City Rides: Genesis G80 Series

The South Korean brand unveils its G80 and G80 Sport.

The South Korean car manufacturer Genesis Motor LLC, better known as Genesis, prides itself on being distinctly Korean. Now, it has launched the G80 Series, and FACT was invited to test drive the cars on the streets of Salalah, Oman. The mountains, microclimate and marvellous cars created a memorable drive. 

In 2015, Hyundai launched Genesis as a standalone brand. In 2017, it unveiled its first car, Genesis G90. Over the years, the models have included the G70, G80, G80 and G80 midsize luxury sedan. Now, there are Genesis Motor distributors throughout the Middle East, and it recently opened its first standalone showrooms in Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 

FACT attended a special launch party of the G80 Series at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in Salalah, Oman. The event was themed around the concept, A Thing of Beauty – and it delivered. On 16 July 2024, we were among the first media to see the car unveiled. Plus, Mike Song, Global Head of Genesis, was in attendance at the ceremony and gala dinner. 

Omar Al-Zubaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Middle East & Africa, explained: “We are thrilled to introduce the newly designed G80 to the MEA region, with the official unveiling taking place at this extraordinary venue in Oman. This launch marks another bold chapter for Genesis in the region as we continue to deliver the best in luxury, innovation, and unique design to the discerning customers in this region. The G80 embodies our vision of combining the most advanced technology with sophisticated elegance, while catering to our valued regional market.”

Genesis G80 Series

At the heart of the G80 Series is athletic elegance, a phrase that is used time and time again with the brand. The series includes the newly designed G80, and the introduction of the G80 Sport. The car combines tradition with innovation, and enhanced driving capabilities. The redesign offers refined details, cutting-edge technology and comfort as well as class.

The G80 design aims to combine elegance with advanced technology. The design prides itself on being distinctively Korean, and celebrating the beauty of white space. The features include a 27-inch-wide OLED display, AVN horizontal screen layout, touch-based HVAC system, and redesigned dual-mesh Two-Line Crest Grille. Plus, the 20-inch five double-spoke wheel design draws inspiration from an aircraft propeller.

The G80 Sport combines sport and style. The design includes a double-layered Crest Grille, D-cut steering wheel and enhanced driving sensibility. The 3.5 turbo engine model is equipped with Rear Wheel Steering, which means it offers an overall smoother drive without compromising on power. The gasoline 2.5 turbo engine delivers 300 horsepower, 43.0 kgf·m of torque, and the gasoline 3.5 turbo engine produces 375 horsepower and 54.0 kgf·m of torque.

The G80 and G80 Sport are available now.

GO: Visit www.genesis.com for more information.