Genesis G80 review - Interior, design and technology
You’ll struggle to find a better interior in the exec saloon class - the G80’s cabin is right up there with Mercedes for quality
A premium executive car has to offer the right balance of style and sophistication that will win over customers seeking to make a particular impression. The G80 looks suitably purposeful with its coupe-like lines, long bonnet and oversized grille providing a little individuality and helping it to stand out from the office car park crowd.
If the exterior appeals, then a glance inside the cabin will possibly seal the deal, as the G80 serves up a serious slice of luxury: high-quality materials are in use throughout the interior, with real wood trim and Nappa leather upholstery available as an option on top-spec versions. It’s not just the areas in frequent use that make a good impression, the fit and finish everywhere is first class and we think the G80 a match for the Mercedes E-Class on this score.
The Premium Line version possibly doesn’t set off the interior as well as the more expensive Luxury Line. The cheaper option uses a ‘leatherette’ upholstery in contrast to the quilted real leather of the Luxury version, while extras such as bigger 20-inch wheels, a power tailgate, and a heated steering wheel help provide a real executive feel.
One gripe buyers might have is that Genesis has wrapped up some individual options into more expensive equipment packs. For example, if you wanted to add wireless phone charging, you’d have to specify the £3,900 Innovation Pack, which mainly offers extra safety tech such as a Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). It’s a strange decision that may irritate savvy buyers.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The widescreen infotainment set-up in the Genesis G80 looks very smart, doesn’t distract from driving and is easy to glance at for quick directions. The interface is excellent, offering an easy-to-use menu layout that looks modern and has useful functions displayed by default, including the weather wherever you are, alongside the navigation map. It’s a touchscreen, so typing in directions is easy enough, although using it on the move isn’t ideal because it’s quite far away and you need to reach forward.
Another issue is the rotary dial controller. Usually we love these, but here, the dial is set deep into the centre console, so it’s controlled with a fingertip rather than grasping it with your fingers. We also found that the digital dials don’t show as much data as we’d like, but at least the display is sharp.
