The luxury midsize sedan class, while not been as large as the full-size or as small as the compact sedans, are unarguably the most versatile and the right place for you to lease your next new sedan. Although this segment is a little crowded, the Genesis and the Lexus brands stand out, thanks to their versatility, charming looks, comfortable and upscale cabin, and starting price that cuts below others in the class.
If you want a solid blend of luxury and versatility, you can never go wrong in leasing either the 2022 G80 or the 2022 ES 350. The Genesis and Lexus midsize cars are an all-around choice for any shopper looking to lease a luxurious and modern sedan with a swath of state-of-the-art tech features and a comfy cabin.
What’s New?
Just last year, the Genesis G80 got a complete redesign, but that doesn’t stop this Korean luxury machine from affording more desirable upgrades in the 2022 model year. In fact, the 2022 G80 midsize luxury sedan, with its spectacular design and precise engineering, can take on some of the best luxury marques out there. This classic and sophisticated machine is part of the second generation that debuted last year.
For 2022, not much has changed with the Genesis G80. It still oozes breathtaking styling, a tech-packed interior with generous interior elements, and reliable powertrains. A new sport-focused model, carved from the 3.5T model, now known as the 3.5 T Sport joins the 2022 G80 lineup. This all-new sporty model comes with a turbocharged V6 and a standard all-wheel-drive system. Unlike other G80 models, the G80 3.5T Sport model boasts an improved handling and a fine-tuned suspension—all to enhance this luxury midsize sedan’s driving manners. Also, the new Sports model gets updated design and styling, including a 20-ich wheel, upgraded front, and rear fascia, and sport steering wheel. Elsewhere, the rear-wheel steering and sports suspension join the 3.5T Sport’s Prestige package.
For a long time now, Lexus ES 350 has been one of the best-selling cars in the luxury midsize car segment. After it got a ground-up redesign in 2019, the ES 350 is back to the 2022 Lexus lineup, bearing subtle design changes.
For the 2022 model year, the ES 350 sports fresher exterior styling. Lexus hands its best-selling sedan car a fresher front end with a new grille design, restyled LED headlights, and new wheel designs. Inside, it gets fresher updates, including a new infotainment system and more standard amenities. The formerly less intuitive infotainment screens are dropped for new intuitive touchscreens that are now closer to the driver to make them easily accessible. The 2022 ES 350 also packs upgraded driver-assist and active safety features, including an upgraded Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This means that this new ES model boasts improved adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision mitigation system. Elsewhere, the 2022 ES 350 F Sport trim now adds a Dynamic Handling Package.
Powertrain & Transmission
Under the hood, not much has changed with the 2022 G80 and the 2022 ES 350. Both luxury sedans sport a refined eight-speed transmission that runs its job smoothly and timely. While the 2022 ES 350 delivers slightly more power than the 2022 G80, the upgrade option of the G80 provides more power (375 horses to the ES’s 302 horsepower) to make leasing the 2022 Genesis G80 a more rewarding option.
Under the hood, the 2022 Genesis G80 comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that coughs out 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine sends power to the rear-wheel through a refined eight-speed automatic. If you want to switch to the available all-wheel drive, you should be ready to shill out an extra $3,150.
If you want an upgraded powertrain in your new Genesis G80, there’s an available 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that pumps out 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.
The 2022 ES 350, despite all its subtle changes, remained unchanged under the hood. It still comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 302 horsepower and a standard eight-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels.
Handling & Performance
When the engine starts, that’s one solid place that most rivals are better than the Genesis G80 and the Lexus ES 350. These two luxury midsize sedans have a front-wheel-drive system and are less athletic than the German offerings.
Although these two are not an option for shoppers looking to lease a fun-to-drive luxury car, both the 2022 G80 and the 2022 ES are just fine for drivers that prefer driving in luxury and comfort rather than taking on the fast track.
Despite their below-par performance, leasing the 2022 Genesis G80 offers a more powerful alternative of the two. While the 2022 ES350 accelerates to 60 mph in 6 seconds, the Genesis G80 makes that in a lesser time (5.9 seconds to 5.2 seconds).
The 2022 G80 and 2022 ES 350 affords composed handling and relaxed ride that is cherished in sedans in this segment. The G80’s electronic adaptive suspension further creates a smoother and more relaxing ride quality.
Fuel Economy
With the standard powertrain configuration, the 2022 Genesis G80 gets an EPA-rated 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Opting for the AWD drops the figures to 22/30 mpg city/highway. On the other hand, the 2022 Lexus ES350 returns slightly lower 22/32 mpg city/highway.
Interior, Cargo Space
Perhaps, the best part of leasing the 2022 Lexus ES350 lies in its spacious and well-appointed cabin that is more spacious than other luxury midsize sedans in its class.
The G80 and the ES350 boasts a quiet and stately designed cabin that is outfitted with many tech features and comfy seats. However, if you seek a little more comfort and relaxation, leasing the 2022 ES350 will give you just that as it is one of the few sedans in the class with more legroom and cargo capacity than the 2022 Genesis G80.
When it comes to interior materials and infotainment, the 2022 Genesis G80 slightly stands above the 2022 Lexus ES.
Cost
The 2022 Genesis G80 has a higher MSRP than the Lexus ES350.
Whether you end up leasing the 2022 ES350 or the 2022 G80, rest assured of getting elegant and sophisticated luxury midsize sedans at value-based pricing. To lease any of these sedans at best possible rates, reach out to VIP Auto, 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305 https://viplease.com/.
