Genesis G80 vs Audi S6
What's the difference?

Genesis G80

$104,128 - $156,418

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi S6

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2020 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-AMG E63

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Rolls-Royce Spectre (bev)

Summary

2026 Genesis G80

2020 Audi S6

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Twin Turbo V6, 2.9L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

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8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Size and presence
Spacious, luxurious & comfy cabin
Commanding dynamics

Executive style
Improved value
Boy-racer performance

Dislikes

Thirsty V6 (hybrid would be nice)
Not as sporty as SL name implies - but not bad
Not as luxurious as SL name implies - but not bad

Not SUV practical
A touch thirsty
Substandard warranty

2026 Genesis G80 Summary

Remember those extra-long Australian luxury sedans like the Ford Fairlane and Holden Statesman/Caprice?

The patriotic choice in an era where that mattered and further protected by tariffs on imports that made them barely any more expensive than a base mid-sized Euro like a BMW 318i, they dominated the top end of the market with their sheer size outside, vast space inside and big-six or V8 grunt.

Like they used to say, there is no substitute for cubic inches.

Well, the spirit of these beloved local social-climbing classics lives on in just one modern car in 2025, the Genesis G80. Over three generations since 2008, it has been Hyundai’s tilt at the premium establishment, in much the same way as the Fairlane and Caprice were, and Toyota’s Lexus luxury brand still is.

We take a dive into the latest petrol-powered range-topper version, the 3.5T All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Sport Luxury (SL), which gives off more than its fair share of vintage HSV Grange vibes.

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2020 Audi S6 Summary

Most buyers don’t care for sedans these days, but those in the premium market are still spoilt for choice, with new model after new model being launched.

The latest on offer is the new Audi S6, which once again attempts to mix executive style with boy-racer performance.

With its predecessor’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 succeeded by an engine that is 1.1 litres and two cylinders short, does it still serve up enough bang for your back?

Of course, the only way to find out is to put the new S6 sedan to test, so that’s exactly what we did. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Genesis G80 2020 Audi S6

Verdict

Overall, then, the flagship G80 tries to be docile Clark Kent and the amazing Superman in one. As such, it stretches itself trying to be both a luxury GT and high-functioning sports sedan.

But while it doesn’t quite achieve either perfectly the Genesis gets near enough for most – especially at its exceptional price point.

Verdict

We adore the new S6 sedan. It looks great, feels comfortable and goes like stink all at the same time. What’s not to like?

It also helps that it is relatively good value, safe and practical by large-sedan standards, so it’s a bit of a no-brainer.

But will buyers be quick to dismiss the new S6 sedan because it’s not a more practical SUV? Time will tell, but we hope not.

Does the new Audi S6 sedan represent the best mix of executive style and boy-racer performance? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Genesis G80 vs Audi S6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Genesis G80 vs Audi S6
What's the difference?