Starting with 2017, once Hyundai’s subdivision of rear-wheel-drive sedans and coupes, Genesis has emerged as its own luxury brand.
The first Genesis was based on the already known Hyundai Equus, renamed G90 and unveiled in 2017.

The new G80 released in 2017 was a mid-size luxury sedan that competed with the Audi A6 and the BMW 5-Series.

Aesthetically, some design cues were carried over from the bigger brother G90 such as the front grille and the LED fog lamps. However, the front end was rather different with the chrome insert that created a “C” shape around the fog lamp. The headlamps weren’t as long and featured a 90-degree bend on the outside.

Adding to the front end’s aggressiveness, the hood featured defining lines towards the outside edges. The sculpted profile featured a distinct body line that ran from the outside point of the headlamps to the sedan’s rear.

Inside, the luxury and elegant feel was given by the wood inserts with matte finishes and the premium materials used throughout the cabin. At this point, nobody could accuse Genesis they lied when they said they were going for the quality found in a Mercedes, a BMW, or probably a Cadillac.

The G80 came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 9.2-inch display was optional and came with a 64GB SSD for onboard media storage.

With an unusually long wheelbase for its class, the G80 had a roomy cabin, offering great legroom and headroom for all occupants.