Cars with Jan Coomans. Genesis G80 launched online

The new G80 sits on a new platform which is 125 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and with a lower center of gravity to boot, thanks to copious use of alumimium. Safety functions featured as standard to all models include motorway driving assist, intelligent cruise control, collision avoidance assist, blind spot monitor and pre-active safety seats which automatically pull the passengers’ seat back forwards in the event of an accident.

There’s plenty of user-friendly technology, too. Alongside remote parking, smartphone connectivity and handwriting recognition, the G80 offers ambient interior lighting, a pair of rear-mounted infotainment touchscreens, automated air filtering technology as well as 18-way power adjustable active front seats with posture correction, ventilated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof and an 18-speaker Lexicon premium surround sound system. There’s even more room for your legs and your head relative to the previous model. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

For engine choices, there’s a 2.5 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder which is good for 300 horsepower or the more powerful — and sonorous — 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V6. The latter will provide your right foot with 380 horsepower and 530 Nm of torque which is sent through the wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system. In this era of downsizing, it’s nice to see the largest engine option actually getting bigger! There’s no acceleration figures just yet, but with ample power and the reduced weight it shouldn’t leave us wanting more. Hopefully the days where we can road test cars will return sooner rather than later so I can get a proper feel for the G80 in the real world. Until then, the internet will have to do.