By Paul Herrold
When an auto company plans to build an all-new electric vehicle, it can do it one of two ways: Start with a clean slate and design a vehicle from scratch, or use an existing gasoline car in their product line and convert it into an EV. In the case of Genesis The G80 — already an excellent sedan — the company decided to follow the latter, ditching the internal combustion engine and replacing it with two electric motors (one powering the front wheels and one providing power). capacity for the rear wheel) and lots of batteries. But would going electric make the G80 even better? In a word – yes.
G80 Electric Review
Although it sounds relatively simple, switching from a gasoline engine to an electric motor is quite complicated. The hardest part is the packaging: taking out an engine from the front of the car and then adding an electric motor and a large battery pack takes creativity — and the results aren't always ideal. For example, the electrified version of the G80 has slightly less interior volume and reduced trunk space due to battery placement; you'd probably never notice it unless you saw both cars side by side, but the differences still exist. Next hurdle? Chassis dynamics. Not only does the EV battery make the Electrified G80 heavier than the gas-powered version, but that extra weight is also placed in different areas of the vehicle. Everything from the suspension, steering, brakes and tires had to be recalibrated and adjusted. However, it is these subtle changes that create the outstanding driving experience of the Electrified G80.
Producing 365 horsepower, the Electrified G80 is actually rated 10 horsepower lower than the 375 horsepower of its turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 gasoline sibling. But it's the torque—that powerful “start and go” feeling that leaves a more lasting impression. Although the V6 gas engine has a healthy 391 pound-feet of power, it can't match the Electrified's 516 pound-feet of torque, which is capable of 0-60 mph in just 4.1 second. The ride in the Electrified G80 is as smooth as a luxury car: the suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps—you're aware of bumps in the road; you just don't really feel them. There is no engine sound, the car runs very smoothly, with only a little wind noise coming through the glass. The steering feels light to the touch, but inputs are quick and precise thanks to the standard rear-wheel-drive steering system. Overall, the car is very comfortable and feels good on the road — you can drive for hours at a time.
The materials inside are top-notch – just like Genesis told its designers to come up with something beautiful first and don't worry about cost. Wood and leather tones, metallic controls and the organic flow of the dashboard to the doors all combine to welcome the driver and passengers with a luxurious atmosphere. The exterior design is equally impressive, featuring a balance of curves and folds that combine to form a familiar yet distinct shape. Call it “understated luxury,” where there's enough style to stand out without demanding too much attention.
With a range of up to 282 miles, the Electrified G80 uses Hyundai's latest 800-volt EV architecture, delivering the fastest charging times available. Using a 350 kW DC ultra-fast charger, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. Unfortunately, there are very few 350 kW chargers on the road today, but that is changing as more and more charging stations are added. Pricing for the Genesis Electrified G80 starts with the “Advance” package at $75,625 (including destination), which has almost every feature you can think of. The optional $4,750 “Prestige” package adds even more amenities including upgraded Nappa leather, three-zone climate control, a power rear sunshade, and a full digital gauge display. Full 12.3 inches of stunning 3D.
With the continued dominance of the crossover model finding its way into more and more American garages every year, it's refreshing to see that Genesis still has faith in the car — enough faith that they doubled down and transformed the vehicle. That became an electric car. Putting aside some visual differences between the EV and the gas-powered G80, both versions are perfect cars; However, if you're looking for that pure luxury car experience, just one drive of the Genesis Electrified G80 will tell you all you need to know—it's simply the better car.
2023 Genesis G80 electrified: Test drive
Editor's note: Except for price, the Genesis G80 Electrified is unchanged through 2024.
Paul is the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper Son of speedand is a regular guest on Car podcasts
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2023 Genesis G80 electrified
2023 Genesis G80 electrified
2023 Genesis G80 electrified
2023 Genesis G80 electrified
G80 Electric Review
