2025 G80 Prestige 3.5T AWD compared to 2021
In April I bought my 5th Genesis {2010, 2013, 2016, 2021, 2025}. The model (above) was the same as my 2021, which had about 12,000 miles on it. I trade to get the new features. I will share some of my impressions of the 2025 in comparison to the 2021.
Improvements
Nice
New
Not so great
Not really needed
Overall
Despite the things I listed that are annoying, I love the car. I would buy it again and I think it is the best of the 5 Genesis I have owned. I have reported only differences. The 2021 was an amazing car and most of its features carry over to the 2025. FWIW, I expected the Prestige to roll out by December, but it didn't show up until late March. While I was waiting, I tried a GV80 and quickly concluded that I am a sedan guy. I didn't feel the luxury in the GV. The G80 feels like luxury from the moment it starts. It is fun to drive it, even for a few minutes.
In April I bought my 5th Genesis {2010, 2013, 2016, 2021, 2025}. The model (above) was the same as my 2021, which had about 12,000 miles on it. I trade to get the new features. I will share some of my impressions of the 2025 in comparison to the 2021.
Improvements
- Now, the rear doors can open and lock, the same as the front doors.
- The steering feel, ride, and noise level are surprisingly better than the 2021. The steering wheel is larger in diameter (as you grip it), giving it a different feel that I like.
- The graphics are enhanced, making the 27" screen like a slick sales ad.
- The selector disk from 2025 has been replaced with a knob, that I like better.
- Door lock can be deactivated for washing the car (using fob).
- Comfort mode has better acceleration. {There are 2 sport modes. I tried one and it was like punching a hole in the gas tank.}
Nice
- I like the carbon fiber interior material.
- The break and accelerator pedals are now metal with rubber inserts, rather than full rubber.
- The can image for above views, etc. can now be changed to match the color of the actual car.
- Auto-defog.
- Passenger seat now has easy access and is more adjustable.
- Two settings for intensity for back stretch, butt massage, and steering wheel warmer.
- The heads up display now shows curves, instead of straight lines, when the car detects a curve.
- Heads up display is generally improved, showing some additional information.
New
- The 2025 has a fingerprint reader. I have no use for it, but it is apparently for multiple driver ID.
- There is a touch pad on the steering wheel that can be used to change various infotainment options. {The infotainment controls are now on the right side and were on the left on the 2021.}
- There are 3-D map perspective options.
- The USB connections are now Type C.
- Connected services are included for the original owner without charges starting after 3 years.
- B & O sound system - sounds about the same as the Lexicon to me.
Not so great
- The worst "change" is the key fob. I have to put my glasses on to find the edge buttons and it has to be rotated 180 degrees to start and back out of a parking place. The buttons are not only difficult to see, they are hard for me to press. Besides that, there is no emergency key inside the fob. You have to carry the emergency key separately.
- I expected the 27" screen to be wonderful, but it isn't. The 2021 screen and separate cluster was easier to use, gave a better image, was 3-D, and glare free. The 2025 reflects into the windshield in low light conditions and is washed out by glare in bright conditions (depending on sun position). I think this was a seriously bad engineering job (just like the fob).
- The single display seemed like a good idea until I used it. The area where the old (2021) screen was separated from the cluster now can light up, but your hand and the steering wheel naturally blocks that area, making it wasted space.
- I was looking forward to improved parking maneuverability, due to the steerable rear wheels, but the change is difficult to notice. The wheels are restricted to a 3 degree turn angle. I don't drive much at highway speed, but have not noticed any change there either.
- The spare tire is still included (I like that), but now the jack is above the trunk floor and is in the way, seriously limiting my ability to carry things I typically put in the trunk.
- The owner's manual was apparently not intended to be used. It has illustrations that are almost entirely black, small, and cannot be read, even with a magnifying glass. Simple drawings would have been better.
- Although it is not surprising, the gas consumption on the 3.5T is as bad or worse than it was on the 2021.
- Favorites for radio and Sirius don't show up for me. The whole concept seems to be degraded. {This may simply be my problem. I can't find a solution, even using the manual.}
- When in highway-centering mode, the icons are now boxes. The 2021 used car shaped icons of the neighboring traffic.
Not really needed
- I haven't tested the elbow warmer (it's summer).
- I doubt that I will use the handwriting feature--didn't use it on the 2021 either.
Overall
Despite the things I listed that are annoying, I love the car. I would buy it again and I think it is the best of the 5 Genesis I have owned. I have reported only differences. The 2021 was an amazing car and most of its features carry over to the 2025. FWIW, I expected the Prestige to roll out by December, but it didn't show up until late March. While I was waiting, I tried a GV80 and quickly concluded that I am a sedan guy. I didn't feel the luxury in the GV. The G80 feels like luxury from the moment it starts. It is fun to drive it, even for a few minutes.
