[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Hyundai Motor Company's premium brand Genesis has launched the G80 full-change model for the first time in 7 years, challenging the premium sedan market. In the global market, the G80 will compete with formidable rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.
On the 30th, Genesis first released the 3rd generation completely redesigned G80 model, 'The All-new G80,' in the domestic market. The new G80 launch event was simultaneously broadcast live worldwide via online streaming platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
Returning as a full-change model after 7 years, the G80 is Genesis's flagship model and a premium mid-size sedan. Industry experts cite premium mid-size sedans from German and Japanese brands such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Lexus ES as competitors in the same class.
For example, comparing the domestic best-selling imported car E300 with the new G80 clearly reveals the product characteristics of the G80. The G80's wheelbase is about 70mm longer than that of the E300. The G80's wheelbase measures 3010mm, while the E300's is 2940mm. Generally, a longer wheelbase results in a more spacious interior.
Although the engine displacement is not the same class, the G80 is equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline turbo engine delivering a maximum output of 304 horsepower and a peak torque of 43 kgf·m, whereas the E300 has a smaller 2.0-liter single turbo gasoline engine producing 245 hp and 37.7 kgf·m of torque. Fuel efficiency for the G80 with the 2.5-liter turbo gasoline engine is 10.8 km/ℓ, while the E300 with the 2.0-liter single turbo engine achieves 11.0 km/ℓ. The price starts at 52.47 million KRW for the G80 and 76.60 million KRW for the E300.
With the completely redesigned G80 model unveiled after 7 years, Genesis is expected to engage in direct competition with premium German and Japanese automobile brands not only in the domestic market but also globally. Following its entry into the Australian market last year, Genesis plans to expand into China and Europe and strengthen its lineup by adding an SUV one class below the GV80 and electric vehicle models by 2021. This year, Genesis has set a global sales target of 116,000 units, marking the first time the brand aims to exceed 100,000 units since its launch.
The G80 features an elegant and dynamic exterior design and a spacious, balanced interior emphasizing the beauty of empty space. Additionally, the body is 125 kg lighter than the 2nd generation, and it offers three engine options: gasoline 2.5 turbo, gasoline 3.5 turbo, and diesel 2.2, delivering dynamic and quiet power performance.
The gasoline 2.5 turbo model produces a maximum output of 304 horsepower (PS) and peak torque of 43.0 kgf·m, while the gasoline 3.5 turbo model delivers a maximum output of 380 horsepower (PS) and peak torque of 54.0 kgf·m, achieving top-level performance in its class. The diesel 2.2 model offers a maximum output of 210 horsepower (PS), peak torque of 45.0 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 14.6 km/ℓ (based on 18-inch tires), ensuring balanced performance.
Moreover, the G80 is equipped with advanced active safety-based autonomous driving technologies and safety features that assess dangerous situations the driver may not recognize and control the vehicle, protecting passengers comprehensively from the moment they enter until they exit the car. The intelligent technologies applied include ▲Highway Driving Assist II ▲Smart Cruise Control linked to driving style ▲Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control ▲Pre-active Safety Seat ▲Multi-collision Prevention Automatic Braking System, among others.
Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) not only assists highway driving but also supports lane changes and responds to vehicles cutting in at close range in traffic jams at speeds below 20 km/h, helping drivers drive conveniently in various situations. Notably, Genesis has applied the Pre-active Safety Seat for the first time in Korea in the G80. The Pre-active Safety Seat adjusts the front passenger seatback forward to a safe posture to protect the occupant in the event of a frontal collision, sudden braking, or anticipated turning.
Additionally, the G80 is equipped with a variety of evolved convenience features from Genesis, providing a high level of convenience to the driver. The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) supports remote forward and backward parking in tight spaces and also offers perpendicular and parallel parking functions, reducing the driver's parking burden. The 14.5-inch infotainment system, enhanced for convenience through integration with the Genesis Integrated Controller, supports augmented reality navigation, Genesis Quick Guide, Genesis CarPay, and valet mode.
The domestic sales prices for the new G80 start at 52.47 million KRW for the gasoline 2.5 turbo, 59.07 million KRW for the gasoline 3.5 turbo, and 54.97 million KRW for the diesel 2.2 model.
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