By: Joshua Lee
August 7, 2025
In the world of midsize luxury sedans, the Germans dominate the conversation. Quietly building momentum is Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury offshoot, and with the 2025 G80 3.5T Sport Plus AWD, it’s no longer just a quiet competitor — it’s a serious contender. Offering a compelling mix of refined performance, elegant design, cutting-edge tech, and rich interior detailing, the latest G80 makes a strong argument as the best value in the segment.
Under the hood, the G80 3.5T is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, delivering brisk acceleration and confident traction on the road. The twin-turbo V6 feels both muscular and refined. Throttle response is immediate, and power delivery is smooth. The G80 stays quiet during low-speed cruising but emits a subtle growl under hard acceleration, especially in Sport or Sport+ drive modes. The transmission does a commendable job of staying in the right gear, though paddle shifters are available if you prefer more control.
Genesis has engineered this version with sharper handling in mind. It features rear-wheel steering, which came in handy for those tight Toronto underground garages. Along with an electronically controlled suspension that adjusts in real time based on road conditions, the G80 feels planted through corners, yet cushioned over bumps and potholes. In Sport+ mode, the adaptive suspension firms up, throttle sensitivity sharpens, and steering weight increases, giving the G80 a more engaging personality.
Genesis continues to impress with its design language, and the G80 is no exception. Our Cavendish Red refreshed model gets a more aggressive front fascia with a darkened mesh grille, revised LED headlight arrays, and larger air intakes. A sleeker bumper design and quad exhaust outlets round out the rear, giving the car a subtle but athletic stance. Twenty-inch alloy wheels with a unique G-Matrix pattern, red brake calipers, and blacked-out trim pieces help distinguish the Sport Plus from lesser trims.
Step inside the G80 and it’s immediately clear that Genesis isn’t cutting corners. The cabin is richly appointed with quilted Obsidian Black Nappa leather seats with red stitching and piping, a microsuede headliner, carbon silver wire trim, and red seatbelts. Everything you touch feels solid, expensive, and thoughtfully laid out.
The driver’s seat features Ergo Motion technology, which uses air bladders to subtly adjust lumbar support on longer drives — a welcome touch for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control come standard, as does ambient lighting with 64 colour options to suit your mood.
Rear-seat passengers are treated to ample legroom and plush seat cushioning. The cabin remains impressively quiet, even at highway speeds, aided by double-pane glass and extensive sound insulation.
The 2025 G80 debuts Genesis’ new 27-inch OLED panoramic display, combining the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system into one continuous, high-definition panel. It’s a visual centrepiece and works seamlessly with the intuitive Genesis interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless now, and a premium 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers concert-hall audio quality. Touch inputs are responsive, and the rotary controller is still available for those who prefer physical controls. Safety tech is as comprehensive as it gets: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with camera integration, lane-keeping assist, highway driving assist, surround-view monitor, and even a remote parking function — allowing the car to park itself with the key fob.
Fuel efficiency comes in at 15.6L/100km city, 10.2L/100km highway, for a combined 13.1L/100km. We achieved 9.3L/100km during our week, which is reasonable for a powerful luxury sedan of this size and spec.
The Genesis G80 comes in two models: the 300-horsepower 2.5T Advanced starting at $74,000, and the 3.5T Sport Plus at $89,000.
So, does the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Plus belong on your shortlist? Absolutely. While it may not carry the same badge prestige as its German counterparts, it offers luxury, performance, and technology at a more accessible price point. The G80 doesn’t just compete with the establishment — it challenges the very idea of what a midsize luxury sedan should be.
It may not be perfect. Some may find the infotainment layout unconventional or the brand still too new, but for those willing to step outside the traditional luxury box, the G80 Sport Plus represents one of the smartest and most satisfying choices in the segment today. The design walks a fine line between luxury and performance. It’s eye-catching without being brash, more refined than flashy, and arguably more elegant than many of its German rivals.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Midsize luxury sedan
Engine: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower: 375 hp
Torque: 391 lb-ft
Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway/Combined): 15.6 / 10.2 / 13.1 L/100 km
Observed Fuel Economy: 9.3 L/100 km (mixed driving)
Base Price: $74,000 CAD
As-Tested Price: $89,000 CAD (before freight and fees)