2022 Genesis G80 Sport First Drive

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, has been steadily redefining the premium car market with a combination of elegant design, advanced technology, and competitive pricing. Since its debut, Genesis has positioned itself as a serious contender against established European luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport is an evolution of the already impressive G80 sedan, adding a sportier aesthetic and enhanced driving dynamics. Designed for those who appreciate both luxury and performance, the G80 Sport bridges the gap between a comfortable executive sedan and an engaging sports sedan.

In this first drive review, we take a closer look at what makes the G80 Sport stand out. From its bold exterior styling and premium interior to its turbocharged V6 engine and dynamic handling, this model promises to deliver a more exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the refinement and comfort Genesis is known for. Let’s dive in and see if the G80 Sport truly lives up to its name.

Exterior Design: Sporty Elegance

The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport builds upon the sophisticated and bold styling of the standard G80 but introduces several sporty enhancements that set it apart. While the standard G80 already exudes a refined presence, the Sport model amplifies its aggressive character, making it a more striking competitor in the luxury performance sedan segment.

Distinctive Front Fascia

At the front, the G80 Sport features a redesigned bumper with larger air intakes, giving it a more aggressive and performance-oriented stance. The signature Crest Grille, which is slightly darker than the chrome-finished version on the standard G80, adds to the bold aesthetic. Flanking the grille are the split LED headlights, a hallmark of Genesis design, which provide both a futuristic look and excellent nighttime visibility.

Side Profile and Wheels

From the side, the G80 Sport maintains the elegant fastback-like silhouette of the standard model, but subtle changes hint at its performance capabilities. The most noticeable upgrade is the addition of exclusive 20-inch sport alloy wheels, featuring a unique G-Matrix pattern. These wheels not only enhance the vehicle’s stance but also improve aerodynamics. Additionally, Genesis offers a choice of black or dark chrome accents for the window trim and side mirrors, further reinforcing the sporty appeal.

Rear Enhancements

At the rear, the G80 Sport carries a more muscular design, with a sportier bumper and a subtle rear diffuser that enhances its athletic look. The dual exhaust outlets are neatly integrated into the rear bumper, emphasizing the car’s performance-focused nature. The darkened taillight lenses differentiate the Sport model from the standard G80, adding a touch of aggression.

Exclusive Color Options

To further set it apart, Genesis offers the G80 Sport in an exclusive Cavendish Red exterior color, inspired by the stunning landscapes of Prince Edward Island. This deep, rich red hue enhances the car’s luxurious yet sporty presence and complements its bold design features.

Interior: Luxurious and Driver-Focused

Step inside the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport, and you’ll immediately notice the perfect balance between luxury and driver-oriented design. Genesis has carefully crafted an interior that not only exudes opulence but also enhances the driving experience with sportier touches and high-quality materials.

Premium Materials and Craftsmanship

Genesis is known for its exceptional attention to detail, and the G80 Sport takes it a step further. The cabin is adorned with quilted leather seats, available in rich color options such as black, Sevilla Red, or a two-tone black and gray combination. These seats provide a sense of luxury while also featuring enhanced bolstering for added support during spirited driving.

For trim, Genesis offers real aluminum, carbon fiber, or a unique Sport-exclusive diamond-patterned trim, giving buyers a choice between a sleek modern aesthetic or a more performance-oriented look. The soft-touch materials and premium stitching throughout the cabin contribute to an upscale ambiance, making the interior feel as refined as those of its European rivals.

Exclusive Sport Steering Wheel and Controls

A standout feature of the G80 Sport’s interior is the exclusive three-spoke sport steering wheel, which replaces the two-spoke design found in the standard model. This new steering wheel not only looks sportier but also provides a better grip for enthusiastic driving. The paddle shifters behind the wheel allow for quick gear changes, further enhancing the driver’s connection to the car.

The center console and dashboard layout remain clean and intuitive, with a mix of physical buttons and touch-sensitive controls for ease of use. Genesis has also integrated a rotary gear selector, which adds to the minimalist and modern aesthetic.

Technology: A Blend of Innovation and Convenience

The 14.5-inch infotainment screen serves as the central hub for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. It features crisp graphics, an intuitive interface, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Genesis still doesn’t offer wireless connectivity for these systems, the wired connection ensures a stable and lag-free experience.

Another highlight is the 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, which provides real-time driving information with stunning clarity. The cluster adjusts its display based on the selected drive mode, offering a more engaging experience when switching to Sport or Sport+ modes.

For audiophiles, the available Lexicon 21-speaker premium sound system delivers an immersive listening experience, with rich bass and crystal-clear highs, making long drives even more enjoyable.

Comfort and Practicality

Despite its sporty enhancements, the G80 Sport doesn’t compromise on comfort. The seats are heated and ventilated, ensuring a pleasant ride in all weather conditions. Rear passengers also benefit from plenty of legroom and premium materials, making the G80 Sport a great option for those who want both driving excitement and passenger comfort.

Additionally, the panoramic sunroof allows more natural light into the cabin, creating an open and airy feel. The dual-zone climate control and available rear-seat climate controls further enhance passenger convenience.

Performance: More Engaging Than Ever

While the standard Genesis G80 focuses on comfort and refinement, the 2022 G80 Sport turns up the excitement with enhanced driving dynamics and a more responsive powertrain. By refining the chassis, adding rear-wheel steering, and tuning the suspension for sportier handling, Genesis has created a luxury sedan that delivers both thrilling performance and everyday usability.

Powertrain: Twin-Turbocharged V6 for Smooth, Confident Power

Under the hood, the G80 Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine found in the standard G80 3.5T, but paired with the Sport model’s tighter suspension tuning and steering upgrades, it feels livelier and more engaging.

Power is delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth, quick shifts and adapts well to different driving styles. While it doesn’t have the sharp, dual-clutch feel of some German rivals, the transmission is refined, predictable, and well-matched to the V6’s broad powerband.

The G80 Sport is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The AWD version uses Genesis' electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) to enhance grip and stability, making it an excellent choice for buyers in colder climates or those who want extra confidence on the road.

Chassis and Handling: A Step Above the Standard G80

One of the most significant upgrades in the G80 Sport is its revised suspension system and the addition of rear-wheel steering (RWS). These changes result in a sedan that feels noticeably more agile and responsive, especially when cornering.

  • The adaptive suspension has been retuned for a sportier ride, offering a firmer setup that minimizes body roll without sacrificing too much comfort.
  • The rear-wheel steering system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction at low speeds for improved maneuverability, while at higher speeds, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels for enhanced stability.
  • The variable-ratio steering system gives the driver better feedback, making the car feel more precise and controlled.

These enhancements make the G80 Sport feel smaller and more nimble than its size suggests, allowing it to confidently tackle tight corners while maintaining a smooth highway ride.

Drive Modes: Customizable Driving Experience

The Genesis G80 Sport features multiple drive modes that adjust steering, throttle response, transmission behavior, and suspension settings to match different driving styles:

  • Comfort Mode: Prioritizes a smooth and relaxed ride, making it ideal for daily commutes and long highway trips.
  • Sport Mode: Sharpens throttle response, tightens steering, and firms up the suspension for a more dynamic driving feel.
  • Sport+ Mode: Turns up the intensity even further, holding gears longer, maximizing throttle response, and delivering the most engaging driving experience possible.

These modes allow drivers to switch between relaxed cruising and spirited performance with just a twist of the dial, making the G80 Sport adaptable to different driving situations.

Braking and Stability

The G80 Sport comes equipped with larger brakes to match its more aggressive performance capabilities. The stopping power is strong and confidence-inspiring, with predictable pedal feel and minimal fade during spirited driving. The combination of all-wheel drive (optional), rear-wheel steering, and a low center of gravity ensures that the G80 Sport remains planted and stable, even during aggressive maneuvers.

Technology and Safety: Advanced Features for a Modern Driving Experience

The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport is not just about performance and luxury—it also comes packed with cutting-edge technology and safety features that enhance convenience, connectivity, and driver confidence. Genesis has seamlessly integrated these features into the vehicle’s design, ensuring that they are intuitive and easy to use while maintaining the cabin’s sophisticated feel.

Infotainment and Connectivity: A High-Tech Command Center

At the heart of the G80 Sport’s technology suite is the 14.5-inch widescreen infotainment system, which sits elegantly atop the dashboard. This high-resolution touchscreen offers crisp graphics, fast response times, and an intuitive interface. Key infotainment features include:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connection) for seamless smartphone integration
  • Genesis Connected Services, which allows remote vehicle access and diagnostics via a smartphone app
  • Navigation system with augmented reality (AR) guidance, overlaying directional arrows on a real-time camera feed
  • Voice recognition for hands-free control of navigation, climate, and media settings
  • Over-the-air (OTA) updates, keeping software and navigation maps up to date without a dealership visit

While the infotainment system lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the intuitive controls and crisp display make it one of the best systems in its class.

Digital Instrument Cluster and Head-Up Display

Behind the steering wheel, the 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster displays key driving information in a customizable format. This 3D effect adjusts to the driver’s viewing angle and provides detailed real-time data, including speed, navigation, and safety alerts.

For added convenience, the head-up display (HUD) projects essential information onto the windshield, such as speed, navigation directions, and safety warnings, reducing the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road.

Premium Audio System: Immersive Sound Experience

The 2022 G80 Sport comes standard with a 12-speaker premium audio system, but for those who demand the best sound experience, Genesis offers an available Lexicon 21-speaker surround sound system. This high-fidelity system delivers rich, immersive audio with deep bass and crystal-clear highs, making every drive feel like a concert experience.

Driver Assistance and Safety: A Focus on Protection

Genesis has packed the G80 Sport with an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ensuring safety remains a top priority. These features are designed to prevent accidents, assist drivers in challenging situations, and reduce overall driving fatigue.

Key safety features include:

Highway Driving Assistance (HDA II)

  • Uses adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to provide semi-autonomous driving on highways
  • Adjusts speed based on curves and traffic flow
  • Can change lanes automatically when the driver signals

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

  • Detects pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles
  • Intersection Assist helps prevent collisions when turning left at intersections

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)

  • Monitors blind spots and alerts the driver when changing lanes
  • Can apply corrective braking if an imminent collision is detected

360-Degree Surround View Camera

  • Provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, helping with parking and tight maneuvers
  • Includes front, rear, and side cameras for a comprehensive perspective

Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)

  • Allows the G80 Sport to park itself in parallel or perpendicular spots while the driver stands outside and controls it via the key fob
  • Helpful for tight parking situations where getting in or out of the car is difficult

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

  • Warns and applies brakes if a vehicle or pedestrian is detected when reversing

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

  • Monitors the driver’s behavior and provides alerts if signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness are detected

Final Thoughts on Technology and Safety

The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport excels in technology and safety, offering a cutting-edge infotainment system, premium audio, and an advanced suite of driver-assistance features. Genesis has successfully blended innovation, convenience, and safety into one luxurious package, ensuring that drivers and passengers enjoy both a high-tech experience and top-tier protection.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment, convenience, or advanced safety, the G80 Sport delivers a feature-rich driving experience that rivals—and even surpasses—many of its European competitors.

Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry: Trends and Innovations


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