Genesis G80 First Drive 

As of April 19, 2025, first drive reviews of the 2025 Genesis G80 paint a picture of an elegantly evolved luxury sedan with significant interior and technological updates. Here’s a summary of the key impressions:

Overall Takeaways:

Refined Elegance: The G80 maintains its sophisticated exterior with subtle yet effective updates to the grille, lighting (featuring new Micro Lens Array headlights), bumpers, and wheel designs.
Tech-Forward Interior: The most significant change is inside, dominated by a new, expansive 27-inch OLED panoramic display seamlessly integrating the instrument cluster and infotainment. The center console is redesigned for better ergonomics, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.
Premium Comfort: Reviewers consistently praise the G80’s luxurious and comfortable cabin, noting the high-quality materials, supportive seating (especially with available Nappa leather), and excellent noise isolation for a serene driving experience. Some draw comparisons to the ambiance of a Bentley.

Smooth and Capable Performance: Engine options remain a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 is highlighted for its strong and smooth power delivery.  
Balanced Dynamics: The G80 prioritizes a comfortable ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. Handling is described as balanced and competent, with the Sport Prestige trim benefiting from available rear-wheel steering and an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced agility and stability.  
Strong Value Proposition: Despite a slight price increase, the G80 continues to be seen as a compelling value in the luxury segment, offering a wealth of standard features and a premium experience that rivals more expensive European competitors.
Driving Impressions:

The twin-turbo V6 provides satisfying power for quick acceleration and confident passing.
The suspension is tuned for comfort, making it well-suited for daily driving and long journeys, with an available electronically controlled suspension that uses cameras to anticipate road imperfections.
The Sport Prestige trim with rear-wheel steering offers noticeably improved maneuverability at low speeds and enhanced stability at higher speeds. The ability to customize brake responsiveness is also a unique feature.
The new 27-inch OLED display is visually impressive, and the infotainment system is generally intuitive, offering both touchscreen and physical controls for essential functions. Wireless smartphone integration is a significant convenience.