Review: The 2025 Genesis G80 Sport Prestige deserves your attention

I’ve been a huge fan of big, luxury sedans since driving a twin-turbo V12-powered Mercedes-Benz S600 during my first job in college. I fell in love with the ride, the opulence and the serenity. This was coupled with my experiences with the Lexus LS sedans of the day and the ’90s standout Acura Legend. In fact, I loved the Legend so much, I owned the same one twice. (I’d own it again if anyone knows where it is). 

That said, it took little convincing for the 2025 Genesis G80 Sport Prestige to win me over. The luxury sedan market is notoriously competitive, with longstanding powerhouses from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi constantly battling for supremacy.

However, after driving the refreshed G80, my mind has been made up — this is the one I’d go with. With its combination of refined, upscale luxury, standout styling, a killer warranty and a remarkable value proposition, the G80 is tough to pass on — it’s just so good. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to keep the G80 on your shortlist.

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Photo credit: Genesis News USA

Luxury without compromise

Step into the 2025 Genesis G80 Sport Prestige, and you’re greeted by an interior that rivals — if not surpasses — some of the segment's most well-established names. It’s truly exceptional and even feels more Bentley-like than your standard luxury fare.

The cabin features premium materials such as quilted Nappa leather seats, real wood trim and brushed aluminum accents. Our tester was finished in gorgeous Tasman Blue paint and Vanilla Beige leather, and whew — it was breathtaking. Every detail is thoughtfully executed, from the ergonomic placement of controls and buttons to the easy-to-use 15-inch touch infotainment screen. It’s all a joy to use and touch. 

The rear seat space and comfort are equally impressive. Rear seating offers ample legroom, and while not as spacious as the palatial G90 we tested, the G80 still offers a first-class transportation experience. Heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting and an excellent Lexicon audio system add to the luxurious atmosphere. As if the ride weren’t already serene enough, Genesis has enhanced the noise insulation for 2025, resulting in an even quieter ride at highway speeds.

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Photo credit: Genesis News USA

Bold and elegant styling that stands out

While many luxury sedans play it safe — very safe — with their designs, the G80 Sport Prestige takes a bold approach, and I love it. The exterior has been refreshed for 2025, and it's even more brutalist in its design than before.

It sports an even wider grille and the refreshed, aggressive front and rear bumpers emphasize its athletic stance. Its unique 20-inch wheels are likewise beautiful and contribute to the brand’s aerospace-inspired design elements, as do the two-line LED headlights and taillights. 

For 2025, an expanded color palette is new, including striking metallic and matte paint options such as Makula Gray Matte, Tasman Blue, Cavendish Red and Savile Silver. These colors add an extra layer of sophistication to ensure the G80 turns heads wherever it goes, just as I experienced during my week with it.

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Photo credit: Genesis News USA

Smooth and powerful performance

I’ll get this out of the way: Most of the G80’s online criticisms relate to its less than impressive agility and sportiness. To that I say, who cares? That’s not what this car is about. The G80 is about peace, serenity, smooth as butter driving dynamics and relaxation. And to those ends it not only succeeds, it excels. 

Under the hood, the 2025 G80 Sport Prestige offers the same impressive engine as before, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. It's a great engine — very smooth and robust.

For 2025, Genesis recalibrated the 8-speed automatic transmission for smoother gear shifts and enhanced fuel efficiency, which makes the G80 even smoother than before. The adaptive suspension is likewise smooth as butter, and the Sport Prestige trim's four-wheel steering handles sharper than you expect. It’s all well-balanced and just sporty enough to keep the G80 engaging behind the wheel.

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Photo credit: Genesis News USA

Value that’s hard to beat

As good as the styling and serene driving experience are, where the G80 truly shines is in its value proposition. It starts at a price point well below many of its German rivals, and even in its fully loaded Sport Prestige form, it comes out swinging, punching far above its weight. 

Compounding the value proposition is the industry leading warranty: a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile comprehensive warranty. Additionally, Genesis includes complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles and offers concierge services such as at-home test drives and vehicle delivery. 

Our tester priced out at just shy of $79,000, and it felt worth every dollar of that price tag. Between the power, luxury, amenities, materials and technology, and considering its Bentley-esque appearance and feel inside, the price honestly felt like a bargain.

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Why choose the G80 Sport Prestige? 

Luxury car buyers often gravitate toward familiar names, but the Genesis G80 Sport Prestige is a reminder that there are fresh, exciting options worth exploring outside the usual suspects. In fact, the G80 might do what they do better, and for a lot less money.

It offers a blend of luxury, performance and style at a price point that’s hard to ignore. While established brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz have their merits and appeal, the G80 is yet another proof that Genesis is a serious contender in the segment, delivering a vehicle that’s truly impressive in every way. 

If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan, don’t take the myopic view. Expanding your scope to all that Genesis offers with the G80 Sport Prestige might just be the best decision you make for your luxury garage — and your wallet.

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Photo credit: Genesis News USA

Highs

• Exceptional value: The G80 offers premium features and a superb driving experience at a competitive price point. 

• Industry-leading warranty: Genesis offers a warranty that is unmatched in the luxury space. 

• Luxurious interior: The G80 Sport Prestige offers materials and design at the top of the segment. 

• Bold styling: The G80 comes in a distinct, attractive design with awesome color options. 

• Smooth performance and driving dynamics: The power and refined engine and transmission are smooth as butter.

Lows

• Brand recognition: It doesn’t bother me, but the Genesis name doesn’t carry the same weight as its German rivals — yet. 

• Genesis has a limited dealership network: Although it is growing, there are not as many dealers as the rival brands. 

• Conservative driving dynamics: The G80 is not as sporty as some of the German rivals, but that’s not the point of this car.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.