Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand gets its first official AU launch.
After a somewhat disconcerting period of silence and impediments, Genesis have shed some light on their confirmed entry into the Australian market, due to kick off in June with the launch of the G80 luxury sedan, the first model in the Hyundai sub-brand’s portfolio and a continuation of the short-lived Hyundai Genesis.
For the moment, only the mid-tier model has been confirmed for our shores, though the smaller and sportier G70 as well as the G90 limousine are likely to follow in its wake. The G80 will be priced from $68,900 (excluding on-road costs) in a single mechanical specification - a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated V6 with 232kW/397Nm and a specific chassis tune for the Australian market.
Above the base model, which will come as standard with Genesis’ Active Safety Control Suite (includes Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, and High Beam Assist systems), 9 airbags, a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, full LED headlights, 360-degree camera, and a 17-speaker audio system by Lexicon.
The parallel trim to the standard 3.8i variant is the slightly more expensive 3.8i Sport Design that, for an extra $4,000, adds some athletic flair both inside and out to the otherwise luxury-oriented standard car.
A more well-equipped G80 comes in the form of the 3.8i Ultimate ($88,900) which, over the entry-level version, adds larger 19-inch alloys, Nappa leather interior upholstery, electrically adjustable heated/ventilated front and rear seats, powered soft-close doors, suede headlining, a panorama glass sunroof (a $3,000 option otherwise). Buyers will also have the option to pair the Sport Design visual pack to the G80 Ultimate, leading to the current flagship, the 3.8i Ultimate Sport Design.
“The dynamic and luxurious new G80 sedan is a fitting flagship for the introduction of the Genesis brand to Australia,” JW Lee CEO Genesis Motors Australia said. “The new Genesis G80 ushers in a uniquely stylish and sophisticated proposition in the large luxury segment.”
There’s no doubt that the G80 will face intense competition from established luxury marques who have spent decades carving out a loyal customer base, with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6 not willing to give the South Korean newcomer any quarter. The same will be the case for the 3 Series-rivalling G70, only amplified.
