Yes, Genesis is a British band, but it’s also a new car brand to the UK. The posh arm of Hyundai has now launched two models: the Genesis G80 and the GV80. It is the G80 saloon that I’m reviewing here.

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I got behind the wheel of the turbo infused 2.5-litre, 304PS saloon. It houses an eight-speed automatic cog changer which you operate via a rotary dial. Add all-wheel-drive traction to the recipe, and 62mph arrives in a mere 6.0 seconds. 155mph is the Korean machine’s maximum speed.

The petrol-powered unit starts up aggressively, but it soon chills once you’re on the move. 

The G80’s handling is fulfilling rather than fun, which is what you need from a premium saloon. The vehicle is big, and it’s only when you enter bends too enthusiastically that you become cognisant of its weightiness.

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When it comes to the luxury side of things, Genesis is up there with the best. The G80’s interior materials are all top quality, and I particularly like the Nappa leather seats. Any metal you see in the car is real – and the same goes for the wood trim. There is no fake stuff here. This is a motor with a cabin equal to, if not better than, the 5 Series’.

Genesis’ switchgear is easy to operate, and the G80’s seats are supportive and set high, so you and your passengers get a clear view out. Any saloon that gives you an authoritative driving position is good in my book. The elevated seating makes you feel confident, and it’s safer.  

Space-wise, despite a slightly coupe-like look, the Genesis G80 is a thoroughbred saloon – and comes with a 424-litre boot. That is not as spacious as the BMW 5’s trunk, but it’s plenty for an executive express that sits five-up.

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As for running costs, the G80 does up to 31.2mpg, while emitting 205g/km CO2. The claimed figures are fair, as, on my test circuit around Buckinghamshire, I got 28mpg. I wasn’t exactly light-footed for a lot of the journey, either. 

There is no questioning the high quality of the Korean automaker’s cars. Everything in the G80 feels well-made, and the finish of the saloon – inside and out is striking. That’s no great shocker, though, as Hyundai is seen as a reliable name here in Britain. So, despite the fact Genesis won’t want direct comparisons made with that marque, the Hyundai Motor Group is its parent company. Therefore, take a chill pill – I’d eat my office hat if the G80 turns out to be a pig.

Besides, the five-year plan that comes with all Genesis cars is enough to relax you. The G80 has a warranty for that period as well as half a decade’s worth of roadside assistance and servicing.  

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What is more, you won’t need to visit a dealer to purchase a G80 or get it maintained. You can’t anyway; Genesis doesn’t have a dealer network. Instead, the automaker has got a bunch of “Genesis Studios” located within shopping malls. And this is the most remarkable bit – you get a special Genesis Personal Assistant to sort your needs out – from test driving before you purchase, to servicing. The G80 saloon really does have “premium” embossed all over it.

Unsurprisingly, Genesis’ G80 achieved the ultimate five-star score from Euro NCAP. So, if you’re hunting for a safe, high-class saloon, this car needs to be on your shopping list.  

In summary, the G80 is a top introduction to the Genesis brand. The company will have a challenge tempting motorists from the usual German suspects, but I feel the Koreans will do it. Success won’t come overnight, though. The premium car market has always been a tough nut to crack on this side of the globe.