Electric/hybrid | On the road

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

Hyundai Santa Fe

By Bill McCarthy

Initially seen as more of a budget choice in the SUV market, Hyundai’s flagship model has transitioned into a full premium offering. As the brand continues to grow strongly, the firm clearly has eyes on the upper end of the market.
Starting at more than £48k, rising to almost £55k, expectations are high for this latest fifth-generation model, which boasts premium features and quality. It also looks radically different, something which split opinion with many who saw it.
Primarily a seven-seater, it comes in three specifications: Premium (as driven here in four wheel drive mode), Ultimate, and the range-topping Calligraphy.
A premium six-seat configuration is also available, as seen on this model.

The Santa Fe’s design has evolved into a more boxy shape, yet Hyundai claims it is more aerodynamic.
The exterior was optimised to reduce the drag coefficient to just 0.29 (down from 0.33 in the previous generation), though it’s hard to believe at first glance.
The model is slightly longer than its predecessor, retaining the same width, while the wheelbase has been extended by a couple of inches.

Yes, it’s a big vehicle—with a head-turning presence, whether parked or in traffic.
It features distinctive H-shaped headlamps and tail lights, complemented by a full-width light bar integrated into the grille.
The SUV sits on imposing 20-inch alloy wheels, framed by equally large wheel arches.
Additional exterior touches include electric-folding door mirrors, privacy glass, a powered tailgate, and integrated roof rails for a rugged aesthetic.

Upmarket interior

The interior is quite an experience – stylish and minimalist, with a curved twin display spanning the dashboard. It exudes a premium feel.
One screen handles infotainment, navigation, and smartphone connectivity, while the other displays real-time driver information.
The touchscreen controls both navigation and infotainment, paired with a high-end 10-speaker audio system and DAB radio.
Smartphone connectivity is via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, alongside Bluetooth with voice recognition.
The vehicle also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates for various systems.

Executive features include heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and 360degree camera for safety.
Convenient USB-C charging points are fitted across all three rows, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, with lumbar support for the driver.

Efficiency and performance

Paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, the powertrain combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering impressive fuel economy, with around 40mpg exceptional for such a large vehicle.

On the road, it starts silently under electric power, with the petrol engine engaging as you accelerate – though it can sound slightly raucous initially.
It excels on motorways, offering a comfortable ride and ample torque for confident overtaking.

Driving dynamics

For its size, the Santa Fe handles surprisingly sharply, though some body roll is inevitable on tighter bends.
For challenging conditions or off-road, you can easily engage four-wheel-drive mode on this model.

Practicality

Highly versatile, with flexible seating including foldable, twistable, and 60/40 split-folding second-row seats.
With all six seats up, boot space is limited, but it expands to a generous 1,945 litres when needed.
The rearmost seats are spacious and accessible for children, though older adults – particularly seniors – may find entry trickier.

Safety

The Santa Fe comes packed with safety tech, including a full suite of airbags, all wheel drive control, autonomous emergency braking, hill-start and descent control, and lane-keep assist with departure warning.

Verdict

The fifth-generation’ Santa Fe successfully transitions into the luxury SUV segment with bold styling, a premium interior, and impressive tech. Its hybrid’s hybrid powertrain delivers strong efficiency, while the spacious, versatile cabin offers a roomy environment for families. Ride comfort and refinement are good, though some may find the design polarising.