GENESIS G80 Electrified

By Bill McCarthy

Genesis is making a powerful statement in the luxury EV market with the Electrified G80. This all-electric executive saloon combines classic limousine styling with cutting-edge technology and a high-tech cabin.

Styling and road presence
The Genesis G80 Electrified is a substantial car that commands attention. Its elegant design, featuring a distinctive crest grille and ‘Two Line’ quad headlights, delivers a refined, Bentley-esque presence. For this electrified model, the wheelbase has been extended by 130mm, enhancing its imposing profile and creating more rear legroom.

Exterior updates include a new bumper, polished 19-inch alloys, and a seamlessly integrated front charging port that opens and closes electrically. At the rear, the signature ‘Two Line’ tail lights feature new graphics.

Price and options
As a luxury brand sibling to Hyundai, the Electrified G80 isn’t cheap, with a starting price of £74,800. However, it undercuts similarly powerful all-wheel-drive premium rivals.

The price can rise with several optional packs, including:

• Comfort Pack: £1,780
• Second-Row Comfort Pack: £2,640 (adds power-closing doors, heated seats, and controls)
• Nappa Leather Pack: £2,620

A hi-tech luxurious cabin
Step inside, and the G80 embodies what Genesis calls the ‘beauty of white space’. The atmosphere is one of serene calm, balancing elegant, uncluttered surfaces with advanced technology.

The centrepiece is a stunning curved 27-inch OLED display that blends the digital cluster and infotainment screen. This system controls everything from navigation to smartphone connectivity and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. It can be operated via a crystal-like console dial, voice commands, or via the multi-function steering wheel controls.

Comfort, and practicality
The most significant upgrade is in the rear seats, where the extra wheelbase creates limousine-like legroom. The optional second-row comfort pack transforms it into a true chauffeur-grade experience.

Boot space is 323 litres, which is reasonably spacious but notably shallow due to the underfloor battery. Standard equipment is comprehensive, featuring a premium 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a fingerprint authentication system, and a UV-C storage compartment steriliser.

Performance and refinement
On the road, the Electrified G80 delivers exceptional performance. Its dual electric motors – one on each axle – produce a combined 370PS and a mammoth 700Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 5.1 seconds.

Despite this power, it remains a sublime motorway cruiser, whisking occupants along in near silence. The 87.2kWh usable battery provides a practical WLTP range of 323 miles. The ride is exceptionally smooth, aided by the ‘Road Preview’ electronic suspension that scans the road ahead to actively iron out bumps.

Comprehensive safety
The G80 comes with a full suite of advanced safety systems. Key ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) include:

• Highway Driving Assist 2 for semi-autonomous motorway driving.
• Collision avoidance for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Lane-keeping and lane-centring assist.
• A 360-degree camera system with parking sensors.

Verdict
The Genesis G80 Electrified is a tech-laden luxury saloon that successfully blends traditional executive comfort with a zero-emissions powertrain. It boasts a spacious, premium cabin, a 323-mile range, and stunning performance, although the boot is relatively modest. While expensive, it undercuts its direct premium rivals and delivers a magic carpet-like driving experience.

Factfile

GENESIS G80 ELECTRIFIED 

• Price: £74,800 (£84,925 with options)
• Mechanical: 370PS, twin electric motors driving all wheels via a single-step automatic transmission 
• Max speed: 139mph
•  0-62mph: 5.1 seconds 
• Range: 323 miles (WLTP) 
• CO2 Emissions: 0g/km
• Insurance Group: 50 
• Warranty: Five years, unlimited mileage