Both Lexus and Infiniti have tried to take the fight to the German Three – the triumvirate of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi – however, each of those brands has a loyal customer base, as well as something which speaks to those customers. Be it perceived quality, the cache of their performance brands, or even just a brand loyalty fostered from an early age, breaking into segments that in many cases these brands created is no mean feat, and Hyundai’s luxury offshoot, Genesis, has taken yet another shot.
The 5 Series, E-Class, and A6 are Genesis’ latest targets, and they had better sit up and pay attention because the G80 is coming for their customers with unique looks, impressive tech, and German-esque build quality. This is hardly surprising when one considers how many top engineers have left well-established brands for the relatively new brand. The Second Genesis was launched in 2020, and the latest news is the introduction of the G80 Sport – think of it as a 5 Series M Sport or E-Class AMG-line.
Genesis describes the G80 Sport’s design as ‘Athletic Elegance’ melding their signature ‘Two Lines’ design language with a bit of black here and some added aero there. The Sport sports a dark glossy chrome radiator grille, a three-dimensional wing-shaped front bumper that accents the intake grille, and black bezels around the intriguing headlamps.
More dark glossy chrome features down the side of the car with 20-inch dark sputtering (yes, that’s what they’re called) alloy wheels at each corner. Brake callipers can be specified in either red or black.
The rear features a horizontal line as well as a new diffuser design which adds to its aggressive rear appearance – there’s no mistaking it for something else, if you know what it is…
Hop inside the G80 Sport’s striking cabin and you’ll be met with soft-touch materials and either Sevilla Red or black monotone leather with a choice of either grey or red stitching. Trim finishes are “Sporty” too, with the usual real aluminium or real carbon, or a brand new diamond-patterned hybrid weave. Either diamond or V pattern seat quilting is exclusively available to the G80 Sport, too.
Along with the usual array of impressive safety and assistance tech, the G80 Sport is also available with rear-wheel-steering.
Engine options are the same as the standard G80 – a 2,5-litre turbocharged in-line four, a 3,5-litre turbocharged V6 or a 2,2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel.
Hyundai SA currently has no plans to bring the Genesis brand to South Africa.
