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Road Test: 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T

Genesis models have very rarely let me down when it comes to looks, performance and luxury. The latest one to grace my driveway was no different.

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2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus AWD full-size sedan, the top trim of the G80 lineup, is an elegantly styled, powerful and luxurious vehicle.

The G80 is offered in two trims, a base 2.5T version and the more upscale 3.5T we tested, which will cost you just about $90,000.

But what you get for that price is one of the premiere luxury sedans on the market today, one that is more than worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as some of the more ubiquitous German brands, for example.

Powertrain: Under the sleek hood of the G80 3.5T Sport Plus is a potent beast waiting to be unleashed.

The 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine is a thing of beauty. Smooth power delivery, coupled with an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission, provide the G80 with effortless acceleration and great response to inputs when you push the pedal for extra power when passing other vehicles.

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2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus

The G80 uses shift-by-wire technology and there are steering wheel mounted paddle shifters if you wish to have some control.

The all-wheel drive G80 is sure footed and also offers rear wheel steering for added control.

The 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque from the engine give this sedan a sports-car feel.

With a lot of highway driving during my time with the G80, I was impressed with the fuel economy average of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, quite a bit better than the 13.1 L/100km estimate. When you are using premium fuel, every litre counts!

Exterior: Walking up to the tester, the first thing that struck me was the quite unique Grey Vatna exterior colour. While you might think that grey cannot be eye-catching, I beg you to look at this one and tell me otherwise.

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2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus

While the front end will definitely grab your attention, it is the profile view of the G80 that I enjoy the most.

Starting with the 20-inch Aluminum Alloy Medium Sputtering Finish wheels, to the steeply raked rear window and the design elements in the front fenders that are symmetric to the headlight wraparound, it is a gorgeous design.

There isn’t a bad angle to be found.

It comes with all the modern touches you expect, like LED lighting front and back, and some you don’t, like the outside mirror approach lights that display the Genesis logo on the ground.

Interior: On our tester, when you open the door, you are welcomed into a well-appointed cabin, which is the case of our tester was a Sevilla Red that definitely grabs your attention.

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2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus

The Nappa Leather covered seats are plush and comfortable, the layout of the cabin is exceptionally well done, and when out on the open road, there is barely a hint of outside noise.

It features things like heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, an Ergo Motion driver seat, head-up display, microfibre suede headliner and other touches that elevate the cabin.

About my only issue with the cabin is the same I have had with some other models in that the rotary gear shifter is placed too close to another rotary dial, sometimes leading to confusion.

Infotainment: Perhaps the most striking thing about the cabin, after the red leather, is the 27-inch OLED instrument cluster and navigation system that dominates the dashboard.

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2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus

Making it even better is the fact that the infotainment system is outfitted with a Bang & Olufsen Sound System that features 18 speakers, and a 14-channel amplifier with 1,400-watt maximum output. Simply sublime for audiophiles.

The system has integrated satellite radio, wireless device charging, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Drive: The ride on the G80 is like riding on a cloud. Whether on city streets or cruising the highway, the sedan just gobbles up the pavement and makes driving a joy.

The Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview certainly plays a part in this, ensuring that the G80 is as smooth as possible. Steering feel is light and responsive, and it features semi-autonomous driving features – like the Highway Lane Change assist that is activated during cruise control by simply putting on your turn signal.

There are six drive selectable modes on the G80: Comfort, Smart, Eco, Sport, Custom and Sport+ Mode.

Each one of them have their unique traits and while the Sport mode makes the G80 a bit more exciting to drive, make no mistake about it: Even in Comfort mode, the G80 is no slouch.

Conclusion: Genesis has consistently impressed me over the years with its products and this is no different. Style. Luxury. Performance. There is very little not to like about the G80 3.5T Sport Plus.

2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus AWD
Price as tested: $89,622.50
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6/ 8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 375 horsepower/ 391 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (73 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 13.1 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 10.3 L/100 km
Warranties: 5-years/100,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT5, Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Website: Genesis Canada

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