Korea’s cut-price rival to the Mercedes-AMG E53 has been detailed for Australia.
The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport has fallen victim to several delays – initially scheduled for a third quarter launch in Australia – but the luxury upstart has confirmed first deliveries will arrive from March 2022.
Despite being revealed as something of a standalone model, the G80 Sport will effectively be offered as a $6000 option package on the top-spec G80 3.5T AWD (from $102,000 plus on-road costs).
G80 3.5T Sport Package highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels in G-Matrix pattern
- Rear-wheel steering
- Active Road Noise Control
- Sport+ drive mode
- Launch control
- Sport exterior styling
- Dark chrome exterior accents
- Dual exhaust finishers
- Available Sevilla Red/Mallorca Blue exterior paints
- Available Sevilla Red Nappa leather upholstery (w/ Luxury Package)
That’s on top of the G80 3.5T AWD’s standard specification, which includes:
- Road Preview Electronic Control Suspension
- 4-piston Monobloc front brake calipers
- 360mm ventilated front brakes
- 345mm ventilated rear brakes
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot 4S tyres (245/40 front, 275/35 rear)
The rear-wheel steering function uses an electric motor to control the steering angle of the rear wheels, which can steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds below 60km/h. At speeds above 60km/h, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels.
Genesis says the new Sport+ mode further increases the responsiveness of the engine and the sensitivity of the steering and throttle, while adjusting the suspension, quickening shifts, and deactivating the traction control.
Beyond the above enhancements, the G80 Sport features model-specific interior appointments, including the Sport three-spoke steering wheel, sports seat quilting and real carbon interior trim.
When combined with the $13,000 Luxury Package, the Nappa leather-appointed interior upgrade brings special V Stitch sports quilting, as shown in the supplied images.
Overseas model shown
The G80 Sport brings no changes to the 3.5T AWD’s powertrain, however, retaining the standard model’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine quoting outputs of 279kW (5800rpm) and 530Nm (1300-4500rpm). Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Genesis claims the G80 3.5T AWD can dash from 0-100 in 5.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
By comparison, the Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic Sedan puts out 320kW (6100rpm) and 520Nm (1800-5800rpm) from its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six with 48V mild-hybrid tech, the latter adding 16kW/250Nm for short bursts just off idle.
While the AMG quotes a quicker 4.5-second sprint to triple figures, it’s also much more expensive – currently priced from $169,486 before on-road costs.
Overseas model shown 
The G80 Sport is joined by the new Sport Line Package for the G80 2.5T RWD, which at $6000 over the base model’s pricing ($86,000) brings most of the G80 Sport’s specification minus rear-wheel steering, the Sport+ drive mode, Active Road Noise Control and launch control.
G80 2.5T models are powered by a 2.5-litre turbo four driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic, with outputs quoted at 224kW (5800rpm) and 422Nm (1650-4000rpm).
Genesis claims the four-cylinder G80 will accelerate from 0-100 in 6.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 240km/h.
The Korean marque forecasts 40 per cent take up of Sport Line and Sport packages for the G80 range.
Overseas model shown
Other changes for the MY22 Genesis G80 line-up include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which uses a windscreen-mounted camera plus navigation data to identify the speed limit, and a second USB charging port in the rear.
The 2.5T drops its controversial “lace doily” 19-inch alloy wheels for a different 19-inch design.
Additionally, the optional Luxury Package ($13,000) now includes a second-row wireless phone charger, which replaces the new, second rear USB outlet and sits in the centre armrest control console. There are also new ‘ergo motion’ seats for the driver and front passenger with three stretching modes.
Four-cylinder G80 variants are available now, with 3.5T versions arriving in March 2022. Genesis Motors Australia is also planning to launch the Electrified G80 EV during the second quarter of 2022.
Overseas model shown
MORE: 2022 Genesis G80 price and specs
MORE: Genesis Electrified G80 coming in 2022
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