A few days ago, I took the first long-distance train trip and boarded the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from Burbank to San Luis Obispo, California. I have taken the light rail train before and expect a similar experience-efficient, but cramped and tiring. Pacific Surfliner has other plans, namely to enjoy the magnificent and relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean from my spacious window seat, and I still arrive on time.
What adds to the appeal of hiking is waiting for my car at the San Luis Obispo train station. The new 2022 Genesis G80 Sport will be a suitable follow-up to choo-choo, offering all the comfort and balance we expect from Motor1.com's best luxury car star award contenders. However, due to some key differences between it and other members of the mid-size car family, this Genny may also be a good imitation of the South Korean KTX high-speed train. Traveling on the Surfliner refreshed me. I have hundreds of miles of winding roads to understand whether the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport is as handling as on a track.
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When the second-generation Genesis G80 came out in the 2021 model year, its interior quality and overall refinement were greatly improved compared with the previous generation. However, the popular sports model is clearly absent. This has changed in 2022. Now, every V6 powered G80 will be Sport or Sport Prestige decoration. By the way, rear-wheel drive has also been removed from the 3.5T lineup and now only applies to all-wheel drive. In other words, despite the more aggressive styling tips and progressive mechanical adjustments, the 2022 G80 Sport is no more dynamic than similar models in 2021.
The entry-level G80 Sport interior is the mechanical dead end of the 2021 G80 3.5T AWD, with the same four-piston integral front brake calipers, suspension adjustments and all-season tires as its non-sports predecessor. However, the redesigned G80 has received unique front and rear bumpers, sportier shapes and functional air curtains, and the redesigned 19-inch wheels look more aggressive than the luxurious 2021 models. The dark chrome on the grille, badges and window frames also provide a more modern look. Inside, the front and rear seats of the G80 Sport use aluminum dashboard appliques and unique V-shaped quilting.
If you want actual performance improvements relative to the 2021 G80, then you will need a Sport Prestige like the one I drove in the city. With the same external modifications as the basic Sport, Prestige adds slightly harder adjustments to the adaptive suspension and rear wheel steering to improve steering. The unique Sport Plus driving mode can provide more sensitive throttle response, more aggressive automatic shifting and reduced stability control intervention. Nappa leather upholstery, parquet woven carbon fiber trim and unique 20-inch wheels complete the overall look.
Sport Prestige also offers Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, which are part of a package that costs only $500. To counteract the expected (and acceptable) increase in noise from the less aggressive all-season rubber, the kit also includes "Active Noise Control-Road", which eliminates some of the slaps and growls that usually accompany higher levels of grip . Unfortunately, the G80 I drove uses standard all-season tires, although I doubt that summer is worthwhile for many people.
Although Genesis claims that the G80 Sport Prestige is a dynamic improvement to the 2021 3.5T, it is cheap to talk about. Eager to test the automaker’s hypothesis, I set the vehicle in comfort mode and set off on some undulating, broken sidewalks on the typical central coast of California. Like last year's G80, because the road preview camera transmits potential road defects to the suspension control device, the suspension can absorb almost all road defects. In other words, body movement is more like a ship than a bullet train, and it will weaken some driving confidence when pressed hard.
Click the drive mode button to activate the motion settings, and G80 starts to live up to its name. Compared with other G80, the harder damper is immediately apparent, without a comfortable floating feeling, while still maintaining a reasonable level of tranquility. The eight-speed gearbox has also become more sensitive. When the gearbox drops from fifth gear to second gear, this makes the dive bombing very interesting, and the clever shift logic keeps that gear until it needs to exit the corner.
Body movements are more like a boat than a bullet train, and some driving confidence will be weakened when pressed hard.
The rear axle steering is another boon for fast driving. The front wheels turned out of phase at less than 37 miles per hour, and the rear wheels clearly helped the G80 to pass sharp turns confidently. Above this speed, as you might encounter on a wide sweeper, the rear wheels point in the same direction as the front wheels, which reduces the sharpness of cornering, but improves stability and confidence. In this case, my only complaint is $500-standard all-season tires give up before you challenge the limit.
The difference between Comfort and Sport enhances driving pleasure, so Sport Plus should make the G80 feel very dizzy, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case, at least on the geologically modified roads near Paso Robles and Atascadero. Riding on bad sidewalks becomes fragile and the edge bones tremble, and there will be a lot of head shaking and butt bumps when reaching the top of the mountain. Although I like aggressive shifting strategies, Sport Plus may be a bit too much for public roads-its red line is almost always fixed, and the G80 screams like a banshee, without any noticeable performance in the real world. Improve.
Manufacturer's suggested retail price* for new Genesis purchases can save more than $3,400 on average
After about 30 minutes of the Sport Plus attack, I dialed the G80 back to the Goldilocks setting, reduced my speed to about seven out of ten, and found a lot to appreciate. The steering is numb but the weight is good, and running the G80 Sport in a series of corners is a pleasant and fun experience. The brakes are well-suited to the mission of the car, with a little bit of bite at the top of the firm pedal stroke, instilling confidence without resorting to inaccuracy in the grip. Adjustable cushions in the seat back can hold the driver in place, compensating for the bulging-albeit comfortable-shape of the seat bottom.
When the route becomes scenic instead of manic, the 2022 G80 Sport is very happy to be able to restore its old life as an elegant and elegant travel machine. On the highway in comfort mode, the comfortable suspension and quiet interior complement the rigid chassis, making the Genesis ride experience no different from the highway-tuned Lincoln Town Car. The G80 Sport also continues to amaze the occupants with the impressive interior quality-the herringbone seats are a bit more visually, but they are as pampered and pampered as before, almost every interior surface is coated with a rich feel Nappa leather, soft vinyl and soft-touch plastic.
After enabling the highway driving assistance system II, it is easier to appreciate the interior of the G80. The second-generation version of the car manufacturer’s advanced driver assistance system HDA II provides adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention and automatic emergency braking, but the G80 is more than just lane centering. If other drivers invade, the G80 can slightly deviate from its center. The lane line keeps the car at a comfortable distance from the surrounding traffic. Assisted lane changes are another new development, although they are not as foolproof as BMW or Mercedes-Benz-sometimes they refuse to activate for unknown reasons.
We have praised the Genesis series of infotainment systems before, and there will not be much change in 2022. Sport Prestige is equipped with the same 14.5-inch touch screen central display and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel as in 2021. The redundant rotary controller reduces the long time to the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the strange thing is that both require a wired connection in this application-we are still not sure why Genesis and other modern products refuse to provide wireless integration on their flagship infotainment system.
My only other complaint about the Sport Prestige cabin is that the texture of the carbon fiber trim is not aligned between the panels. For example, if the cup holder lid is closed, the retro and modern parquet floor pattern hardly matches the rest of the center console. This is a small sophistry, but given Genesis’s impressive attention to detail, the inconsistency is disappointing.
Since the entry-level 2022 G80 3.5T Sport AWD is mainly a style update relative to the upcoming G80 3.5T AWD, we are very happy that its price is not high. The price of the new sedan is US$64,495, including a destination fee of US$1,045, which is only US$700 more expensive than similar models in 2021, which may be worthwhile for the sleek new appearance. The 2022 Sport Prestige is slightly more expensive, at US$70,795, which is US$1,600 higher than the 2021 Prestige. Genesis has proven that this figure is reasonable through the proper handling balance of rear-wheel steering and sports suspension tuning.
My test car was painted with a coat of Tasman blue paint worth $500, nothing else (the amazing Cavendish red on our photo subject was the same price), and the total cost was $71,295. If I spend my money, I might add a $500 summer tire package, but then again, I will also be attracted by the basic Sport and its smaller wheels and more uniform aluminum interior. Genesis G80 is one of the happiest long-distance cruisers on the market, so choosing the basic Sport 3.5T model may be the move here. The performance improvement of Sport Prestige is so small that I cannot accept the increased cost.
Regardless of the situation, Genesis still provides a compelling reason for itself among its main competitors. The 2022 BMW 540i xDrive starts at US$63,245, but can be equipped with metallic paint, nappa leather, and enough driver assistance to match Genesis’s standard road driving assistance system II, bringing the price to US$72,435-and it is equipped with 19-inch wheels and 40 horse hoods. The situation in Stuttgart is even worse. A Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic starts at $63,800, but the addition of driver assistance, 19-inch wheels, and leather seats means it must be at least 75 before you drive away.
Coupled with the solemn and large car styling of the G80, it is easy to understand why it is one of our favorite luxury cars forever. Although the sports package changes in 2022 did not fundamentally change the way the mid-sized four-door drive is used, it is not a bad thing. It is more dynamic and visually sharper, but the Genesis G80 Sport is still a gorgeous, steady sedan as always. Make sure someone is waiting for you at the train station; you won't regret it.
How powerful is the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport?
The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a power of 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet.
How fast is the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport?
The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds. Sport Prestige trims have stronger suspension adjustments and a new rear axle steering system to improve handling on curved roads.
Is the Genesis G80 Sport worth the money?
Yes. There are many standard features, such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and panoramic sunroof. In addition, the excellent highway driving assistance II function is standard, with automatic emergency braking, active lane change assistance, adaptive cruise control, and advanced lane centering technology that can compensate other drivers.
Will Genesis produce non-Sport G80 3.5T?
No, by 2022, every 3.5T will be a Sport or Sport Prestige, with more aggressive exterior styling, aluminum or carbon fiber interior trim, and V-shaped quilted leather. Sport Prestige also includes some real performance upgrades, including optional summer tires.
2022 Genesis G80 Sport Prestige 3.5T AWD
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