound profile (aka fake engine sound) can be adjusted for this twin-turbo V6. If you prefer less engine noise, you can dial it down, and vice versa.

The G80’s enormous brakes are able to pull up two tonnes of metal with precision and accuracy. It’s easy to waft around in the G80 while in Comfort mode and avoid disturbing the cabin when you need to bring this sedan to a stop

The 3.5L twin-turbo petrol V6 produces 279kW @ 5800rpm and 530Nm @ 1300-4500rpm.

Power is excellent, but what really matters is that torque figure. It provides effortless movement when squeezing the throttle, and is easily transferred to the ground via the AWD system.

Don’t let that massive proportion and luxury orientation fool you, the G80 is quicker than most cars from 0-100km/h, covering that speed in less than 5.1 seconds.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is faultless. Shifting through gears is as seamless and smooth as the rest of the inputs this car provides. Sport will sharpen up the shifts and have them hold for longer to squeeze more power from this larger twin turbo motor.

But, shifting via the paddle mounted shifters is an average experience - it really isn’t the goal of this car to shift for yourself.

If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to float over the road without having to purchase a Rolls Royce, the G80 is the best opportunity without having to imagine.

Even if it's wearing 21-inch alloy wheels, the suspension tuning in the G80 is one of the most impressive parts of the development of this car.

The G80 easily trumps the daily commute.

Sadly, the fun comes to an end when you have to pay for a full tank at the petrol station. The combined fuel consumption figure of this large petrol motor is quoted as 10.7L/100km. Realistically, especially in the city, expect figures to cross 20L/100km. You can’t expect a car this large and producing this much power to also return a low fuel consumption score.

The integration of the centre 14-inch touchscreen infotainment could have been a little more nuanced, considering it sits up and high on the expansive dashboard. That’s really it when it comes to any real meaningful upgrades I could suggest for this interior.

The biggest tech feature is the 3D drivers instrument display. It utilises a technology that allows you to view a 3-D display - yes, like at the movies - without the need for 3-D glasses. It’s awesome, even if it's a little gimmicky.

The front seats do feel suited more-so to a driver, while the rear seats receive a little extra luxury treatment.

There’s more legroom, individual rear screens and a seat divider filled with controls for those riding in the back.

The Eucalyptus wood trim and Napa leather is plentiful and great to look at and touch, adding to the luxurious atmosphere of this cabin.

There’s only 424L available in the decently sized trunk, and that’s mainly due to the hard shelf that provides sound isolation between the cabin and the trunk space.

You can access additional space through the middle seat pass-through for longer items, like that nice set of skis for your next snow trip.

I say if you want an Mercedes S class experience on a Mercedes E Class budget, the Genesis G80 is there to fulfil that need.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.

Electric luxury at its best – Genesis have quite possibly crafted one of the best luxury EVs you can buy. It undercuts a few rivals, like the BMW i7 and the Mercedes-Benz EQS. … Read more

With the Tesla Model S currently unavailable for order, I want to explain why you absolutely shouldn’t overlook this luxurious high voltage sedan.

Just like every Genesis, build quality is well above what you’d expect from this car's parent company Hyundai.

The doors are heavy, the leather is rich, the buttons feel weighty and there were absolutely no rattle, creaks, squeaks or peeps to be heard.

A great thing to know is that just because you’re buying a new brand, it doesn’t mean you have to gamble on build quality as you would with some other EV manufacturers.

This G80 isn’t cheap. It’s priced from $145,000 before on-road costs and incentives. Looking for the most expensive Genesis you can buy today? You’re looking at it.

You also get the choice of 5 years complimentary charging with Charge Fox EV chargers, or a free installation of an AC fast charger for your garage. I’d pick the AC charger.

The warranty is 5 years/unlimited kilometres, and 8 years/unlimited kilometres for high-voltage parts. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.

Servicing is complimentary for 5 years, and if you live within 70km of a Genesis Studio, your car will be picked up and a service loan car will be provided until your car is ready to be dropped back to you.

In addition, you’ll also get 10 years roadside assist and map updates, which is important, as charging station locations are stored here.

Thanks to the boot space being separated from the cabin, unlike other electric Genesis cars, the G80 offers even greater sound isolation in its cabin.

Alongside what feels like a metric tonne of sound deadening materials packed into this car, you also get active sound cancellation that enhances the silence experienced in here.

Of course, you get a little bit of road noise in here, but it’s all drowned out by the spectacular Infinity sound system. It’s so good that you’ll feel like you’re sitting in the studio when listening along to your favorite podcasts.

The G80 suffers the famous Genesis rock, which is where the car gently rocks once brought to a stop. It’s something I wish they’d learn how to mitigate, especially at this price.

Regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel, and it operates perfectly. It’s not quite as aggressive as I’d like in its highest setting, but I prefer to leave it in Auto and let the car decide what's best.

This G80 has two electric motors found between the front and rear wheels. Depending on your driving style and demands from the all-wheel drive system, it’ll switch between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive to reduce energy consumption.

You’re getting a combined power output of 272kW (364hp) and 700Nm, which is good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Power outputs are capped depending on which drive modes you’re in (either Eco, Comfort or Sport).

It’s not an athletic-feeling EV; it does take a little moment to get this much mass moving. But once you’re on the go, you feel like you’ve got the power of an elegant V12 under the bonnet, but without the fuel bill.

You change gears via a crystal look rotary shifter in the centre console.

You only have one forward gear like you’ll find in the GV70 electrified, and it’s an intoxicating feeling to simply sail at a range of speeds without interruption from any gears.

The way the G80 handles the road is almost unmatched by other cars at this price point. Despite packing a heavy battery, the ‘Preview-Electronic Control Suspension’ system will read the road ahead and prepare the car for any imperfections in the road.

I loved the driving position, but that steering wheel felt a little too chunky for enthusiastic driving. This is a land yacht when it comes to its intentions. It’s designed to float down the road and gently carve mountain roads.

It’s a comfortable car to handle, but you will find the limits of that suspension if you hit a speed bump just a little too hard. In addition, that suspension can feel a little rocky over uneven sections of road, rather than simply soaking up these bumps.

The claimed energy consumption is 19.1kWh per 100km. I saw figures in the early 20kWh per 100km range. It also boastsg an enormous 87.2kWh battery with a claimed range of 520km. The car reads a real world prediction of 520km when fully charged too!

This battery runs the same 800V architecture you’ll find on Hyundai’s other new EVs, meaning it’ll charge from 10-80% in just 22 minutes from a 350kW charger.

The problem is that most chargers in Australia provide just 50kW, so you’ll be waiting at least 17 minutes just to charge from 65% to 80% as an example.

Solar panels are fitted to the roof of this car to help increase range and provide power to components like the sat nav and interior electronics. Genesis claims this solar roof should add an extra 1100km of range per year too.

There hasn’t been much of a diversion from the regular G80 inside this electric version. You’re getting lots of wood trim, even more leather, and what feels like kilometres of stitching.

There’s a 14.5-inch touchscreen, which also can be controlled via a dial that sits on top of the dash. It’s not as intrusive as other displays as it's a large rectangle, rather than being more square.

The 12-inch 3D driver display mimics analogue dials, but can change its design depending on your drive mode. On top of that, the screen to control the climate controls is a far more intuitive design over normal buttons.

There’s only 354L of boot space available, thanks to some of it being stolen by the rear motor and batteries. But you can store longer items in the ski passthrough found in the middle seat.

There’s no front trunk under the hood as it's occupied by more motors and batteries, so it’s not going to replace an SUV for its practicality. Instead, the G80’s comfort is unmatched when compared to the other electric SUVs offered by Genesis.

Now look, if you get the Electrified G80, you’re after the best luxury EV, not the sportiest or the quickest.

Your budget needs to be this side of $200,000 and you need some decent battery tech too. That’s the G80 for you. It should be compared against other electric sedans at this price.

However, you’re better off in something like a Porsche Taycan if you’re after superior driver engagement.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.

A serious Lexus rival that offers great value for money as a luxury SUV – Genesis faces two challenges: the first is becoming known in the market for making genuinely luxurious cars. The second challenge is becoming an… Read more

aspirational brand that capitalises on buyers who are interested in spending north of $80,000 on a car.

A testament to Genesis’s seriousness in creating a luxury product is the GV80 build quality. There is no mistaking this car for a souped-up Hyundai. It takes the best parts of Hyundai’s interiors and dials that up to 11.

From a suede headliner, precise headlight designs, sharp puddle lights, rich Napa leather and seemingly perfectly weighted buttons - it’s all here.

I just wish there was a little bit more metal to compliment the plethora of leather and wood trim in here. Some plastic buttons occasionally distract from this plush interior.

The GV80 range kicks off with a 2.5L turbocharged petrol four cylinder, in a 2WD configuration, for $99,416 drive-away.

This GV80 is the diesel 3.0L AWD Standard trim, asking $113,066 driveaway. To digest this seemingly enormous price, you have to look across to the competition.

Against the likes of an Audi Q7, a BMW X7 or a Mercedes-Benz GLE, you’re getting a lot more features for less.

You won’t look like you’ve bought a cheaper model, instead, combined with its design, 22-inch wheels, sunroof and trim, you certainly come out on top without having to tick expensive options.

Additionally, with the buttery-smooth driving experience, torquey diesel, 21-speaker sound system and plenty of interior space and comfort, I’d say the GV80 is nearly the complete package.

If you really want the cherry on top, you’ll need to spend an additional $10,000 for the Luxury trim of the GV80. That’ll bring you a GV80 with absolutely everything, no option missing, but for a harder-to-stomach $123,566!

Depending on the dealership, some European brands offer these services, however it's not a blanket service. It can vary from dealership to dealership.

With Genesis, during the standard 5 year/Unlimited kilometre warranty, Genesis will pick your car up from your desired location, and swap it for a loan car.

A major strong suit of the GV80 is its noise level, or lack thereof.

Starting with the large 3.0L turbo diesel inline six, it’s so insulated from the cabin that Genesis offers fake engine noise to pipe through the speakers under heavy acceleration.

Exterior exhaust sound is muted and quiet, allowing you to swiftly move away without causing a ruckus. This 21-speaker system is a treat to experience in the GV80. It’s branded as Lexicon, which is simply an upgraded audio system from Harman/Kardon.

I love the fact you have three audio presets that allow you to change the sound profile of the speakers. There’s Stage, Audience and Reference available when using the Genesis’s media player.

The braking experience in the GV80 was a little surreal at first encounter.

The brake pedal offers a feel as if you’re pushing against a sponge cake. That’s not a bad thing, as it is easy to pull this SUV up to a stop. It’s just a far more comfortable and controlled experience compared to your run of the mill brake pedal.

The in-line 3.0L turbo diesel in the GV80 produces 204kW and 588Nm. You can expect a 0-100km/h time in around 6.8 seconds.

The GV80 is swift to respond to acceleration and great at keeping revs nice and low.

There are 8 gears to choose from, and all do a fantastic job at communicating with each other to avoid awkward shifts or even the occasional mis-shift.

22-inch wheels have no right being able to iron out imperfections in the road like these do.

Normally, I’d roll my eyes at wheels this big. Because they're going to make my ride in a comfortable car a juxtaposed one, as they reveal every bump in the road. Add to this fact that these are magnets for curb rash.

I can’t change the second part, but Genesis changed the first part.

Amazingly, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

With the help of front-facing sensors that can prepare the suspension for bumps in the road, the GV80 offers a supple ride, with accurate road feel and a generous amount of comfort. Although, on sharp potholes and speed humps, those 22-inch wheels make themselves known.

The steering feel is a little artificial in its weight, but it compliments the driving experience quite well. The two-spoke design is a little chunky in the hand, but once used to that, the way the GV80 conducts itself in corners and on the straights is everything you’d want in a large SUV.

The GV80 has a minimum boot space of 727L and a maximum boot space of 2144L.

That’s excellent for a family SUV. The only issue is that if you want to constantly use the third row, you dramatically reduce your boot space.

Folding down the third row, you get a boxy, flat-load area, and single-button release to fold the second row. This is excellent and easy to use as a family car.

Additionally, the second row has a 40:20:40 split, with a nifty feature of a folding pin. This allows for easy access to fold the middle seat down and put cargo through that space.

Comfort in the third row is improved compared to other 7 seaters, but limited headspace does make it a little hard to enjoy these seats for extended periods of time as an adult.

The biggest challenge the GV80 suffers isn’t it being competitive, it's the brand growing in recognition.

However if you’re not a brand loyalist, or are exploring what’s on offer in the luxury SUV segment, opt for a Genesis GV80. You won’t only not regret it, but you’ll fall in love with a luxury SUV experience that you’d hope you’d get for the money.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.

One of the best luxury EVs you can buy...but highway efficiency could be improved – The GV60 is the introductory electric SUV from Genesis. It shares a platform with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 but adds a new body and a lot more features and… Read more

performance to complement its higher asking price.

I adored how the GV60 was put together. The only let down was the door handle, which can feel a little creaky at times.

The materials and their assembly are all what you’d expect for a car that costs north of $100,000.

Although, I really didn’t like the hard white plastic that lined the rear boot, as it showed off lots of scuff marks and can make a lot of sound if items scrape along it when you’re driving.

This is the most expensive GV60 you can buy, as it’s the Performance AWD trim. It’ll set you back $110,700 before on-road costs and incentives.

You also get the choice of 5 years complimentary charging with Charge Fox EV chargers, or a free installation of an AC fast charger for your garage. I’d pick the AC charger.

The warranty is 5 years/unlimited kilometres, and 8 years/unlimited kilometres for high voltage parts. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.

Servicing is complimentary for 5 years, and if you live within 70km of a Genesis Studio, your car will be picked up and a service loan car will be provided until your car is ready to be dropped back to you.

Just like the electric GV70 I tested, the GV60 is silent.

Active sound cancellation and lots of sound deadening keep the outside world where it should be: outside the cabin.

The audio system in here is supreme, and does a better than average job of filling the entire cabin with clear and crisp audio.

You can opt to produce some fake engine sound too if you want to maximise the feel of this futuristic interior.

Just like the electric GV70 I tested, the GV60 had a tendency to rock a little coming to a complete stop.

These brakes are beefy, but you’ll rarely be using them. Instead, you’ll more likely be using the regenerative braking system which can be adjusted via the paddles on the steering wheel. The one-pedal driving system offers you enough force to only require you to tap the brakes to ensure you stop in time for a set of traffic lights.

You’re getting a maximum of 360kW (482hp) and 700Nm. This power is reserved for Boost mode, which is activated for 10 seconds at a time via the large ‘Boost’ button on the steering wheel.

Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes will cap the output of this car to slightly less than what is possible. But you’ll simply need to press that Boost button to turn this thing into a drag racing machine.

Going from 0 to 100km/h takes just 4.0 seconds, and you’ll need to ask your passengers to place their heads on the headrests to avoid any neck strain.

The presentation of the crystal rotary shift dial adds to the cabin look and feel. It has a great weight to it as you twist the car into gear.

A single forward gear is used in the GV70, and it’s an intoxicating feeling to simply sail at a range of speeds without interruption from any gears.

There’s a set of lights that project from the rear of the car onto the ground when you shift into reverse. It’s a nice touch to get a quick visual sense of how close the car is to certain objects.

It’s a rapid car, but the higher seating position disconnects you from the driving experience, unlike the Kia EV6. It’s more of a powerful grand tourer that has more than enough power for overtakes and spirited moments of driving.

It has decent handling characteristics, but at the end of the day, the weight of the battery pack is felt through some tight corners and when braking.

The biggest benefit when buying this EV is its battery pack. It’s a 77.4kWh battery that runs on a 800V battery architecture system, the same tech you’ll find in something like a Porsche Taycan. It’s a more efficient battery, making it quicker to charge and slower to discharge.

The claimed range is 445km (WLTP), with a real world range closer to 400km, as indicated by the vehicle itself.

Charging can take as little as 18 minutes when charging from 10 to 80% from a 350kW charger. There aren’t many of those, so if you encounter a 50kW DC charger instead, it’ll take you just over an hour to recharge to that same amount.

The claimed consumption is just 18.8kWh per 100km. I saw figures as low as 16kWh per 100km in city driving, but out on the highway I averaged 20-21kWh per 100km.

Using a fast charger was great with this EV out on the road, but be warned: a full charge from a 100kWh+ fast charger costs around $40. Maybe that Charge Fox subscription might not be the worst idea.

I can claim that the range is fairly accurate, but to maximise it you have to turn off the air conditioning. That made for a sweaty trip to the charger to ensure we had just enough to make it there. We maximised the range and arrived with just 3% (11km) of range left.

Instead of a glass roof, I would love to see solar panels as an option across all Genesis cars, like the ones you find on the G80 Electrified, just to get a little extra range.

Rumour is that a bigger and better battery pack is on the way, which is already being used in MY23 and MY24 IONIQ 5s.

The interior is simply breathtaking. It offers a blend of traditional luxury with some splashes of sci-fi-like technology.

The crystal ball in the centre console flips over to reveal itself as the gear shifter. There are two very large 12.3-inch displays and two monitors near the mirrors for the digital side mirrors.

I had some complaints about that digital side mirror viewfinder, as some passengers claimed it made them a little more prone to being carsick.

The white leather interior was a standout feature, but might be a bit of a pain to keep clean. There are also some clever storage solutions underneath the centre console and under the climate display, and there’s even a pull out glove box.

There’s 432L of boot space: 1460L with the second row folded and an extra 20L for charging cables underneath the bonnet.

I found a few backpacks dominated the boot space back here, so it might prove to be a little cramped for a small SUV. There's some extra space under the boot floor for smaller items, but there is no spare tyre.

Want the ultimate combination of luxury and performance? The GV60 offers some of the best bang for your buck in this luxury EV space. It can’t be overlooked if you’re shopping upmarket against brands like Mercedes-Benz.

Don’t need all the luxury or conveniences of a Genesis? Just get a Hyundai IONIQ 5 or even a Kia EV6. They all share the same battery tech, and have mostly the same features.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.