The Genesis G80 first debuted in 2016 replacing the former Hyundai Genesis. It's the car that helped launch the Genesis brand and only eight years later is now part of a solid lineup of vehicles. The G80 is a five-passenger midsize luxury sedan that was most recently refreshed in 2021. The G80 is available as either a fully electric model that offers a combined 365 horsepower or with a twin-turbo V6 that churns out 375 horsepower. The electrified version was Genesis' first EV model when it debuted in 2021. Genesis now offers three fully electric models that include the G80, GV60, and Electrified GV70. The Electrified G80 comes standard with AWD and is available in two packages known as Advanced or Prestige. It has an estimated driving range of 282 miles and has fast-charging capabilities that power up from 10% to 80% in as little as 22 minutes using a 350kW/800V DC Ultra-Fast Charger. Prices for the Electrified G80 start at $74,375 for the Advanced or $79,125 for the Prestige. Competition includes other luxury electric sedans such as the Audi e-tron GT, BMW i5, Mercedes Benz EQE, and Tesla Model S. I spent a week in a 2023 Electrified G80 that checked in at $81,525 and here's what stood out...
Exterior Style
I am a big fan of the G80's style. I think the proportions are spot on for a luxury sedan with a wide, confident stance. Genesis ties in its dual horizontal LED light bars for a defined signature look. The large shield grille is intricate with a diamond pattern that very discreetly hides the electric charging port. The side profile has a sloped rear roofline with a continuous line that stretches to the edge of the trunk. Chrome accents around the windows and around the bottom add to the elegance. The front fenders are highlighted with the LED light accents that illuminate with the turn signals and the 19" alloys add a level of sophistication to the car. Around back the LED taillights wrap around the sides, Genesis is spelled across the trunk, and chrome detailing subtly outlines the top of the trunk.
It is available in nine different colors which are primarily a sophisticated earth-tone pallet. However, my test vehicle came in Matira Blue which is a shade of teal. It was an unexpected 90s-ish color that worked surprisingly well on the G80. It stood out with just enough personality to showcase the car was something different from any other silver, gray, or black sedan. The entire car's design has an appeal that is understated, yet at the same time quite impressive.
Power / Handling
Powering the 365-horsepower G80 Electrified is a combination of dual motor powertrain and a 272-kW battery pack. It's good for a quick 0-60 MPH time of 4.1 seconds. Acceleration is quick from a stop and while driving on the highway it is confident with its power. Its instant torque makes it a breeze for passing others and amping up the speed when needed. Despite a focus more on comfort and luxury, the Genesis is actually very athletic. It hugs the road around corners with a well-balanced suspension. Steering is accurate and it's fairly nimble for its size. The G80 absorbs the roadways well to deliver a smooth and very quiet ride. It's effortless to drive all-around. It also comes with regenerative brakes with five different modes that range from coasting to full one-pedal driving. This is an all-around luxury car with a deeper focus on comfort, but still manages to work in some engaging elements into its drivability.
Range / Charging
When fully charged the Electrified G80 offers 282 miles of driving range courtesy of an 87.2-kWh battery back under the floorboards. Genesis states it can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 22 minutes when hooked up to a 350-kW DC fast-charger. During my time I can confirm that it indeed charges quickly, although I never let it get as low as 10%. With primarily access to a standard Level 2 charger, the Electrified G80 was always charged up from 40% to 100% in a few hours. I felt confident in this EV thanks to its accurate range indicators and quick chargeability. I also appreciated the charging port within the front grille which was easily accessible when pulling into a parking spot to charge.
Fuel-economy numbers from the EPA are set at 105 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway. That's similar to what the Mercedes-Benz EQS achieves but behind rivals such as the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model S. The G80's overall range is also comparable to models such as the BMW i4, Mercedes Benz EQS, and Polestar 2.
Interior
Hopping inside, the G80 is welcoming with high-class materials and an elegant layout. Every inch feels upscale with soft-touch surfaces, exquisite detail, and a clean design. Adding to the vibe are soft close doors that you don't need to slam and they will lock themselves in place once in position. And look up and you'll find microfiber suede headliner and pillars to add to the vibe.
Drivers will face a 12.3" digital instrument cluster with an available three-dimensional appearance. Sitting atop the dash is a 14.5" horizontal touch screen for the infotainment. It's a bit far to reach, but there is also a classy rotary dial for controlling it in the center console. It takes a little time to acclimate to the rotary dial, but once you're used to it, it's like using a mouse for your laptop. The dash was two-toned with a split down the middle that featured a stone-looking matte wood trim. Climate controls and buttons are easily accessible on the lower half and the electronic gear selector is in the form of a second rotary dial. The two dials are placed next to each other, but each features different finishes making it easy to distinguish between them. A tray for wireless charging and two standard cupholders round out the layout. I also liked the steering wheel design that features the Genesis emblem at the center and two cutouts at the bottom that made for alternative placements for your hands if 10 & 2 are not your thing.
Technology
All models come standard with the aforementioned 14.5" touch screen that integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but a cord is required. Other available features include wireless device charging, a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital key. Climate controls can be adjusted via the touchscreen or standalone controls located below the touchscreen which also include a volume dial for audio.
Seating
The G80 comfortably seats five passengers with plenty of legroom up front and in back. There is ample head and shoulder room up front, but headroom might be a touch short in the back for taller adults. My three kids, however, were very comfortable sitting across the back. It comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, 12-way power adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats and a heated leather steering wheel. Upgrades include genuine or Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, a sport steering wheel, and a power rear sunshade. The Nappa leather features a pleated diamond pattern with contrasting stitching. The seats are very comfortable and supportive. Driver's seats also have an automatic lumbar massage function that kicks in after an hour or so of sitting. It's easy to find a good driving position with good visibility.
Cargo
There is 10.7 cubic feet of storage in the trunk of the G80 which is small for a midsize luxury sedan and is less than the 13.1 cubic feet found in the gas version of the G80. Comparably, the BMW 5-series has 18.4 cubic feet. There are small bins behind the wheel wells with nets and a small tray for under floor storage which is big enough for a charging cord.
Remote Smart Parking Assist
This is a fun, but also useful, feature to show off to friends. The remote smart park assist enables your G80 to park itself without you being in the driver seat. At the touch of a button on the remote, you can back up or pull the vehicle forward into position. It's nice for tight spaces or if you just need to adjust its position in the driveway.
Safety / Driver Assist
Genesis includes a comprehensive driver-assistance suite including forward collision avoidance, blind spot view monitor, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assistance, a rearview camera, parking obstruction warning, driver monitoring, automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic warning, safe exit assist and more. I particularly like the blind spot monitor view in which cameras on the mirrors project images into the digital cluster when the turn signals are engaged. It gives a clear image of what may or may not be in your blind spot. Many of these features cost extra on German rivals.
Another favorite feature is the semi-autonomous driving technology which is an advanced cruise control that will center the G80 and maintain a set distance from the vehicle it's behind. The system will also automatically change lanes with minimal driver input when it's safe to do so after engaging the turn signals. It pairs nicely with the 3D head-up display that recognizes surrounding vehicles and shows them as 3D blocks on the road. Hands on the steering wheel are required, but the car will do most of the work.
Final Statement
The Electrified G80 is a great example of modern luxury with an appeal that is subtle but sophisticated. I love the design and all the proportions are perfect with a wide stance, long wheelbase, and coupe-like roofline. Genesis has done a great job of incorporating a signature lighting design outside and inside are top-of-the class materials. It's an extremely comfortable car to ride in or drive. It comes loaded with standard safety features and is one to check out in either gas or electric version.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Electrified G80 AWD
Exterior Color: Matira Blue
Interior Color: Dark Lagoon Nappa Leather
Notable Options: Matira Blue Paint ($575)
MSRP as tested: $81,525 (with destination)
Pros: Competitive driving range, quick charge ability, powerful, serene interior
Cons: Limited cargo, no wireless phone integration
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