In a surprising twist to the Indian luxury car market, Hyundai’s top-tier dealerships have started rolling out the Genesis G80, albeit in very limited quantities. The latest buzz comes from a Hyundai dealer in Noida, where a customer has placed a special order for this exclusive model. This move marks a significant milestone for Hyundai India, as it’s potentially the only Genesis G80 cruising on Indian roads, boasting a hefty price tag of around INR 1.5 crores.
This trend of exclusive orders is not confined to Noida alone. Dealerships in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi have also jumped on the bandwagon, receiving a few Genesis cars for delivery. Hyundai’s decision to authorize select dealers to take exclusive orders for Genesis underscores the brand’s cautious yet strategic approach to the Indian market.
Social media is buzzing with reactions. User ‘delhicars’ expressed surprise at this unique taste in luxury cars, while ‘vinayak_thaker’ pointed out that Hyundai has imported these vehicles in very limited numbers, primarily for top dealership owners, with a small portion allocated to discerning customers. Another user, ‘n.a.v.__,’ was taken aback by the car’s stunning elegance, recalling the Hyundai officials’ preference for the Genesis G80 but never realizing it was available for order.
Genesis Motor, the luxury arm of Hyundai Motor Company, has not officially launched in India yet. However, this introduction of the Genesis G80 by Hyundai’s top Indian dealers is a clear sign of testing the waters in the Indian luxury car market.
Chris Hosford, Hyundai’s U.S. spokesperson, had previously highlighted three key reasons for spinning off Genesis as a standalone brand: the model’s seven successful years in the luxury market, its top-three segment ranking, and customer demand for a distinct Genesis division.
The Genesis G80, internally designated RG3, shares design elements with its SUV counterpart. It features a commanding grille, matching front and rear fascias, and a luxurious interior reminiscent of its SUV sibling. Built on the M3 platform, the G80 is designed for mid-size luxury vehicles, offering both rear- and all-wheel drive options.
The car’s design language includes quad-headlamps, a large crest grille, and a parabolic line along the side profile, culminating in a fastback-type side view. The rear mimics the headlamp design, and the interior boasts Nappa leather seats. Under the hood, the Genesis G80 packs a punch with a 3.5 L Smartstream G3.5 T-GDi V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower, 530 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 250 kmph.
This limited introduction of the Genesis G80 by select Hyundai dealers in India signifies a new chapter in luxury car ownership, blending exclusivity with Hyundai’s renowned quality and performance.
Update: These were G20 Summit cars imported by Hyundai India and later sold to dealers for self-use or sale.
