Genesis G80 Petrol 3.5T AWD (2017-2026)

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 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.