Monday, 1 August 2016

Badge Snobbery: 2017 Genesis G80 Costs $2650 More than Its Hyundai Predecessor

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2017 Genesis G80

Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury brand is kicking off sales in the U.S. next month, when the midsize G80 sedan hits dealerships. Of course, the 2017 Genesis G80 is really just a Hyundai Genesis without the Hyundai “H” badges, but Genesis is surely hoping that customers won’t notice that they’re getting essentially the same car for a starting price of $42,350—$2650 more than when it was a Hyundai. Luckily, that higher price does include plenty of newly standard equipment that previously was optional.The bulk of this newly standard equipment falls under the active-safety umbrella, as the base G80 comes with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. All these systems were optional on the outgoing Hyundai but required adding pricey option packages that drove the price up to $47,100. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilitie also are new additions to the standard equipment list.

2017 Genesis G80

Otherwise, the G80 continues to offer the same two powertrains as before, with a 311-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 as standard and a 420-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 available as an option. All-wheel drive is $2500 extra for 3.8L models, while 5.0L V-8 models are rear-wheel-drive only.

Genesis has rejiggered option packages a bit, with the G80 3.8 offering a $4750 Premium Package (which adds a panoramic sunroof, a Lexicon surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade) and a $4200 Ultimate Package (with fancier leather, matte-wood trim, a head-up display, and a power trunklid) that can be added on top of the Premium package. Strangely, the Ultimate Package’s larger, 9.2-inch touchscreen precludes the availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning that tech-savvy buyers will want to avoid this option. The V-8–powered G80 5.0, which costs $55,500 (just $700 more than last year’s Hyundai Genesis 5.0), comes only as a fully loaded model with the Ultimate Package, and also gains 19-inch wheels and quad exhausts to set it apart visually.

Even with the slight price uptick, the Genesis G80 still undercuts established competitors from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW. Getting the same level of equipment from those Germans, or the Lexus GS, will easily push you into the $60,000 range. Add in the recently announced complimentary scheduled service and valet program, and it’s clear the Genesis brand is working hard to make a strong first impression.

2017 Genesis G80

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