Genesis Launches Fully Redesigned G80 After 7 Years... Starting Price 52.47 Million KRW
[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Hyundai Motor Company's premium brand Genesis launched the new G80 in the domestic market on the 30th. The 3rd generation new G80 is a full-change model released after 7 years and is expected to bring a fresh breeze to the global premium sedan market.
On this day, the Genesis brand live-streamed the launch event online via YouTube and Facebook, introducing the completely redesigned model of the G80, 'The All-new G80.' The G80 has been the flagship model that led the birth of the Genesis brand with the 1st generation model (BH) in 2008 and the 2nd generation model (DH) in 2013.
Since the 2016 improved version of the 2nd generation, it has been released under the name G80, marking the first use of Genesis's global naming system 'G+number' in Korea, showcasing the direction of Genesis.
The G80 features an elegant and dynamic exterior design and a spacious, balanced interior emphasizing the beauty of empty space. Additionally, compared to the 2nd generation, the body is 125kg lighter and is equipped with three engine options: gasoline 2.5 turbo, gasoline 3.5 turbo, and diesel 2.2, securing dynamic and quiet power performance.
It is equipped with driving convenience technologies that assist lane changes and support driving according to the driver's preferences, preventive safety technologies that actively intervene when accident risks are anticipated, as well as cutting-edge infotainment features such as augmented reality navigation and Genesis CarPay, providing product competitiveness befitting a premium sedan. The starting prices are 52.47 million KRW for the gasoline 2.5 turbo, 59.07 million KRW for the gasoline 3.5 turbo, and 54.97 million KRW for the diesel 2.2 (based on 1.5% individual consumption tax).
◆ Exterior with Dynamic Elegance, Interior with a Sense of Openness
The 3rd generation G80 widened the width by 35mm and lowered the height by 15mm compared to the previous model, achieving a sophisticated proportion and a dignified appearance that a rear-wheel-drive sedan can have. The front features Genesis's signature design elements, the Crest grille and the dual-line quad lamps, creating a grand and modern image. The rear expresses a unique impression of the new G80 with quad lamps and a horseshoe-shaped trunk surface that is rounded and engraved.
The interior of the new G80 pursues a spacious personal space based on the 'beauty of empty space,' while optimizing the layout of controls so that the driver can use the various functions applied to the new G80 without difficulty.
The thickness of the A-pillar (the body between the front windshield and side window) and the bezel of the room mirror were reduced, and flag-type side mirrors were applied. The height of the crash pad (including the instrument panel and storage compartments) was lowered to provide a 'panoramic view' that offers a spacious and open feeling when the driver is seated.
Additionally, Genesis divided the steering wheel into an upper clock area and a lower control area based on half of the steering wheel, arranging them so that the view is minimally obstructed and controls can be operated intuitively.
The clock area includes devices displaying necessary driving information such as the head-up display, 12.3-inch cluster, and 14.5-inch infotainment system, along with thin air vents, creating an environment where the driver can focus solely on driving.
The control area features a touch-type climate control, a rotary electronic shift dial, and the Genesis integrated controller that allows touch and handwriting input for the infotainment system, enhancing operational intuitiveness.
◆ Quiet Driving Performance... Premium Sedan Ride Comfort Maintained
The G80 offers dynamic yet quiet driving performance while inheriting the comfortable ride of the previous generation. Genesis operates the new G80 with three engine lineups: gasoline 2.5 turbo, gasoline 3.5 turbo, and diesel 2.2.
The gasoline 2.5 turbo model delivers dynamic power performance with a maximum output of 304 horsepower (PS) and maximum torque of 43.0 kgf·m, achieving a combined fuel efficiency of 10.8 km/l based on 18-inch tires.
The gasoline 3.5 turbo model boasts class-leading power performance with a maximum output of 380 horsepower (PS) and maximum torque of 54.0 kgf·m, with a combined fuel efficiency of 9.2 km/l based on 19-inch tires.
The diesel 2.2 model secures balanced performance with a maximum output of 210 horsepower (PS), maximum torque of 45.0 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 14.6 km/l (based on 18-inch tires).
All G80 engines apply a CPA (Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber) torque converter and a water-cooled intercooler. The CPA torque converter generates counter vibrations to offset engine rotational vibrations, enhancing interior quietness and improving fuel efficiency.
The water-cooled intercooler rapidly cools the air entering the engine through coolant, improving turbocharger responsiveness. This helps deliver enhanced acceleration and dynamic performance under various environmental conditions.
The G80 platform is based on Genesis's 3rd generation rear-wheel-drive platform, designed to lower the body and place the center of gravity low, securing a wider passenger cabin and improving driving stability. Approximately 19% of the body uses lightweight materials such as aluminum, reducing the curb weight by 125kg compared to the previous model, improving fuel efficiency and power performance.
◆ Autonomous Driving Technology Protecting Driver Safety and Reducing Fatigue
Genesis applied advanced active safety-based autonomous driving technology and safety features that judge dangerous situations unnoticed by the driver and control the vehicle, protecting passengers comprehensively from the moment they enter to when they exit the vehicle.
The intelligent technologies applied include ▲Highway Driving Assist II ▲Driving Style Linked Smart Cruise Control ▲Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control ▲Pre-active Safety Seat ▲Multi-collision Prevention Automatic Braking System.
Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) not only assists highway driving but also supports lane changes and responds to vehicles cutting in at close range in congestion situations below 20 km/h, helping drivers drive conveniently in various situations.
Smart Cruise Control supports a 'driving style linked function' where the vehicle learns the driver's driving tendencies and assists driving similarly to the driver’s own style. It also supports navigation-based smart cruise control that receives information on safe zones such as ramps and curves from navigation during highway and expressway driving, automatically decelerating the vehicle when passing through those zones.
Notably, Genesis applied the Pre-active Safety Seat for the first time in Korea in the G80. The Pre-active Safety Seat adjusts the passenger seatback forward to a safe posture to protect the front passenger in the event of a frontal collision, sudden braking, or anticipated turning.
At the online launch event, Albert Biermann, Head of Hyundai-Kia R&D Division, said, "We have developed next-generation sensor fusion technology for Genesis models," adding, "This is one of our core achievements to provide best-in-class safety."
◆ Premium Convenience Features Including Parking Assist, Augmented Reality Navigation, and CarPay
The G80 is equipped with various evolved new technologies from Genesis, providing a high level of convenience to drivers.
The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) installed in the G80 supports remote forward and backward parking functions that help in tight spaces, as well as perpendicular and parallel parking functions, reducing the driver's parking burden.
The 14.5-inch infotainment system, enhanced for convenience by linking with the Genesis integrated controller, supports augmented reality navigation, Genesis Quick Guide, Genesis CarPay, and valet mode.
Augmented reality navigation overlays graphics showing the optimal route on real-time driving footage captured by the vehicle's front camera, enabling the driver to follow navigation guidance easily and accurately.
Genesis CarPay is a simple payment service usable in the car, automatically displaying the payment screen on the infotainment system during payment at affiliated parking lots or gas stations, allowing easy payment without a physical card.
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Additionally, the G80 offers Home Connect (Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car) functions linking the car and home, phone connectivity (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) connecting the car and smartphone, smartphone check around the vehicle, and digital key, providing seamless convenience in daily life.
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