How the 2018 Genesis G80 Premium Package Elevates Luxury, Comfort & Tech Features and Real‑World Review Inside the Cabin and Performance You Should Know
When Genesis rolled out the 2018 G80, it wasn’t just another mid‑size sedan; it was a statement of intent. The Premium Package, tucked beneath the badge, adds a suite of touches that push the car from respectable to downright indulgent. Below, I’ll walk through the most noticeable upgrades, how they feel in everyday driving, and whether the extra cost really pays off.
What’s Included in the Premium Package?
The package bundles both visual and functional upgrades. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 19‑inch alloy wheels with a satin‑finish design
- Adaptive LED headlights with auto‑high beam
- Heated and ventilated front seats with memory function
- Dual‑zone automatic climate control (adds a third zone in some markets)
- Leather‑trimmed interior with contrast stitching
- Wood‑grain dash garnish and door panels
- Upgraded 12‑speaker sound system with rear‑track amplification
- 20‑inch ambient lighting, customizable via the infotainment screen
- Smart key with push‑button start and proximity‑based trunk release
- Advanced driver‑assist suite (forward‑collision warning, lane‑keep assist, blind‑spot monitoring)
First Impressions: The Look and Feel
Even before you slide into the driver’s seat, the G80’s stance feels more purposeful. The larger wheels fill the wheel arches nicely, giving the car a planted look without sacrificing ride comfort. The adaptive LED headlamps carve a clean slice of light through rain or fog, and the illuminated badge adds a subtle “premium” glow at night.
Inside, the cabin strikes a balance between understated elegance and modern tech. The wood‑grain trim is not overly glossy; it feels warm, and the contrast stitching on the leather seats offers a dash of sportiness. The ambient lighting, though optional, is surprisingly versatile—choose from calm blues for night drives or a warm amber for a relaxed weekend outing.
Seat Comfort: Heated, Ventilated, and Memory
Front occupants get the full spa treatment. The heated seats warm up quickly, a pleasant surprise on chilly mornings. The ventilated function is equally effective, delivering a gentle breeze that feels refreshing on summer’s hottest days. The memory button remembers two driver positions, which is handy if you share the car with a partner.
Tech That Actually Helps
The infotainment system, a 10.3‑inch touchscreen, runs on Genesis’ UI, which is clean but occasionally lags when switching between navigation and media. Still, the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works without a hitch, and the premium sound system fills the cabin with clarity—bass is present without being overpowering.
Driver‑assist features operate in the background, nudging you back into the lane or flashing a warning if you drift too close to the car ahead. The blind‑spot monitoring uses subtle icons on the side mirrors, avoiding the intrusive beeping some rivals employ.
Performance and Ride Quality
Under the hood, the Premium Package doesn’t alter the powertrain; the 2018 G80 comes with a 3.8‑liter V6 (311 hp) or an optional 5.0‑liter V8 (460 hp). What the package does change is how that power translates to the road.
The larger wheels and stiffer suspension tuning give the car a slightly firmer feel, but the adaptive dampers smooth out most bumps. On highway cruising, the cabin remains whisper‑quiet, thanks to extra sound‑deadening material tucked into the floor pan—something you’ll notice when you’ve just turned off the radio.
Acceleration isn’t blisteringly fast, but the V6 shoves the G80 from 0‑60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, which feels confident for a sedan of this size. The V8 version shaves off a half‑second, delivering a more expressive exhaust note that’s surprisingly refined for a performance engine.
Practical Considerations
Adding the Premium Package bumps the price by roughly $5,000–$7,000 depending on market taxes. For many buyers, the biggest value‑add is the interior upgrades—especially the heated/ventilated seats and wood trim. If you’re after raw performance, the package doesn’t contribute much beyond the larger wheels.
Fuel economy stays in line with the base model: around 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the V6. The V8 sips a bit more, hitting the mid‑teens on the city cycle. Cargo space remains generous, with 16.5 cubic feet in the trunk, easily accommodating a weekend’s worth of luggage.
Who Will Appreciate This Package?
If you spend a lot of time commuting or enjoy long trips where comfort matters, the Premium Package feels like a worthwhile investment. Business professionals who value a quiet, well‑appointed interior will notice the difference immediately.
Conversely, a driver who prioritizes outright sportiness or wants to keep the purchase price low might skip the package and opt for the base trim, then add aftermarket accessories later.
Final Takeaway
The 2018 Genesis G80 Premium Package is less about adding outright performance and more about polishing the overall ownership experience. From the refined wooden accents to the climate‑controlled, memory‑laden seats, every upgrade feels intentional. While the price hike isn’t negligible, the comfort and tech enhancements justify the expense for anyone who spends a significant amount of time behind the wheel.
