It’s time for BMW to start getting nervous. Genesis has hit its stride and is approaching striking distance.
The redesigned 2021 Genesis G80 boasted gorgeous styling, a luxurious interior, and snazzy new technology. But it fell flat in the sport department, and it needed work on the suspension tuning. The arrival of the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport returns the model to the lineup and rights the suspension wrongs of other G80 models, which are now offered only with the 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4.
The G80 Sport gets the automaker’s first application of rear-wheel steering to go with standard all-wheel drive and a sport tuned suspension system. The changes are larger than they might seem on paper and dramatically address the G80’s largest shortcomings, but not all the way.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
Editorial Director Marty Padgett and I spent time in the G80 Sport and we both found the suspension is more buttoned down than non-Sport G80s. However, the camera-based system that reads the road ahead to adjust the adaptive dampers can only react so quickly. It’s a step behind at times, and this results in a few extra up-and-down motions, especially in the softer Comfort mode. I even experienced some fleeting moments when the four corners didn’t seem to be in sync with each other, which caused weird undulations. Sport mode is the sweet spot for blending ride comfort and control while also eliminating some of the suspension communication issues.
The addition of rear-wheel steering is the highlight of the G80 Sport. The system turns the rear wheels up to 4.0 degrees opposite of the fronts below 37 mph and up to 2.0 degrees in phase with the fronts above 37 mph. The blend is invisible to most, and it delivers surprisingly sharp turn-in with precise steering. It’s so sharp in this mid-size application that I didn’t get used to it enough to place the car correctly until after a few corners. The system lets the G80 cut sharper corners in parking lots while seemingly shrinking the car at speed around clover leafs.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
Sport models are now the only way to get a 2022 G80 with a V-6 under the hood. It’s the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque from last year. A smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic dishes out the power to all four wheels via all-wheel drive. Unlike BMW’s xDrive, this system can’t disconnect the front wheels to increase fuel economy or enable a drift mode. It also can’t shuffle power side to side. It does, however, let the strong turbo V-6 put the power to the pavement seamlessly. It works with the V-6 to launch the car from 0-60 mph in the high 4.0 seconds range according to our but dyno, which is about the same as the BMW 540i xDrive. But in the Genesis the power doesn’t come on quite as smoothly as it does in the BMW.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
For the Sport model, Genesis tweaked the G80’s clean lines and baked in a bit more verve with an updated front fascia featuring extra intakes and a new mesh pattern finished in shadow chrome. Darkened headlight bezels, model-specific 20-inch wheels (19-inch wheels are standard), a subtle rear diffuser, and black or red brake calipers complete the understated exterior package.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
Inside, the G80 Sport swaps the standard two-spoke steering wheel for the GV70’s three-spoke unit, including its programmable Favorites button that can’t be programmed to anything useful outside of the in-car navigation system. Leather trim and real aluminum accents come standard, but my $71,095 G80 Sport Prestige tester featured tasteful amounts of real carbon fiber around the cabin and black nappa leather seats. The quilted pattern on the leather seats can be swapped for a V pattern that is different from what any other automaker is doing. It’s a slick touch.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
The 3D graphics in the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster look terrific, but I still can’t get used to the tachometer being mounted on the right side of the cluster with the needle swinging up to the left. It just feels backwards. The 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system’s tile-based interface is easy to navigate. Unfortunately, that touchscreen is perched too far away to easily touch while driving, requiring use of the fussy scroll wheel and circular touchpad that looks like an orb.
This clumsy interface is a substantial flow in an otherwise effective infotainment system.
It’s clear Genesis isn’t waiting for mid-cycle refreshes to improve the vehicles in its lineup. With sharp moves and a better sorted suspension that matches its sleek design, the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport is a better car than the standard G80. It all adds up to a package that now puts upstart Genesis within striking distance of BMW. The Roundel better pay attention.
Genesis lent Motor Authority a couple of G80 Sports for a week so we could bring you this first-hand report.
