2025 Genesis G80 First Drive: Athletic Performance And Elegance Set This Car Apart

Driving the 2025 Genesis G80 for the day through the rolling hills of Lexington, KY,  I couldn’t help but think that this car mimics my life. It’s both sporty and elegant all rolled into one. It’s a distinct and beautiful car and filled with luxury, from the basics, like the all new multimedia system, to the true spoilers like

The 2025 Genesis G80 offers 5 trims: G80 2.5T AWD, which features a 4-cylinder engine that generates 300 HP; G80 2.5T Advanced AWD, which adds a panoramic sunroof and premium audio; G80 2.5T Sport Prestige, with leather seats and 20″ wheels; AWD, G80 3.5T Sport Advanced AWD which generates 375 HP and G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD which adds Nappa leather and carbon fiber trim; prices range from $57,100 – $77,000.

Read: 7 Luxurious Reasons to Love the 2021 Genesis G80 Sedan

The exterior design of the Genesis G80 gives off those athletic elegant vibes and is a head turner in 20-inch sport alloy wheels. Change are subtle for the 20205 model, with a new front face, wider grille and new headlights, and that’s a good thing; the classic look of the G80 remains.

The G80 features a strong new two-line chrome crest grille, sleek micro lens array LED headlamps, and a sculpted body that conveys both power and grace. The G80’s low, wide stance and bold lines give it a sense of movement even when in park. 

Chrome accents, curves in all the right places, and with 10 exterior color options, including the newly added Vatna Gray, enhance the G80’s luxury appeal. 

Read: 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe First Drive: The Perfect Way to Fly From Your Empty Nest

Stepping inside the Genesis G80, you’re greeted by an interior that perfectly embodies the athlete in us all. For 2025, you’ll notice there is an updated dashboard, climate controls, center console design with knobs to control settings for when you don’t use the touchscreen, and a 3-spoke steering wheel. 

The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather seats that you instantly feel at ease in, carbon fiber trim around the center console, and metal accents. The spaciousness of the interior, combined with the ergonomic design of the seats, offers unparalleled comfort for both the driver and passengers.

After driving about 45 minutes in the comfort mode, the ergo-motion seats kicked in and started massaging my back. Getting a massage to make my driving experience more enjoyable was a feature I didn’t know I needed until that moment. It’s great for keeping drivers comfortable and attentive for long car rides.

The multimedia system has a fresh and modern design, featuring a 27” OLED display screen that stretches across much of the dashboard. Its function is both intuitive and responsive, and it was not just easy to use, it was delightful. This wide screen combines the integrated driver display and multimedia center. From the touch screen, you can control everything from the three-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated seats, music, ambient lighting (you have 64 color options to choose from), navigation, and more. 

Standard features also include 4 USB-C ports, a wireless device charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Genesis digital key, fingerprint authentication system, power open/close trunk, panoramic sunroof, and rear sunshades.

Advanced comfort features like the heated center console armrest, massaging seats and a premium Bang & Olufsen 18-speaker sound system ensure that the Genesis G80 is not just about looks, but also about delivering an exceptional cabin experience.

The interior is available in four color options, including black monotone, camel monotone, beige/gray two-tone, and red/black two-tone which is exclusive to the G80 Sport.

While the G80’s elegance is undeniable, its athletic side shines through in its performance. The G80 is available with a choice of two powerful engines, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter turbo engine and an impressive 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. Both engines deliver smooth and responsive acceleration, making the G80 feel light on its feet despite its size.

The handling is sharp, with precise steering that gives the driver confidence through every turn and might even make you forget this is a four-door sedan; it feels sportier than that. The adaptive suspension system further enhances the driving experience by providing a smooth ride. When you switch from comfort into the Sport mode, the side bolster air pockets adjust and feel as if they are hugging you and giving you the nod to put nudge the pedal maybe just a bit more. 

I love when you can set a car’s drive mode based on your mood or driving conditions. A fun feature for when in the G80’s Sport mode the engine sound mode, which can be set, or not. The G80 is a quiet car, but increasing the engine sound so you can hear its roar gives it more of a sports car feel.

Isn’t it nice to have a sedan and sports car all in one? A quiet luxury drive when you need it and a sports car when you want it. 

Safety shouldn’t be a luxury. So Genesis has packed the G80 with a host of advanced safety and technology features, integrating the latest innovations into the driving experience. Standard Genesis safety features include:

• Head-Up Display
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Rearview camera
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist

The Genesis G80 is excels in delivering both athletic performance and refined elegance. It is as thrilling as it is comfortable, with an exterior that turns heads no matter where you’re going, to the ball field or dressed up for date night. It’s nice to know that my can can dress up my Lulus and ponytail to look even more posh as I shuttle my little guy to practice and back.

Disclosure: I was a guest of Genesis for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.