Every now and again you drive a new model that blows your socks off and the new Genesis G80 sedan did just that – there’s two models, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo rear-wheel-drive at $84,900, and the car I tested, the 3.5-litre V6 all-wheel-drive at $99,900, both models in 8-speed automatic. The top line G80 V6 also features electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive, in the rain last week it felt just so assured while the electronic suspension, with local tuning, equally impressive. As I said, most buyers at this level are welded on to the German brands, as they purvey more than luxury with their badge cred a symbol of success. This upper luxury effort from Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis is simply amazing. Reinforced by the recent J,D.Power U.S.

Dependability Survey naming the G80 its best midsize Premium Car – ranking products by problems per one hundred vehicles and the Genesis G80 featured the lowest level of problems. From the moment you step into this Korean luxury sedan you are captivated by its finishes and quality. As a driver very re-assuring, quiet, beautifully insulated and it’s obvious that an enormous effort was placed on its development. Like Lexus, it will take some time for Genesis to gain sales momentum but early adopters of the brand will not be disappointed with its level of support and after sales care.

I’m David Berthon

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