Genesis G80 update headed Down Under

GENESIS has confirmed the arrival of its updated G80 flagship for Australia. Due in showrooms towards the middle of 2024, the rival to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class is yet to be priced, the importer saying more details will follow in due course.

Updates to the G80 sedan reflect those applied to the recently updated GV80 SUV, and include refreshed exterior and interior styling, a new Crest grille with double-laced pattern, Micro Lens Array (MLA) adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheel designs, and rear bumper with concealed exhaust outlets.

In the cabin, the split screen design of the outgoing model is now combined into a massive 27.0-inch instrumentation and infotainment array, the OLED screen offering access to music, maps, apps and much more. Brushed aluminium replaces the previous woodgrain garnishing.

Genesis has also adopted touch-style climate controls and a crystal-effect rotary ‘by wire’ gear selector in addition to a new-look three-spoke steering wheel and revised centre console, more in keeping with the brand’s Beauty of White Space interior theme.

The optional G80 Sports package will continue to be made available, adding an alternate grille, larger frontal intakes, aero-styled bumpers, black or silver trim options, and a range of exclusive interior packages to the deal. Inside, these are understood to include a D-shaped steering wheel and the choice or red or black carbon effect garnish options.

Ten paint colours are available for the 2024 Genesis G80 range, including a new Brooklyn Brown hue.

At this time, it is unknown whether the G80 will carryover the driveline options currently available or take on the 3.5-litre electric supercharged V6 turbo-petrol unit now available in the GV80 Coupe. The current line-up features a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in base form ($85,670) and an all-electric AWD variant at the top of the range ($114,670).

According to VFACTS data, the Genesis G80 is the slowest selling vehicle in the brand’s local portfolio, and one of the worst performing in its segment.

The Large passenger over $70K segment is currently dominated by the Porsche Taycan (511 year-to-date sales to the end of November 2023) ahead of the BMW 5 Series (455), Mercedes-Benz EQE-Class (388), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (381), Audi e-tron GT (304) and Audi A6 (236).

The Genesis G80 ranks eighth with just 47 sales.