Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥

Skip to content

2023 Genesis Electrified G80: Could this electric sedan be the benchmark to beat?

With each successive model, HyundaiÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s premium Genesis division continues to challenge entrenched brands from Europe, Asia and North America.
31692310_web1_230126-TodaysDrive-ElectrifiedG80_1
Beautiful to look at and a pleasure to drive, all Electrified G80s use front and rear electric motors that deliver a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. PHOTO: GENESIS

With each successive model, HyundaiÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s premium Genesis division continues to challenge entrenched brands from Europe, Asia and North America.

The impending arrival of the Electrified G80, the competition should have every reason to be disquieted.

But first some clarification is in order. The Electrified G80 name implies the full-size sedan is a gasoline-powered vehicle assisted by an electric motor (hybrid). That is not the case. This one is 100 per cent battery-electric and is an offshoot of the G80, which was updated for 2021 and offers choices of a turbocharged four-cylinder or V-6 engines.

Other than a closed-in faux grille (concealing the charging port behind a small opening) and lower air intake, the Electrified G80 is basically identical in shape to the fossil-fuel-burning model. However, some body panels have been switched to aluminum from steel to at least partially offset the weight of the 87.2 kilowatt-hour battery pack beneath the floor.

According to Genesis, a full charge using a 240-volt Level 2 home station takes about eight hours. PHOTO: GENESIS
According to Genesis, a full charge using a 240-volt Level 2 home station takes about eight hours. PHOTO: GENESIS

At the same time, the platform was stiffened by a reported 17 per cent to handle an estimated 2,370-kilogram heft and to aid overall ride comfort and handling capabilities.

The Electrified rides on unique 19-inch wheels.

The carÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s shapely, low-slung design is one of the more attractive to be found and is a total eye-catcher from every angle.

From a practical standpoint, the cabin affords a reasonable amount of space for up to five passengers who are treated to supportive Nappa leather seats along with a wood-and aluminum-trimmed dashboard and door panels.

Occupants are treated to supportive Nappa leather seats along with wood-and aluminum-trimmed dashboard and door panels. PHOTO: GENESIS
Occupants are treated to supportive Nappa leather seats along with wood-and aluminum-trimmed dashboard and door panels. PHOTO: GENESIS

And all aboard should have sufficient legroom, thanks to the ElectrifiedÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s distance between the front and rear wheels, which is more than 7.5 centimetres greater than that of both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CT5 sedans. The only possible caveats are somewhat restrictive rear-seat headroom, which could impede taller riders, and a reduction in trunk volume due to the rear motorÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s intrusion.

The Electrified G80 uses front and rear electric motors that deliver a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. For comparison, the regular G80Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s available turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 pushes out 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet. According to Genesis, the Sport mode setting can accelerate the Electrified to 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 4.9 seconds.

The cabin affords a reasonable amount of space for up to five passengers. All aboard will have sufficient legroom. PHOTO: GENESIS
The cabin affords a reasonable amount of space for up to five passengers. All aboard will have sufficient legroom. PHOTO: GENESIS

The standard all-wheel-drive system splits the front-to-rear torque evenly and is engaged except when traveling at a steady rate of speed. During those times, 100 per cent of the power is shipped to the rear wheels.

According Genesis, using a 480-volt commercial-grade DC faster charger will bring the battery pack to 80 per cent capacity from 10 per cent in 22 minutes. A full charge using a 240-volt Level 2 home station takes about eight hours.

Genesis expects 450 kilometres of maximum range. Official fuel-consumption equivalency numbers are 2.2 l/100 km in the city, 2.6 on the highway and 2.4 combined.

When accelerating from a stop, the power system is a treat for the senses as the Electrified gets up to speed almost imperceptibly. Press the pedal harder and the passengers will be pinned to their seats.

The big sedan also transitions into tight corners with little drama, and the adaptive dampers (shocks) effectively smooth out the roadÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s rough surfaces. At its highest setting, the paddle-shift controlled regenerative braking system can stop the Genesis without the driver touching the brake pedal.

The interior environment is generally free of noise, which is inherent in electric vehicles, but itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s also aided by active noise cancelling.

The single trim level comes with a 14.5-inch touch-screen, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, rear-seat air conditioning and a 17-speaker Lexicon-brand audio system. PHOTO: GENESIS
The single trim level comes with a 14.5-inch touch-screen, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, rear-seat air conditioning and a 17-speaker Lexicon-brand audio system. PHOTO: GENESIS

At $105,125, as indicated on the Genesis website (you can build and order one now), the single Prestige AWD trim level comes with a 14.5-inch touch-screen, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, rear-seat air conditioning, 17-speaker Lexicon-brand audio system and ambient interior lighting.

Standard active safety tech includes forward-collision avoidance, driver attention warning and lane-keeping assist.

The Electrified G80 might be GenesisÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ first electric sedan, but it is so good that it shouldnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t be passed over by buyers or ignored by competing brands.

What you should know: 2023 Genesis Electrified G80

Type: All-wheel-drive full-size electric sedan

Motors (h.p.): Dual electric (365, net)

Transmission: Single speed controller

Market position: This electric sedan is one of several EVs that HyundaiÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s up-market division intends to launch before the end of the decade. The Electrified G80 joins the brandÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s recently arrived GV60 compact utility vehicle in GenesisÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™ EV stable.

Points: Design earns full marks for looking awesome. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ InteriorÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s luxury accoutrements are equal to, or surpass, the competition. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Front and rear electric motors produce plenty of torque. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Superior ride and handling qualities make for an enjoyable driving experience. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Battery range should be adequate for most drivers. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Genesis is now a worthy competitor to more established luxury peers.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); front and rear emergency braking (std.); inattentive-driver alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian warning (std.)

L/100 km (city/hwy): 2.2/2.6/2.4

Base price (incl. destination): $105,125

BY COMPARISON

Audi e-tron

  • Base price: $90,000
  • Hatchback and Sportback versions exude luxury. Max range is 364 kms.

Cadillac Lyriq (2023)

  • Base price: $70,000
  • EV hatchback offers single and dual motors with up to 500 kms of range.

Lexus RZ 450e (2023)

  • Base price: $70,000 (est.)
  • Dual-motor version of the Toyota bZ4X. Range estimate is 360 kms.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today! Like us on and follow us on



About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

Read more



(or

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥

) document.head.appendChild(flippScript); window.flippxp = window.flippxp || {run: []}; window.flippxp.run.push(function() { window.flippxp.registerSlot("#flipp-ux-slot-ssdaw212", "Black Press Media Standard", 1281409, [312035]); }); }