Same size, same design, can the Genesis G80 2021 compete with the Audi A7 Sportback?

At the present time, to choose a perfect opponent for the 2021 Genesis G80, most likely the answer will be the Audi A7 Sportback. With the same trendy fastback design and similar overall size, which car is more worth buying?

First of all, although the two car models have similar characteristics, in reality, the Audi A7 is not a direct competitor to the Genesis G80 because of the difference in price. In the US market, the completely new generation of Genesis G80 is being sold for less than 50,000 USD (1.18 billion VND), higher than the 42,500 USD (more than 1 billion VND) of the old version but still “lightest” in the segment. Meanwhile, the selling price of the A7 Sportback starts from 69,000 USD (1.63 billion VND). On the other hand, the direct competitor to the G80 from the German car company is the A6, with a selling price from 54,900 USD (nearly 1.3 billion VND).

However, as mentioned, the G80 and A7 become two suitable car models to put on the scale thanks to their overall size and unique design. Genesis G80 2021 is also the model with the most “expanded” size in the executive sedan segment.

Distinctive style

First, the completely new 2021 generation of Genesis G80 is designed in a sporty fastback style – something that more or less wows Audi designers. However, Genesis still applies the traditional trunk opening style (like regular 4-door sedans) on the G80 – also a less practical detail than rival Audi.

But despite possessing some exterior similarities, the two models still show differences in design language. While the G80 is said to follow the elegant direction of Bentleys, the A7 representative still adheres to the style of a technology car or even Iron Man Tony Stark’s sedan.

In terms of size, not only is it larger than competitors such as the A6, 5-series or E-Class, the Genesis G80 2021 even has better overall measurements than the A7 Sportback.

Dimensions Length x Width x Height (unit: mm)

– Genesis G80: 4995 x 1925 x 1465
– Audi A7: 4969 x 1908 x 1422

Furthermore, the wheelbase length of the G80 is slightly higher than the figure on the A7, at 3010 mm and 2926 mm respectively. Even the length of the two wheel axles on the Genesis sedan is about 10 mm longer than the wheelbase of the standard version of the Audi A8 (the Audi A8 also has a LWB long wheelbase variant).

This seems to mean that the Genesis G80 will have a more comfortable seating position, ceiling space and legroom compared to sedans in its price range. However, everything needs to be tested in practice.

Interior compartment

Overall, both cabins exude modern beauty. While the Audi A7 is a technological “sky”, the G80’s cockpit still exudes the same elegant and neat beauty as the exterior. Besides, the air conditioning display cluster on the Genesis is much smaller than the Audi screen. The speedometer cluster on the Korean sedan is also less refined than Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, despite having the same 12.3-inch size. In contrast, the infotainment screen on the G80 2021 is slightly larger at 14.5 inches, instead of 10.1 inches like on the Audi.

In addition, on the Genesis G80 there is a modern rotary knob-shaped gear lever, HUD screen, interior ambient lighting, upgraded Highway Driving Assist II system, new adaptive cruise control system, integrating self-upgrading technology.

The Audi A7 meanwhile is equipped with LED headlights, 8-way electric seats with integrated heating function, and two central screen clusters with sizes of 8.8-inch and 8.6-inch respectively. Audi customers can also purchase additional color options on the HUD screen and interior ambient lighting system

Regarding safety equipment, Audi equips its sedan with the Pre-Sense City package with the ability to detect vehicles/obstacles and automatically activate the brakes when necessary.

However, if you put on the scale the ability to bring value within the selling price range, the Genesis G80 will probably be the optimal choice because German car manufacturers always know how to “hook the wallet” of customers thanks to additional options and equipment.

What about performance?

In the US market, Audi distributes the A7 Sportback with only the V6 TFSI 3.0 liter Turbo engine version, producing 335 horsepower and 500 Nm. Along with the 7-speed S-tronic transmission and Quattro 4-wheel drive system, the car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 96 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. In addition, the high-performance version Audi S7 (with selling price from 83,900 USD ~ 1.98 billion VND) is equipped with a 2.9 liter V6 TFSI biturbo engine with a total power of 444 horsepower and 600 Nm, allowing you to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

On the other side of the front line, Genesis G80 is equipped with a 3.5 liter V6 Turbo engine with 375 horsepower and 530 Nm. The standard version of the sedan meanwhile has a 2.5 liter Turbo 4-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 421 Nm of pulling power. Customers with Genesis can choose rear-wheel drive or two-wheel drive.

In European markets, the Korean automaker also offers a diesel version of the G80 2021 with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 207 horsepower and 441 Nm. This is considered a worthy competitor to the A7 Sportback 40 TDI version, using a diesel engine in Europe, with a capacity of 201 horsepower and 400 Nm.

Flexibility

In addition to performance parameters, appearance or comfort, this is also a factor worth considering.

Regarding this criterion, the G80 will have some difficulty confronting an agile Audi A7 in curves, especially when equipped with a sports suspension system with a chassis height lowered by 20 mm. However, the feeling of excitement behind the wheel promises to not be too luxurious for a Genesis G80 using rear-wheel drive.

Kieu Hoang (Tuoitrethudo)

According to Carscoops