When Hyundai spun off Genesis as its standalone luxury brand, it had capital, resources, and expertise to draw upon, but none of those guaranteed the upscale division’s success in a space populated by juggernauts such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, and BMW. Genesis has done something (actually, a lot of things) right because 2025 marks its 10th anniversary. It’s also brings a refreshed G80, which has new exterior and interior styling as well as updated technology. I recently spent a week in the flagship model of the range: the G80 3.5T Sport Prestige.
As its name implies, the 3.5T Sport Prestige comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which has twin turbos that boost output to 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Like the rest of the G80 range, the top model has an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
The Sport Prestige suffix is also self-explanatory. It combines luxuries such as Nappa leather, carbon fiber trim, and a suede-like microfiber headliner with performance-focused features that include a head-up display, Sport+ drive, limited-slip rear differential, and rear-wheel steering. In its most basic form, the G80 3.5T Sport Prestige has a starting price of $77,000. My test car’s optional Cavendish Red paint and NFC card raised its as-tested price to $78,930.
This year’s mid-cycle refresh updates the front and rear fascias. Like its 2025 GV80 SUV sibling (which we reviewed here), the G80 gets upgraded headlights with Micro Lens Array technology that’s essentially designed to provide better illumination without being a nuisance to other drivers on the road. Only the 2.5T models have new wheel designs, but all models now come with four-piston monobloc front brake calipers. Genesis made minor revisions to the G80’s rear end, stopping short of doing away with its crest-shaped exhaust outlets as it did with the GV80.
The 2025 G80’s interior revisions are much more noticeable, especially in the G80’s available Sevilla Red and Obsidian Black color scheme. Everything in front of the driver and shotgun passenger is new. Once separate units, the gauge cluster and infotainment screen have been combined into a massive 27-inch OLED display, which protrudes from a new dashboard. A revised steering wheel replaces the outgoing unit. The redesigned center stack houses a touch-sensitive panel for the HVAC controls and flows into an updated center console.
Over the past several years, I’ve tested multiple Genesis models, including the pre- and post-refresh versions of the G70, GV80, and second-generation G80. One of the many things that the brand has done right is not only make attractive vehicles, but vehicles with an immediate identity. When you see those Two-Line headlights or taillights, you know right away which brand of car they’re on. While not as visually singular inside, Genesis models look and feel worthy of their price tags, joining flashy modern tech with flowing lines, elegant materials, and soft-touch surfaces. On the road, they have the refinement and composure – as well as the power – expected from luxury vehicles.
All of those things are true of the 2025 Genesis G80. While it is an example of the brand’s characteristic strengths, its execution in certain areas does leave something to be desired. Yes, the OLED display is impressively large, but it was artlessly inserted rather than integrated into the gracefully shaped cabin around it. In most scenarios, the electronically controlled suspension did a fine job of insulating me from the road’s imperfections. However, no matter how cushy it happened to be, it couldn’t mask the weight of the G80’s wheels. More of the G80’s shortcomings became apparent once I tested out the “Sport” in “Sport Prestige” on curvy roads. They certainly weren’t from a lack of effort; Genesis threw a lot of software and hardware into making the G80 handle better. Think of it in terms of sports: A regular person might perform better with good equipment and the right shoes, but no amount of gear is going to give him or her the abilities and spirit of a natural athlete. Although the G80 3.5T Sport Prestige has ample power and easy-to-modulate brakes, it inherently lacks those crucial traits.
To learn even more about the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige and see it in action, watch my video review below.
Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!
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