Genesis G80 History
Genesis's mid-size luxury flagship — the G80 evolved from the Hyundai Genesis sedan into a fully realized luxury car across two distinctive generations.
Photo: “18 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
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The G80 traces its roots to the Hyundai Genesis sedan, which was rebranded as the Genesis G80 when the marque became independent. The first-generation G80 (2017–2020) launched in the US at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, offering V6 and V8 powertrains and rear- or all-wheel drive in a roomy, luxuriously appointed package that competed with the BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-Class at a value price.
A complete redesign for 2021 (the RG3 generation) elevated the G80 decisively. The second-generation car featured a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines (300 hp and 375 hp respectively), dramatic 'Crest Grille' styling, and a genuinely premium cabin — winning praise from reviewers who placed it among the best in class. Genesis also offered an all-electric Electrified G80 alongside the standard car starting with the 2023 model year, though that variant was not brought to the US after 2024.
Generations
First generation · First generation (rebranded from Hyundai Genesis)
Photo: “18 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
The inaugural Genesis-badged G80 — a rebranded, refined Hyundai Genesis sedan with V6/V8 powertrains (US 2017–2020).
2017 Photo: “2017genesisg80golden01” by Snowfalcon cu / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2018 Photo: “18 Genesis G80 5.0 Ultimate” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2020 Photo: “20 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (RG3) · RG3
Photo: “23 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport (1)” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
A ground-up redesign with dramatic styling, turbocharged engines, and a markedly elevated luxury cabin (US from 2021).
2021 Photo: “2021 Genesis G80 2.5T AWD in Uyuni White, front right” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2022 Photo: “22 Genesis G80 2.5T” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2023 Photo: “23 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport (1)” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2025 Photo: “25 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige” by HJUdall / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- Sedan
Notable special editions & performance variants
Electrified G80
A fully battery-electric version of the second-generation G80 with 282-mile EPA range and 800-volt fast charging; sold in limited US markets for 2023–2024.
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