The Genesis G80 is one of the best midsize luxury cars available on the market. The G80’s quality rivals the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 2020 Genesis G80 is also one of the most affordable midsize luxury cars available with a base price of $42,250. However, the first-quarter sales numbers for the 2020 G80 have been less than desirable. Despite the sales, the 2020 Genesis G80 is still one of the best midsize luxury choices for consumers.

The 2020 Genesis G80’s features

Every 2020 Genesis G80 comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as well as rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. There are three trims for the 2020 G80 – the 3.8L, the 3.3T Sport, and 5.0L Ultimate. The base model features a standard V6 engine, while the Sport model features a twin V6, and the Ultimate trim features a V8. 

The interior for each 2020 G80 model features luxury leather. Each model is well-equipped to maximize comfort and provides adequate headroom. The standard G80 and Sport models earn 21 mpg and 20 mpg, respectively. The Ultimate earns slightly less with 18 mpg. The price for the Sport trim is $56,675, while the Ultimate starts at $58,495.

The 2020 Genesis G80 was well-reviewed and ranked toward the top in quality. The NHTSA gave the 2020 G80 a five-star safety rating. Likewise, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the G80 a Top Safety Pick. Not to mention, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from G80 owners.

First-quarter sales in 2020

Despite the critical acclaim the 2020 Genesis G80 has received, the first-quarter sales in 2020 were less than appealing. The sales for the Genesis G80 were down 18 percent from the previous quarter. When Genesis first launched the 2020 G80 Series in January 2019, it originally sold well. However, the sales have sharply declined at the turn of the new year.

The Genesis G80 is not the only midsize luxury car to take a sales hit in 2020. According to a report from GoodCarBadCar, almost every other mid-sized luxury car on the market experienced a sharp decline in sales. The Cadillac CTS experienced a 93.4 percent sales decrease, while the Jaguar XF experienced a 100 percent decrease. However, there are exceptions, like Tesla Model 3 that experienced a 98.4 percent increase in sales. However, the general chart paints a dark picture of the first-quarter sales of cars.

The silver lining

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the influx of stay at home orders, car manufacturers and dealers are suffering. Not only are American car owners traveling less, but they are also buying less. The first-quarter sales figures can attest to that claim. Some car dealerships struggle to network sales online. As long as the pandemic continues, car dealerships and manufacturers need to adapt to stay afloat.

There is no way to tell how long the Covid-19 pandemic will last. However, businesses must take this time to adapt their business models to work in a virtual setting. There is a strong likelihood that this pandemic will persist well into the next calendar year. If companies fail to change, their sales figures will continue to falter.

Not to mention, manufacturers must ensure proper health protocols during the manufacturing process. To avoid a potential public relations catastrophe, the health of their workers must be the No. 1 priority. If proper guidelines are not maintained, not only will future sales numbers suffer, the issue could set back future model releases. There is no doubt that drastic changes to all facets of the auto industry are on the horizon amidst this pandemic.