Genesis G80 2021: turbodiesel engine added to growing lineup

Smooth-running diesel engines have traditionally held a significant proportion of the large luxury sedan market and newcomer Genesis is not about to be left out.

Genesis has added a 2.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine to the G80 large sedan‘s local lineup that will be offered alongside the existing two petrol engine options.

The G80 fitted with the 2.2L diesel features identical equipment levels to the entry-level 2.5L turbocharged petrol option and, like that drivetrain, sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic.

Genesis G80 2021 front driving — Genesis has added a 2.2L diesel to the G80’s engine lineup

Priced at $87,900 (before on-roads), the diesel is $3,000 more expensive than the 2.5T and provides slightly more torquey outputs at 154kW/442Nm compared to the petrol at 224 kW/422 Nm.

However, the real difference will be seen at the petrol pump with the oil burner chewing through 6.6L/100km compared to in the four-cylinder petrol that needs 8.6L/100km of 95 octane-rated premium fuel.

Of course, the range-topping engine remains the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 petrol that sends a whopping 279kW/530Nm to all four wheels – but you’ll chew through a bit more petrol with a claimed rating of 10.7 L/100km.

Those who want both the power and the efficiency will have to wait until early next year when Genesis plans to bring the fully electric G80 Electrified to Australia.

Genesis G80 2.2 D rear 2021 — The turbodiesel features a unique rear bumper with a cleaner appearance and hidden exhaust pipes

Aside from what’s under the bonnet the only noticeable difference is the exclusive rear bumper that features hidden exhausts and chrome accents.

The G80 is the second Genesis to receive the 2.2L diesel engine in the Australian range following the launch of the GV80 large SUV last year, with the GV70 midsize SUV also set to adopt the powertrain when it arrives in July.

With a diesel engine in its lineup the G80 can be squared up against rivals such as the BMW 530d which has a lot more torque at 195kW/620Nm but comes with a larger $125,900 (before on-roads) price tag.

But while diesel engines were previously available for a significant portion of the luxury sedan segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 no longer have an option in sedan guise (in Australia) making the G80 somewhat unique in its segment.

The G80 has a health list of standard features with Nappa leather available in the $13,000 option pack

As with the entry-level petrol option, the diesel-powered G80 comes standard with features such as Genesis’ split LED headlights and taillights, panoramic roof, 12-way power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats with lumbar adjustment.

An extensive list of safety features is also included with Genesis’ clever in-dash blind spot viewing system, a 360-degree camera, AEB with the ability to detect pedestrians and cyclists and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance just to name a few.

Of course, buyers can bulk up this specification list with the additional $13,000 Luxury Package that includes 18-way adjustable seating for the driver, quilted Nappa leather appointed interior trim, three-zone climate control and additional safety features.