Sport Meets Luxury: The 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige
04 Mar 2022
As most of you know, I am a pickup truck guy now, but I have always loved driving cars, especially on long road trips. There’s nothing like hitting the road with family or friends in a comfortable car with the tunes on and the journey to the destination being part of the vacation. Getting there is half the fun, so the vehicle does really matter.
Recently, I got to spend a week with the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige. The week went from being cold and dry with a bit of snow on the ground from our last snowfall, to a mid-week winter storm warning and 20 cms of snow overnight.
Of course, you’ll have to wait until the end to see what song I paired with this beauty vehicle.
2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige
Let’s take a closer look at this beauty of a vehicle:
Exterior
The 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige is stunning. The long wheelbase and the sleek lines give it a really luxurious and sporty look. The massive front mesh grill definitely makes a bold statement, especially with the lower grills decked out in the same mesh. You’ll either love it or think it is too much. For those I asked, it was 50/50. Some loved it, and some thought it was just too much. I kinda like it.
The headlights and tail lights are thin and match up well with the sporty lines on the side of the vehicle, giving it a continuous feel. I do love the nique shape of the tail pipes – a salute to the Genesis logo.
Looks: 9.0
Power
When you see a smaller engine in a larger vehicle, you will always hear the critics say “there’s no replacement for displacement”. Genesis stomps on that statement with the powerful 3.5L turbo gasoline engine in the G80. Producing 375 hp at 5,800 rpm and 391 lb-ft of max torque at 1,300-4,500 rpm, you’ll have no issues getting up to speed, even with a cabin full of passengers.
Rating: 9.0
Drive
As mentioned earlier, I reviewed the G80 on a week where we still had snow on the ground from the last major snowstorm, and then got hit mid-week with an additional 20 cms of snow. However, that did not get in the way of me getting behind the wheel of the G80, thanks to the AWD system.
The G80 handled well in the snow and drove quite smoothly on clear roads. The 3.5L turbocharged engine packs a punch that will get you off the line or allow a quick overtaking when needed.
The stop-start functionality was not too noticeable like in North American vehicles, which was nice to see.
Handling was awesome – the standard adaptive suspension changes depending on what driving mode you select. In sport mode, the suspension is firm which allows for less leaning when going around corners.
Overall, the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige drives really well for an executive sedan.
Rating: 9.0
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy of the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige is pretty decent when driving in normal conditions. But like most turbocharged engines, the minute you engage those turbos, the economy goes down, and in some cases, significantly.
The provided fuel economy numbers are 12.9 L/100 City, 9.0 L/100 Highway, and 11.2 L/100 Combined. For the most part, I was getting around those numbers. However, when I was testing out the acceleration, I noticed the mileage was not as great. So it really does depend on how you drive.
Rating: 7.0
Interior
The interior of the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige is fantastic! Welcoming the driver into the cockpit is a beautiful two-tone leather steering wheel and comfortable heated and cooled Nappa leather seats. The model I tested also had a massaging driver’s seat. The elegant two-tone interior works well and gives it that upscale look.
The dash is decked out with streamlined air ventilation, open-pore real wood trim, and ambient lighting, which continues throughout the vehicle.
The transmission control is a shift-by-wire (SBW) rotary dial located where the stick shift would be, much like a lot of other vehicles. Rotate to the left for reverse, and to the right for drive. To put the vehicle in park, there is a button on top. The SBW dial lights up making it easy to see at night.
The power adjustable and electronic ventilated rear seats are almost as comfortable as the front seats. There is a fold-down console for the rear passengers that has USB ports and cup holders.
Rating: 9.0
Safety
The 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige comes with several standard safety features that are in place to ensure the safety of those inside and outside of the vehicle.
10-Airbag System
Not only are there airbags in the front and sides, but there are also airbags between the front passengers. This will help protect the driver and passenger from a side collision.
Intelligent Lighting
The Intelligent Front-Lighting System automatically turns on the high beams whenever possible, and dims to regular beams when there is traffic ahead (same direction and/or oncoming).
Safe Exit Assist
This cool feature allows you to have the peace of mind that your rear-seat passengers won’t step out into traffic. The G80 activates the child safety locks on the rear doors when it senses vehicles approaching from behind.
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R)
When the G80 is reversing and it senses pedestrians or obstacles, PCA-R warns the driver with an alert and takes over control of the braking system if the driver does not act fast enough.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
When there is risk of a collision during lane changes or moving forward from a parked position, the G80’s Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) system alerts the driver and apples braking if necessary. When a turn signal is applied, a rear-facing exterior view of that side of the vehicle will appear in the dash cluster, allowing the driver to see what is in their blindspot.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
When there risk of a collision while backing reversing out of a parking spot or driveway, the Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) feature alerts the driver with a beep and a collision icon on the display. If the driver does not act fast enough, the system automatically engages the brakes.
Junction Turning
The Junction Turning feature automatically applies the brakes when the G80 is turning left and a vehicle is approaching in the opposite direction.
Junction Crossing
When entering an intersection, the G80 will automatically brake if the front camera radar detects a vehicle entering the intersection.
Lane-Change
This system assists the G80 in avoiding a collision when changing lanes by temporarily taking over steering control.
Evasive Steering Assist
By analyzing the G80s omnidirectional sensor information, Evasive Steering Assist judges the risk of collision with a vehicle or moving obstacle in the lane and temporarily takes over steering control.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
This lane keeping feature helps the driver keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane, and a safe distance from the vehicle in front while diving at appropriate speeds.
Rating: 9.0
Comfort
A vehicle is meant to get you from point A to point B. As humans, we love our comforts and try to do everything we can to make our lives as comfortable as possible. As mentioned earlier, the journey to the destination is part of the experience.
While the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige provides all of these comforts while you are in the vehicle, the position of the B-pillar makes it difficult for a guy my height and size to get in and out of the vehicle with ease. The position of this pillar is not ideal.
Once in the vehicle, the seats are comfortable, even for taller drivers, but I was forced to recline my seat back which had my left shoulder up against the b-pillar the entire time I was in the driver or passenger seat. In this position, there was ample headroom and legroom. The controls were all easily accessible. While it wasn’t a huge issue, it definitely would make a long road trip rather awkward. That’s where the massaging seats would help!
The position of the B pillar and the difficulty getting in and out of the vehicle is what cost the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige top marks in this category.
Rating: 5.0
Tech
The 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige has a more modern infotainment package than the smaller G70 and the larger G90. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The large 14.5-inch touchscreen is clear and intuitive, allowing you to control most of the tech in the G80. The controls on the steering wheel are convenient and allow the driver to concentrate on the road once they get used to where everything is located.
The powerful 21 speaker Lexicon audio system uses QuantumLogic® surround sound technology to enhance the listening experience. Let me tell you – the tunes sound amazing!
The 12.3” 3D stereoscopic cluster is colourful and clear, and changes with the selected driving mode.
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) is a really cool feature that allows you to pull the G80 in and out of a parking spot while you are outside your vehicle, using the controls on the key fob.
To keep all of the natural road noise out of the cabin, the G80 emits an inverted sound wave to cancel out the noise. While not all of the road noise has been eliminated, it has been reduced, which makes for a nicer driving experience.
Rating: 9.0
Storage
The 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige has a pretty big trunk at 371 L, which is similar in size to the Mercedes E-Class (371 L), but much smaller than the BMW 5-Series (529.5 L). The shape of the trunk is unique in that it is almost v-shaped, so fitting larger or several modular objects in there may be a challenge. That being said, it is decent for the size of the vehicle.
Rating: 7.5
Value
The 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige has a starting price of $76,000.00 (CAD), which is a pretty decent starting point considering the options available and the company it is in. The G80 is also priced lower than comparable luxury sedans in its class. There are several options you can add when you order your vehicle which will drive that cost up.
Rating: 8.0
Overall Rating
Based on the 10 different categories covered above, I gave the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige an overall score of 81.5. It would have scored 5 points higher if the B-pillar was far enough back to allow my tall frame to get in and out of the vehicle with ease.
Overall Score: 81.5
Specifications
The following are key specifications. For trim specific specs, please visit the Genesis website.
Chassis
Vehicle Type: 4-door sedan
Suspension: Front & Rear – Multi-link, High Performance Gas Shock Absorber
Brakes: Front – Ventilated Disc (4 piston); Rear – Ventilated Disc (1 piston)
Powertrain
Engine: 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC with Dual CVVT Twin Turbo
Displacement: 3,470 cc
Horsepower (hp/rpm): Est. 375 @ 5,800 RPM (Premium Fuel)
Max. Torque (lb-ft/rpm): Est. 390 @ 1,300-4,500 RPM (Premium Fuel)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Driving System: AWD
Recommended Fuel: Unleaded/Premium
Ignition System: Electronic / Distributorless (Controlled by ECU)
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 3,010 mm
Length: 4,995 mm
Width: 1,925 mm
Height: 1,465 mm
Passenger Volume: 2,939 L
Trunk Volume: 371 L
Curb Weight: Lowest 4,343 lbs; Highest 4,497 lbs
Head Room (1st / 2nd row) – (w/ Panoramic Surnroof): 1,040 mm / 970 mm
Leg Room (1st / 2nd row): 1,073 mm / 984 mm
Fuel Economy
Combined: 11.2 L/100
City: 12.9 L/100
Highway: 9.0 L/100
Starting Price
2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige – $76,000
Summary
What a ride! I truly wanted to spend more time with the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige. It drove very smoothly and was super comfortable, both as a driver and passenger. There’s a good amount of storage, and it has very decent acceleration and power. This is definitely a vehicle the competition needs to watch out for.
One of my only criticisms was the position of the b-pillar, which limited the ease of entry and exit for a guy my height.
If you are looking for a full-size luxurious vehicle that will compete alongside the Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes-Benz E-class, look no further than the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige… as long as you are not as tall as I am!
Nuthin’ But A G Thang by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
Now you may be thinking, “why choose a rap tune from 1992?” That’s simple. It was two awesome rappers collaborating on a great tune that is still played on radio stations to this day. And, it’s a great tune!
Nuthin’ But A G Thang = Compton and Long Beach, together
2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige = Comfort and Luxury, together
One, two, three and to the four
Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre is at the door
Ready to make an entrance, so back on up
(‘Cause you know we’re ’bout to rip shit up)
Gimme the microphone first, so I can bust like a bubble
Compton and Long Beach together, now you know you in trouble
Ain’t nothin’ but a G thang, baby
I really hope you enjoyed this edition of Motors & Music featuring the 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Prestige and Nuthin’ But A G Thang by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg.
Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like me to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send me an email at craig@bigdaddykreativ.ca
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. He likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
Recommended Posts
Alive Again in the 2022 Wagoneer Series II
13 Feb 2023 - Automotive