In this episode we are in Lexington, Kentucky, for the first drive of the 2025 Genesis G80, the car that started the Genesis story back in 2009, when it won the North American Car Of The Year Award. Will it win it again in 2025?
Total Car Score
S5E55 - The 2025 Genesis G80 is Car of the Year candidate again, 16 years later
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For today, we're inside the 2025 Genesis G80 with Jared Burd from Genesis. So this is the original car from Genesis even before there was Genesis, right? And I wanted to have you because you've been in the company from that time or maybe before. Correct me if I'm wrong. Javier, are you calling me old? No, no, I'm just doing math. And I'm bad with math, so-- Well, I hate to tell you that your math is correct. I have worked basically my entire career for Hyundai Motor Group even before the Genesis brand. When did you start? In 2015. 15, OK. Just like a year before. Yeah, a year before-- or actually, that's really 2015. At the end of 2015 is when the brand launched globally in Korea. So yeah, I came into the group just as we were getting ready to launch Genesis. And I've been working on the Genesis brand since 2016. So it's been a great journey so far. One of the originals. One of the originals, yeah. That's great. And then to make a contrast, we have here, Lauren, who have long been with Genesis. You've been Hyundai before. Well, Sysmeces. Sysmeces, six months. Not short, so pretty much everything that was planned for this car was already done before you came. But you're within the company. You could say that to some extent. But I'm happy. Yeah, now the processes of the living in the cars, this has shortened a lot. So maybe in the last six months, maybe that's why they brought you in. They needed the final push. Oh, I'm happy to provide that push. Yeah. OK, so this car, when we say this is the original Genesis, we go back to 2008. So before your time, so I don't feel bad at all. Yeah, OK, I feel better now. So this was the Hyundai Genesis. And that was the Hyundai EQs before that? OK, so the Hyundai Genesis sedan was the smaller executives sedan that became G80, and then Equus eventually became G90. OK, correct, correct. So this was the Hyundai Genesis in 2008. And then it won car of the year in 2009. So the first year of that, it was eligible for the award. So now in 2016, they viewed it with a brand. And then it's been already a few improvements. But this one, obviously, when you launch a new car, you put everything the newest, the best. So tell us what's the new in this car. Be happy to do that. So again, putting the newest and best for our Genesis G80 customers, our honored guests, or Sony. So we've got wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We're very happy to provide that to our customers, because not only did our customers request this, but find folks like yourselves, automotive media, and also our Genesis retailers told us that this is something that a lot of customers shopping for Genesis really would like to see in our products. So we're happy to provide that in the 2025 G80. We've also got physical knobs for volume and tuning adjustment. Yeah, people can get very passionate about a volume knob. Some folks, yes. And we've got our temperature adjustment knobs or dials as well. We've slightly repositioned the Genesis integrated controller and rotary shift by wire gear shifter. Again, with that jeweled look that many of our Genesis customers appreciate, we've updated the interior. We've got more ambient lighting on the dashboard, the side of the center console, and the door panels, again, to greet our Sony name as they enter into the vehicle. On our top models, we've got a D-shaped steering wheel to help provide that-- It feels really good, too, while driving, I have to say. Yes, especially if some folks like that-- Dicker steering wheel. It really appreciates that. It gives you a different feeling, right? Even though the car probably will, and not probably, will perform exactly the same. But I guess that's one of the things with this is not the electric version. But for example, when you add artificial noise to an electric car, it's because you want all the senses to feel what it is, like touch, hearing, viewing, obviously, hopefully, you're looking at the road. But that's why, seeing what in this case, it makes you feel more powerful, maybe, I don't know. Yeah, and I also wanted to add that we do have an all-new 27-inch ultra-wide OLED display that seamlessly integrates the digital instrument cluster and navigation infotainment touch screen. So it's just one continuous panel. There's no bezel in between the two. And we've also been careful to try to minimize any obstruction by the steering wheel when the driver is operating the vehicle. So, yeah, so Genesis is still in its commitment to 2030, electrification. But as you were saying before in the presentation this morning, the sedans and the IECRs are still really important, right? Yeah, and I think what Lauren just mentioned about our whole approach for Genesis is about distinctly Korean hospitality and this concept of SonyM, really listening to customers, treating them as honored guests. And we know that based on the current market conditions and what our customers want, they'd like to see some hybrid options on their journey towards eventual full electrification. And so we're going to support that. We're going to support our customers. We're going to support our retail partners. And so, yes, we will be bringing hybrids into the Genesis portfolio. So stay tuned for more news on that. But, yeah, we've got this great mix right now. We've got our internal combustion engine models like this new redesigned 2025 G80. We've also got some great electric options. Right now, one of our most popular is the electrified GV70 SUV, which is built right here in America, in Alabama. And so, yeah, we've got a diverse and growing product portfolio and a little bit of something for everyone. And the GV80 coup that we drove at just a couple weeks ago, it means that that's fantastic. That was really a lot of fun. But talking about, Lauren, you mentioned us in the media that we think we know better than you guys. We were talking to my driver partner also. Like all these feedback that you get, basically, from the customers, people who actually buy the cars, for example, also the all-wheel drive exclusives. And now it's like that's part of it, too, right? Yeah, we think, or not think, we've seen data, and we've also heard from our customers and our Genesis retailers, of which we have 56 standalone retailers now, in addition to other retailers throughout the country. But we've heard that customers really appreciate the standard all-wheel drive. And it's a dynamic all-wheel drive system, which can apportion the torque to the rear wheels under acceleration. But let's say even those in the Sun Belt states can appreciate the all-wheel drive that's standard on our vehicles for times when they may need it in low traction situations, such as during heavy rainfall. Or let's say with us in Southern California, everything's just a couple hours away. I mean, you can go to the beach, or you can go to-- Are my leads two hours away? [LAUGHTER] In dropping? Well, what's that 405 stand for? 4 or 5 miles an hour, right? Right, right. Well, let's say you eventually get to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, in the corner, and, you know, way-- You knew that, yeah. Yes. And even, like, for the time, I leave in Miami. You spit it over here! Now at T-Mobile, get four 5G phones on us in four lines for $25 a line per month when you switch with eligible trade-ins, all on America's largest 5G network. [MUSIC PLAYING] Minimum of four lines for $25 per line per month without a paid discount using debit or bank account, $5 more per line without auto pay, plus taxes and fees and $10 device connection charge. Phone to be a 24-monthly bill credits for well-qualified customers, contact us before canceling entire accounts to continue bill credits or credit stop and balance on a required finance agreement, too. Bill credits end if you pay off devices early, ctmobile.com. All right, do my laundry in Miami, as some people say, because I'm never there. But when it drains a lot, that system really helps, right? Because a lot of people associate all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, only with off-roading or extreme situations like that. But it really helps in that situation. It provides a lot of confidence for our drivers. And also, this car now has-- well, the previous generation already had it, too, I think. The rear steering and the rear axle steering, that actually we did a very tight turn. And we were surprised that actually you feel it. When you turn it tight, you feel like not sliding, but it's moving more than you will expect to move. Right. And at the same time, it's not very upsetting or it won't concern the driver in any way. So I don't know if you've been around kids much or maybe you're a child at heart. But there are those razor-crazy cars. Or mentally, something like that. Where they kind of wiggle the back end. Yeah, exactly. When you're driving them. So like, let's say you do a 90 degree right turn on a surface street at a traffic light, you can really feel the rear end come around in a control banner to help you complete that turn as you're performing it. So this new G80 has two power-trained options? That's correct. We've got our 2.5 liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. And we also offer our 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. And both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Yeah. We were like, thank you, Jared, by the way, for picking this area because when I was telling it, I'm going with Genesis to Kentucky said, I what? Like, why? But a lot of people don't know what's here, right? Like besides the Kentucky Derby and Louisville. Body and company and all that. But there's a lot of nice roads, nice properties where we are now and a lot of fun stuff to do here. Yeah, I mean, Kentucky, for those who haven't been, I would encourage everyone to visit Kentucky. I mean, it's a beautiful place. Here we are in central Kentucky, just near Lexington. And it is a stunning place to go for a drive perfect for an executive sedan like G80, nice winding, pristine roads, great weather conditions. And you can really test the dynamic performance of the car. So at Genesis, when we do these types of programs, we're always looking for new and exciting opportunities. And Javier, I'm glad that we've given you an opportunity to discover central Kentucky today. Yeah, exactly. And that freshly paved portion in the 20th that you do that, especially for us, right? That really freshly paved yellow, nice, and everything. Look beautiful. I mean, we've been so fortunate here in Kentucky. I mean, the infrastructure, especially this time of year, they've taken great care of it. So yeah, thanks to everyone who-- I don't know, here in Kentucky, it's called the Department of Transportation in Kentucky or whoever's responsible. Thanks for helping us out, because I mean, what a great way to experience G80. And I think that G80 has-- it's at the core of our lineup. It has something for everyone. I mean, whether you're driving around South Florida on more straight roads, maybe in a little traffic around Miami, you've got that great comfort. It's quiet. You don't hear all the hustle and bustle of the city out there. Or if you're in a more rural spot, like here in Kentucky or elsewhere in the country, I mean, G80 is just perfectly balanced, and it's really got everything that you've ever made. Yeah, speaking of that, so it's like-- this is not a sports sedan, but it has very capable capability, like 375 horsepower and all that. But also, when you put in sport mode, the seat's like hug you, right? And then I was the other system that gives you massage and all that, like after an hour. Right, so they're all tied together when you have the Ergo motion seat on our vehicle. So again, when it's in sport plus mode, it'll make the side bolsters more aggressive so that you have that lateral support when you're turning. And again, the Ergo motion seat, it also has-- it's tied into a feature called Smart Posture Assist. So like when you're doing a longer drive, it will work with that, let's say, at the one hour mark to help the driver feel reinvigorated when he or she's driving the vehicle by running through its program and providing a massage-like effect to, like, let's say, avoid someone having a dead leg or dead rear end or discomfort in his or her back. It does feel dizzy, maybe. Like you were talking like heavy traffic in Miami, not every outside. You want the AC, you want the massage, maybe some-- it's music to, like, make you feel as comfortable as you can within the circumstances, right? Oh, must definitely. Yes. So the other question I was going to ask you is technology we touch on the screen, but also the Park Assist has some new features, or it's more or less the same as we have been known for years. So our parking systems and advanced features have been updated to some extent. So parking distance warning on the G80s from 2021 to 2024 only had forward and reverse detection. So now on equipped trim levels, we also have side detection as well to help people when they're in low speed parking situations. Also, parking collision avoidance assist in those low speed situations would only have reverse coverage, which would provide that automated emergency braking if it detects a hazard where braking's needed. So now we also have forward and side capability to our parking collision avoidance assist and our wonderful remote smart parking assist. If you've ever been in a tight spot and can't even open a door-- It's amazing, even though it's not new, but it's amazing. So what is new is that now we have version two, which also allows for diagonal parking capability in addition to forward and reverse, or a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. Then finally, even though I should have started with that, because that's the way you get into the car. The digital key is also improved, right? Yes, so we are very pleased to offer Genesis Digital Key 2 in the redesigned 2025 G80. And it's a nice step up in terms of greater support for iOS devices in addition to Android devices. There are now ultra wide band sensors in the vehicle to help with this increased application of support and compatibility. And the greatest benefit to our customers is that that allows for passive entry into the vehicle, as well as passive engine start as well. And then, just very briefly, the price range starts around below 60. So it starts at $57,100 before destination for our well-equipped 2.5T all-wheel drive. And it goes up to, I want to say, $77,000 for our 3.5T Sport Prestige all-wheel drive. You won't say what I will, and that's like $10, $50, $20,000 below for more, $20, $20, $20, $20, $20, $20, $20, $20. That's why we think we have a very compelling proposition with our vehicle and we hope. As many customers as possible, get to experience the new G80. Excellent. Well, Jared, thank you very much again. It's always fun and really interesting to see your products can talk to the people all there and nowhere in the company. So nothing bad about it. I think it's good because you're part of history. Hey, it's great to make history, and you know what? We've only been around with Genesis here in the US market about nine years. We are just getting started. So I would say Javier, stay tuned. Stay tuned. There's much more on the way. Thank you very much, Adam. Let's keep driving here. It's time to get the world talking about black-lit brands. We all have our favorites, but we can't keep them all to ourselves. So if you're feeling a little black, old beauty, tell somebody. If the lip bar gives you a lip for every drip, let them know. And if your hair is doing the do, shout that out, too. Join Walmart in shouting out your favorite black-lit products creating a new world of choices at walmart.com/black and unlimited. 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