2021 Genesis G80 3.5T is one heck of a luxury car

When Genesis first split off from Hyundai, I came to love its offerings as premium cars that did a great job of taking Hyundai's mass-market offerings and adapting them for a fancier audience. 

Now, Genesis is hell-bent on turning itself into a proper luxury brand meant to compete with the German stalwarts, and the G80 is the first example of New Genesis that is fully capable of going toe to toe with the Teutonics.

I wouldn't blame you for assuming this is one expensive car, but it really isn't.

The 2021 G80 starts at $48,725 including destination, stretching to a still-sensible $68,675 for my range-topping 3.5T AWD Prestige trim.

The midsize executive luxury sedan segment is filled to the brim with celebrities. 

Half a decade ago, you might think me crazy for saying the G80 (née Hyundai Genesis) could mount a proper offensive against stalwarts such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class

But 2020 is a year of surprises, and the 2021 Genesis G80 provides a full luxury experience that instantly launches it into the thick of a competitive set.

Whether buyers will be willing to give up the cachet that comes with, say, a three-pointed star on the hood remains to be seen, but if someone doesn't at least put the Genesis up for consideration against these rivals, they'd be doing themselves a great disservice.

I mean, holy cow, what a car.

Keep scrolling or clicking to check out even more pictures of the 2021 Genesis G80.