Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury brand is kicking off sales in the U.S. next month, when the mid-size G80 sedan hits dealerships. Of course, the 2017 Genesis G80 is really just a Hyundai Genesis without the Hyundai “H” badges, but Genesis is surely hoping that customers won’t notice that they’re getting essentially the same car for a starting price of $42,350?$2650 more than when it was a Hyundai. Luckily, that higher price does include plenty of newly standard equipment that previously was optional.
The bulk of this newly standard equipment falls under the active-safety umbrella, as the base G80 comes with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. All these systems were optional on the outgoing Hyundai but required adding pricey option packages that drove the price up to $47,100. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability also are new additions to the standard equipment list.
Otherwise, the G80 continues to offer the same two powertrains as before, with a 311-hp 3.8-liter V-6 as standard and a 420-hp 5.0-liter V-8 available as an option. All-wheel drive is $2500 extra for 3.8L models, while 5.0L V-8 models are rear-wheel-drive only.
Genesis has rejiggered option packages a bit, with the G80 3.8 offering a $4750 Premium package (which includes a panoramic sunroof, a Lexicon surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade) and a $4200 Ultimate packa...