Genesis G80 2021 preview: new midsize car answers the call to make sedans sexy again

Genesis, Hyundai's new luxury brand, is taking over the premium segment. [The brand was recently recognized as the most trusted brand by influential research firm J.D. Power, and new models - the 2020 G90 full-size sedan and 2021 GV80 midsize SUV - are already in showrooms, with more models on the way.

A refreshed G80 midsize sedan with the same attractive looks as previous models is coming soon. Genesis unveiled the new G80 on Sunday and said it will arrive at dealers in late 2020.

The car is based on an improved version of the exclusive rear-wheel-drive M3 platform that debuted on the GV80. By using lightweight materials, particularly aluminum, in the platform's construction, the new G80 weighs about 243 kg less than its predecessor.

The use of the M3 platform also means that the G80's powertrain options are comparable to its native SUVs. The base powertrain is an inline four-cylinder 2.5-liter turbo engine (300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque), which is complemented by a newly developed V6 3.5-liter twin-turbo (375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque). Outside the U.S., a 2.2-liter turbodiesel will be offered, and a plug-in hybrid may also appear. Hyundai design chief Luc Donckerwolke hinted at this in 2017.

The interior also appears to be borrowed from the GV80, though there are subtle differences, such as the placement of some controls. The interior also utilizes leather, soft-touch surfaces, and open-pore wood.

The centerpiece is a 14.5-inch split infotainment system located at the top of the dashboard (a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also located there). The system is controlled via hard buttons and a handwriting-recognition controller located on the center console. There's also a rotary shifter for gear selection, bringing the latest electronic driver assistance systems to the G80 Genesis.

All the usual features are available, including frontal collision warning with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. There is also Highway Assist with lane change assist and remote parking in tight spaces.

The G80 also features a suspension system that uses a front-facing camera to scan the road and adjust its stiffness accordingly.

The exterior, on the other hand, owes much to the talents of designers such as Donker Wolke and Sang Yup Lee, who heads the Genesis brand's design. The long hood and rear cabin characteristic of the previous generation were retained, but the rear end became wider, lower and more powerful. The Genesis design also features all the latest styling cues, including the crested grille, the rear end and the placement of four lights on either side.

Genesis has not named a price, but a slight increase from the current model's base price of $43,000 is expected.

For more information on the Genesis G80, read our in-depth review on the Car Connection website.