Genesis has emerged over the past few years as a formidable player in the luxury car space, redefining what buyers can expect from a premium sedan. The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Sport doesn’t just continue that trend—it refines it. Combining high-end luxury, legitimate performance credentials, and head-turning design, this midsize luxury sedan offers a real alternative to the entrenched German competition.
With subtle enhancements for 2025, Genesis keeps the G80 fresh, particularly in its 3.5T Sport trim, which is the most dynamically focused version of the model. The result? A car that offers sophistication with a pulse—precise, poised, and distinctively Korean in its design and philosophy.
Exterior: Elegance with an Edge
The Genesis G80 has always been a stunner, and the 2025 3.5T AWD Sport takes its already elegant design and layers on a more athletic persona. Genesis doesn’t believe in aggressive overstyling—instead, the G80 Sport uses subtle cues to distinguish itself from more conservative trims.
A blacked-out mesh Crest Grille, larger lower air intakes, and a reshaped bumper give the front fascia a more forceful look. Around the side, 20-inch dark-finish alloy wheels, gloss black window trim, and beefier side sills hint at performance without screaming for attention. Around back, quad exhaust finishers and a subtle rear diffuser tie it all together.
The G80’s long hood, coupe-like roofline, and wide stance remain untouched, and that’s a good thing—it’s one of the most visually balanced sedans in the segment. Paint colors like Cavendish Red and Makalu Gray look especially striking against the dark accents of the Sport trim.
Interior: Modern Opulence Meets Driver Focus
Open the door and the G80 3.5T Sport greets you with an environment that’s both soothing and purposeful. The cabin design follows a “Beauty of White Space” philosophy—clean lines, minimal clutter, and an emphasis on horizontal visual flow.
The 3.5T Sport trim adds more driver-oriented elements like a thicker, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats with enhanced bolstering, and available carbon fiber or real aluminum trim accents. Nappa leather upholstery, available in bold two-tone color schemes (like black and Sevilla red), further separates the Sport from more subdued trims.
The seats are sublime—heated and ventilated front and rear, with an available Ergo Motion massage function for the driver. The ride quality, even before the car moves, speaks of a high-end luxury experience.
A 14.5-inch widescreen infotainment display dominates the dash, operated via touchscreen or a rotary dial on the center console. The system is responsive, well-laid out, and finally supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (a long-requested improvement). A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers 3D visual effects and customizable layouts, and a heads-up display keeps eyes on the road.
Performance: Silky and Strong
The heart of the 2025 G80 3.5T AWD Sport is its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Genesis’s H-Trac all-wheel-drive system.
Acceleration is smooth and potent, with a 0–60 mph time around 5.0 seconds. The V6 doesn’t roar—it whispers power. Refinement is key here. Whether you’re pulling away from a stoplight or overtaking on the highway, power delivery is confident and seamless.
What distinguishes the Sport trim, however, is more than just straight-line speed. The rear-wheel steering system, available on the Sport Prestige package, tightens handling and reduces the turning radius at low speeds while enhancing stability during high-speed cornering.
An electronically controlled suspension with road preview uses a front-facing camera to anticipate bumps and adjust damping in real time, giving the G80 a magic carpet ride over broken pavement. When pushed, it tightens up noticeably in Sport and Sport+ modes, making the big sedan feel smaller and more agile.
The steering is direct, though still tuned more for comfort than razor-sharp feedback. Braking is solid, with multi-piston calipers and well-modulated pedal feel.
While not a track car, the G80 Sport balances long-distance cruising comfort with occasional backroad joy, offering a more engaging experience than some of its stiffer German rivals.
Technology: Advanced and Intuitive
Genesis doesn’t skimp on tech in its flagship sedan. Standard features in the 3.5T Sport include:
- 14.5-inch infotainment display with split-screen capability
- 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster
- 21-speaker Lexicon surround-sound audio system
- Wireless device charging and multiple USB-C ports
- Genesis Digital Key 2.0 with smartphone-based entry
- Full-color heads-up display
- Over-the-air updates for select systems
The Lexicon audio system is a standout, delivering clear highs, strong bass, and immersive surround sound. Rear passengers are also treated to available climate controls, power rear sunshades, and heated/ventilated outboard seats, reinforcing the G80’s luxury bona fides.
Safety: Full-Suite Confidence
The G80 3.5T Sport is loaded with safety and driver-assistance features under the Genesis SmartSense banner. Highlights include:
- Highway Driving Assist II (adaptive cruise with lane centering)
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- 360-degree Surround View Monitor with 3D rendering
The semi-autonomous driving features work well, particularly on long highway trips. Lane changes can be initiated with a turn signal when Highway Driving Assist is active, and the car will gently accelerate or brake to maintain distance—all without feeling overbearing.
Genesis continues to score well in safety ratings, and the 2025 model is expected to retain IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Sport is expected to start around $64,000, with well-equipped Prestige models pushing toward $72,000. Compared to a similarly equipped BMW 540i xDrive or Audi A6 55 TFSI, the G80 undercuts on price but overdelivers on content.
Genesis also offers industry-leading perks like a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 3 years of complimentary maintenance, and valet service that includes vehicle pickup and delivery.
This comprehensive ownership experience continues to set Genesis apart in the luxury segment.
Final Verdict: Quiet Confidence, Delivered
The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Sport is an unapologetically sophisticated luxury sedan that dares to challenge the European establishment—not by imitation, but by confidently charting its own path.
It blends strong performance with real-world comfort, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional design. For buyers seeking a luxury sedan that looks and feels special without chasing gimmicks or inflated price tags, the G80 Sport is a compelling and intelligent choice.
Pros
✔ Silky, powerful V6 engine
✔ Balanced ride and handling with real agility
✔ Class-leading design and interior quality
✔ Exceptional value and ownership perks
Cons
✘ Not as sporty as some German rivals on the limit
✘ Limited brand prestige compared to legacy players
✘ Rear headroom slightly tight due to sloping roofline
Verdict: A poised, premium luxury sedan that’s equal parts style, substance, and serenity—Genesis continues to redefine what luxury can be.