South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group, officially launched its Genesis luxury division as a stand-alone entity in 2015. Prior to the launch, the Genesis name graced a rear-wheel, ultra-premium sedan within the Hyundai Division lineup starting in 2008.
While Hyundai vehicles made inroads into the American consciousness as a value-oriented choices for mass audiences, Genesis takes a targeted approach, aimed squarely at the luxury segment. Unlike long-established European luxury brands, Genesis keeps the showroom experience simple as the G80 Electrified sedan offers a single trim with a very limited number of options. The major decision resting upon the exterior color selection.
The $79,825 starting list price doesn’t hike up much at all. Our fully-loaded tester’s $81,525 bottom line included a $1,125 destination charge plus $575 for Matira Blue exterior premium color paint. This bottom line compares favorably to European offerings, including the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS EV sedan with a $105,550 starting point and climbing past that mile marker with options.
Consider G80 Electrified sedan a mid-sizer. Genesis offers a conventional full-size sedan with its G90 only available at this moment in time powered by an internal combustion engine.
The five-seat G80 checks in as the second model ever offered by the young, upstart Genesis brand. Born with an internal combustion engine in the 2016 model year, the all-electric EV version (and the first EV from the Genesis brand) debuted in the 2023 model year. Both share similar ‘Athletic Elegance’ exterior looks and ‘M3’ platform, allowing our test drive electrified version to visually pass as a conventional G80 sedan with ICE (Internal combustion engine). In fact, ‘Electrified’ is nowhere to be seen on the exterior, just G80 and Genesis.
A notable difference between ICE and EV versions locates in the trunk, where the Electrified’s sizeable under-carriage lithium-ion battery pack cuts down cargo cubic-feet space to 10.8 (from the gas version’s 13.1 cubic ft.) while the cabin’s rear leg room reduces by 2.8 inches. Also, headroom gets compromised about an inch in both rows. Plus, no visible exhaust tailpipes straddling the Electrified’s lower rear end (as they’re superfluous within an EV environment).
Both include a prominent, pentagon-shaped grille with a chrome-like diamond-pattern insert, what Genesis describes as G-Matrix. Towards the driver’s side, however, the Electrified version conceals a small swing-out door cloaking the plug port needed when recharging. The lower vertical air dam includes the same jeweled pattern. A pair of narrow, stylish band-like headlight strips flank the imposing grille with built-in amber turn signal flashers.
Front fenders includes an additional pair of race lines doubling as secondary amber turn signal alerts combining fashion with function. Taillights borrow a similar band-like design. The long hood contrasts with a diminutive stout deck lid.
The G80’s shared EV-ICE platform is similar to what Genesis utilizes with the GV70 internal combustion crossover and its pure electric, similar-looking counterpart, the 2023 GV70 Electrified. Genesis’ third available EV, the diminutive 2023 GV60 differs in the sense that no internal combustion twin is yet offered. It’s based on a dedicated EV platform shared with other Hyundai Motor Group EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Thus, it’s marketed as GV60 instead of GV60 Electrified, a subtle but notable distinction.
Our electrified G80 tester includes a sizeable, 87.2-kilowatt hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack providing an estimated 282 miles of EV driving, a bit above the 2023 industry average. Some EVs offer the choice of two different-sized battery packs with the smaller-sized selection delivering reduced driving range but allowing vehicles to sell for less dollars. Most luxury makes, Genesis included, opt for a single-sized battery pack with extended estimated miles.
The direct current (DC) battery pack motivates two electric/traction motors, one on each axle in effect providing all-wheel drive. Both G80’s electric motors generate an identical 136 kilowatts for a horsepower of 365, not class-leading but certainly workable for a mid-size sedan.
The all-wheel drive torque split measures 50-50 with spirited road maneuvers, but slinks into rear drive on the open highway. Wind noise remains minimal. Four drive modes summoned from a rectangular push button between front buckets, electronically fine tune such variants as suspension firmness and steering weight.
On the open road, the G80 Electrified provides a posh, smooth, quiet ride rather than an overly sporty experience, not unusual for a luxury-orientated product. The G80’s electronically-controlled suspension smooths out the experience even further. For those new to EVing, the quietness of the overall experience remains notable and appreciative with zero engine rumbles or idles.
As with the G80 ICE version, a handsome interior looks and smells the part of inviting luxury. A three-zone climate control allows occupants residing in different sectors and rows to dictate their own comfort levels. A suede-like liner adorns inside A pillars hand headliner with Nappa leather-like surfaces comforting seats. Egress and ingress benefits from side doors that swing out wide and seats raised to a comfortable level.
An electronic push-button start-stop button resides away from the steering column upon a diminutive ledge. A bejeweled forward/rear transmission dial between front buckets includes a P in the center for choosing park with a push down movement. The dial rotates to select reverse, neutral and the forward drive mode, each illuminating a bright red R, N or D when selected. A majority of EVs utilize a single-speed transmission teaming with a reduction gear mechanism used to sync electric motor revolutions per minute with wheel rotations.
The sizeable, multi-function, rectangular-in-nature 14.5-inch Infotainment flat screen jets up from a scooped portion of the central dash top with eye-catching flair. While touch sensitive, it’s largely out of convenient reach for both front occupants. A chrome-like command dial directly forward of the transmission dial aids the cause. A simple twist commands an in-screen curser. Tap down on the dial to make a menu selection.
Volume and station select options operate from secondary steering wheel controls, and from finger-scrolls near the circular command dial. Voice commands also assist in the selection process as do screen prompts.
Apple Car Play an Android auto come standard, but without wireless interaction, so bring connection cords. A pair of USB-A ports are positioned in both rows with row two accommodating two adults with optimal comfort, three in a pinch.
The vehicle’s onboard charger (OBC) module converts (or rectifies) alternating current (AC) from a home’s wall socket into direct current (DC) for storage in the 87.2 kwh 1,200-pound DC battery pack. It also acts as a gatekeeper, monitoring the maximum amps allowed during level 1 (120 volts) and level 2 (240 volts) at-home refills to prevent overcharging. Publicly available Direct Current fast chargers deliver DC power directly into the DC battery pack, thus bypassing the OBC.
The G80 Electrified sedan’s onboard charger module includes a power rating of 10.9 kilowatts, one of the higher rated versions available in 2023. In effect, the more power an OBC accepts, the faster the EV recharges. If using a Level 2 240-volt wall charger rated at 40 amps, expect a full charge in about 9 hours, attainable easily overnight when electric rate pricing generally drops. By contrast, a Level 1 cord (with less amps and voltage that plugs into a 120-volt common household outlet) would take approximately 62 hours (or two-and-a-half days).
When on the road at a DC fast charger franchise outlet (Electrify America, EVGo and Charge Point are three primary examples) the pace of EV recharging quickens considerably when compared to Level 1 or 2. The G80 Electrified’s battery management system supports 350-kilowatt/800-volt DC fast charging, a maximum acceptance level for the majority of 2023 model year vehicles.
What does this mean? When visiting a DC Fast Charging station/Network, the G80 Electrify can charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes if all variables align and utilizing a top-rated a 350-kilowatt/800-volt plug port. Keep in mind not all DC Fast Charging networks offer a 350-kilowatt/800-volt plug port, with some supporting just 50 kilowatts, although newer-established/constructed networks promote additional 350-kilowatt stations.
A DC fast charger rated at 50 kilowatts would require approximately 73 minutes to charge from zero to 80 percent. Remember, there’s a price premium when DC fast charging, sometimes double or triple that of Level 2 charging.
In Illinois, an at-home kilowatt hour cost averages about fourteen cents, which is useful when approximating powering costs. Using this price point as a base with G80 Electrified’s 87.2-kilowatt hour battery pack, the approximate cost to fully recharge when employing a Level 2 at-home plug reaches $12.20 (.14 x 87.2 kwh battery size) and delivering approximately 282 miles of travel.
During testing, an EVG0 Fast Charger located in Oak Brook got randomly chosen to recharge. The listed energy fee, .49 cents per kilowatt hour, amounted to more than three times as much as the approximate at-home fee of .14 cents per kwh. A 100-kilowatt-rated DC fast charger delivered about 90 miles of range in 23 minutes. After a .99 cent transaction fee, the credit card payment reached $15.79.
Currently Genesis relies upon a Combined Charging System (CCS) plug design when recharging at or away from home at EVGo, Charge Point or Electrify America. That changes in the fall of 2024 when all Genesis EVs adopt to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) utilized by Tesla-branded vehicles.
Basically, this adds more charging locations and less time waiting. Tesla boasts 12,000 Superchargers across North America: almost double that of CCS availability. Other automakers including General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Toyota also announced in 2023 the switch from CCS to Tesla’s NACS which could eventually become the industry standard by default.
Another benefit of G80 Electrified EV driving: regenerative braking. This technology helps extend electric vehicle range. Introduced into mainstream consciousness almost a quarter century ago with the advancement of gas-electric hybrid vehicles, this technology recycles and stores kinetic braking energy into electricity for later reuse. Stop-and-go traffic generates more friction than highway travel, so multiple around town jaunts potentially extend G80 Electrified’s 282-range estimate.
As regenerative braking evolved during the past two decades, refinements developed. Braking resistance, felt when the driver lifts his/her foot off the pedal, adjusts by differing degrees up or down in GV80 Electrified’s case through a pair of steering wheel paddle shifters.
Increase friction capacity enough and G80 Electric coasts to an eventual stop once lifting the foot off the accelerator pedal. Multiple levels of regenerative braking are available with the G80 Electrified. It’s a new driving art within EV culture and simple to master.
A goodly number of passive safety features come standard (no input required from drivers) including 10 air bags, forward collision avoidance assist and blind-spot collision avoidance assist. Also useful, a live video feed directly into the three-dimensional, animated instrument panel of real-time full-color side blind spot activity. This feed automatically starts when activating the turn signal stalk.
The U.S. Treasury Department offers a tax incentive for qualifying EVs through the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. Suffice it to say, it’s complicated and convoluted dependent upon income restrictions and where the EV and its DC battery pack are built/sourced. As of 2023, the G80 Electrified does not qualify for any portion of the $7,500 tax credit during purchase. Chances are, however, if leasing rather than buying, the G80 does qualify for the $7,500 tax credit in 2023 and beyond.
Genesis is rolling out its EV offerings in phases to its slowly growing stand-alone, dedicated dealer network across the U.S., although most transactions still occur inside combined Genesis/Hyundai stores. Less than a half-dozen dedicated Genesis showrooms exist nationwide, and zero outlets within the Chicagoland region as of this writing. Sales of G80 Electrified also remains limited to certain parts of the country. As of October 2023, all three Genesis EVs are available in 33 states, including Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, although with very limited supplies. Earlier In March of 2023, the number of states rested at 22.
Genesis is teaming up with an established public charging network franchises (Electrify America in this specific case) offering customers something to savor. In this specific case, G80 Electrified buyers enjoy three years of complementary (read free) recharging opportunities. It’s a great money and time saver when utilizing DC fast charging at an Electrify America outlet. The Chicago area includes about a dozen self-service Electrify America locations, many in select Wal-Mart parking lots with additional locations planned. Other EV automakers offer similar perks and off-side charging promotions, but none quite as generous as what Genesis and Electrify America offer together.
2023 Genesis G80 Electrified
Price as tested: $81,525
Battery: 87.2 kwh battery pack
Electric Motor(s) Output: 365 horsepower
Torque: 516 lbs.-ft.
Electric Range: 282 miles
Wheelbase: 118.5 inches
Overall Length: 197 inches
Overall Height: 57.9 inches
Overall Width: 75.8 inches
Curb weight: 5,047 pounds
EV system warranty: 10-years/100,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10-year/100,000 miles
Assembly: Ulsan South Korea