Thursday, 12 December 2024

Genesis Electrified G80 sedan sets high standard for luxury EVs Featured

Posted On Saturday, 02 March 2024 01:49 Written by
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The Genesis Electrified G80 is a complete package that competes well with the best luxury EV sedans available today. The Genesis Electrified G80 is a complete package that competes well with the best luxury EV sedans available today. Photo courtesy of Genesis

The Genesis brand, which has made major moves in the luxury car world for the past half-decade or so, is making a heavy move toward EVs.

They see the future is electric, and already offer multiple EV options, both on the SUV and sedan side of the business.

When it comes to the Genesis sedan lineup, the vehicle that began this transition is the midsize G80 sedan. Genesis first launched an Electrified G80 variant for the 2023 model, which carries over to 2024. What’s interesting about this particular model is there isn’t some radical new design offered, instead they are keeping the standard G80’s looks essentially intact, and swapping in electric power. 

Read on for a breakdown of how well the Electrified G80 holds up in the growing luxury EV market.

LOOKS

Regarding the looks of the Electrified G80 sedan, there are some unique features that stand out. First, the charge port is hidden in the front grille, and blends in well.

The G80 also features sharp wheel design, a bold but classy grille, and sleek headlights and taillights. It’s essentially the same look as the gas-powered G80, and it doesn’t embrace anything overly futuristic in design. Instead, you get a luxury vehicle with classic elegance that just happens to have EV power.

My test vehicle also featured 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as power-folding outside mirrors with Genesis logo puddle lamps.

Moving inside the Electrified G80, you’ll find beautifully designed Nappa leather seats, a leatherette wrap on the dash, matte wood trim, microfiber suede headliner, massaging seats and more.

Other comfort features include: Heated and ventilated front seats; Heated, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; window sunshades, and three-zone climate control.

The only downside of the interior is that the seats can be somewhat uncomfortable for taller drivers. And turning the G80 into an EV means that headroom will be a bit diminished due to the battery location under the floor.

Legroom in the back seat is solid, but cargo space is limited with a trunk volume around 11 cubic feet. There’s plenty of room in the vehicle for storage of smaller items.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The Electrified G80 is powered by a pair of 136 kW electric motors, one in front and one in back, as well as an 87.2 kWh battery.

All-wheel drive is standard, and the output is a tremendous 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

By comparison: If you prefer a non-EV version of the G80, you’d top out at 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet.

There’s a reason that people who begin driving EVs usually don’t want to go back to any non-EV options, and that’s because they’re just plain fun to drive.

The Electrified G80 launches like a rocket, going from 0 to 60 in just over 4 seconds, yet somehow being smooth as silk and extra quiet the whole time. Very little road noise enters the vehicle, and it handles perfectly while maintaining a sporty feel. You truly enjoy driving it every time you get behind the wheel.

To improve the ride quality, an adaptive suspension can scan what lies on the road ahead, and adjust to better prepare for potholes and other potentially dangerous features.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Genesis has its bases covered on the tech end of things.

The Electrified G80 features well-placed, user-friendly dials for controlling volume and channel for radio, both in the center console and on the steering wheel. Its massive 14.5-inch rectangular touchscreen also can be controlled by a center dial, which is helpful since the screen is a bit of a reach.

Voice commands were effective, and you have controls on the center screen for everything from phone to navigation to radio to endless settings and vehicle info. Below the touchscreen, there is a mix of touchscreen and physical buttons for climate.

In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch 3D Digital instrument Cluster, and a wireless phone charger is in the center console.

Other tech features included: Genesis Connected Services, Genesis Digital Key, Lexicon Premium Audio, Navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Safety is another strong area for the Electrified G80.

Its ability to take the wheel and use features like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control to steer the vehicle is impressive, even on curvy roads. It’s not something to overly rely on, but the accuracy means you can trust the system when you want to use it.

Among the many other safety features:
— Forward collision mitigation (warns of impending collision and applies brakes)
— Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot)
— Blind-spot intervention (steers car back into its lane)
— Driver attention warning (warns if driver may be fatigued)
— Safe-exit system (can prevent a passenger from opening a door into approaching traffic)
— Head-up display (Helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road)

RANGE, CHARGING

The official numbers on the Electrified G80 are an impressive 97 MPGe (combined), 105 MPGe city, and 89 MPGe highway. While some rival EVs do beat these numbers, they are also more expensive.

Range is one area where the G80 impresses, maxing out at 282 miles on a full charge, and it’s possible to push it up to and above 300 miles. While not the longest range in existence, it’s a solid number that should get rid of any range anxiety drivers might have in an EV. As these numbers continue to grow and charging is not needed as often, the rise of EVs will become more likely.

It’s also worth noting the quality level of the vehicle you’re getting in the G80 EV is better than you’ll get from most competitors with this range or longer.

I would recommend anyone buying an EV invest in a Level 2 home EV charger, as the amount of time and price it costs to charge publicly is not something you want to rely on regularly. Plug it in at night and you’re good in the morning when you wake up. Or charge while you’re at the office if you have that option in your workplace.

PRICE

The Genesis Electrified G80 that I tested was priced at $81,525. There is only one trim level offered on the vehicle, and it is priced less than the Tesla Model S and the Mercedes-Benz EQE when similarly equipped.

To sweeten the deal, warranties are quite impressive, including:
— 5 year/60K mile new vehicle warranty
— 10 year/100K mile powertrain warranty
— 10 year/100K mile Electric Vehicle system warranty
— 7 year/unlimited mile anti perforation warranty
— 3 year/36K mile complimentary maintenance

BOTTOM LINE

The Genesis Electrified G80 features top-shelf looks, tremendous power and ride quality, cutting-edge tech and safety features, and excellent range.

It’s the perfect option for car buyers who want a luxury EV ride, but don’t want one with a futuristic, obviously-an-EV vibe. The design can easily pass for a standard G80, and doesn’t scream that it’s an EV from a distance. So buyers who appreciate a classic look can still get in on the EV movement.

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Additional Info

  • Vehicle: Genesis Electrified G80
  • Price as tested: $81,525
  • Best feature: Bold and classy looks, solid range, driving experience   
  • Rating: 4.5 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle?: Luxury car buyers seeking one of the best EV sedans for sale today 
Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

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