The striking G80 design gets a few subtle tweaks for the electric version.
EXPERT RATING
8.3
Genesis is going all-in on EVs and the second electric model to launch is the Electrified G80 sedan. Could this big limo be a genuine competitor to the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQE?
In fully electric guise, it has fewer rivals and sits in a declining market segment of big sedans. At a tick under $150K, it’s also the priciest Genesis model money can buy.
Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10
The G80 range has expanded to three variants now that the Electrified model has arrived. Following the demise of the short-lived diesel, there are two petrol grades - a four-cylinder 2.5T from $85,191, before on-road costs, and a V6 3.5T at $101,191.
If you are after the electric version - called the Electrified G80 - you’re up for a significant amount more, because it costs $145,000 before on-roads. That’s a near $45K jump from G80 V6 to electric.
Inside the G80 is a 14.5-inch capacitive multimedia touchscreen.
At the moment, there are few direct rivals for the G80 EV. In the same segment, the Porsche Taycan starts from $158,100 for the rear-wheel drive entry grade.
BMW is yet to offer an electric sedan of that size, although the 3 Series-sizedi4 ranges from $99,900-$129,900.
Mercedes-Benz will soon have the EQE to compete with G80, but pricing is yet to be confirmed. Our best bet is north of $200,000 for the sportyAMG-fettled version. And of course there is the Tesla Model S, but that’s on hold until the updated version eventually goes on sale.
While the G80 is now the most expensive Korean car available in Australia, the good news is that it is packed with standard gear.
As well as a long list of safety features (see below), the Electrified G80 comes with three-zone climate control, soft-closing doors, hands-free power boot opening, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, 18-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage function, 12-way power adjustable front passenger seat, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
The current Genesis exterior design direction found on all of its models has proven to be a winner for the brand. It is unique, striking and immediately identifies a model as a Genesis.
The second-generation G80 might well be the most visually arresting of all the Genesis models. It’s a long car but the proportions are just right and the split head and tail-light treatment is spot on.
The car I drove was bathed in the 'Matira Blue' hue that is exclusive to the Electrified G80. It's a beautiful colour that has a green tinge to it.
The car I drove was bathed in the 'Matira Blue.'
'Matira Blue' is a beautiful colour that has a green tinge to it.
This colour is exclusive to the Electrified G80.
The key difference between the design of the petrol G80 and electric version is the closed off grille that hides a charging port, and the lack of tailpipes.
Inside, the cabin design is best described as restrained, with horizontal lines hiding the air vents, high-end materials throughout, and a minimal use of buttons. It’s a much more conservative approach than the edgy GV60 cabin, with heavy use of wood grain panels and brushed chrome elements.
The more traditional vibe works for a large sedan and it feels undeniably premium.
How practical is the space inside? 7/10
Given the G80’s five-metre length, it’s no surprise there’s plenty of space inside the big sedan.
Up front the controls are clearly laid out and the buttons feel high quality.
The gear shifting dial is becoming more common these days and while I prefer a traditional shifter, it works here.
The Genesis quilted Nappa leather seats are plush and they have an appropriate amount of bolstering. They also have a massage function that comes on while driving to keep you refreshed.
It lacks toe room because of all the electrics in the front seats.
The plush bucket outboard seats provide exceptional comfort levels, but the centre seat is an afterthought.
In terms of storage, tall bottles might not fit in the doors but there’s a generous central bin and other nooks and cupholders with covers.
The adjustable digital instrument cluster does well to provide clear information without overwhelming the driver with too much information.
Likewise, the multimedia system in the current crop of Genesis models is easy to use, modern and packed with useful features and information.
A lot of people will spend at least some of their time in the rear, being ferried around. And in the Electrified G80, that’s a lovely place to be.
It lacks toe room because of all the electrics in the front seats, but I found acres of legroom behind my 183cm (six foot) driving position, as well as decent headroom.
On the rear of the front seats, there are 9.2-inch digital screens.
The plush bucket outboard seats provide exceptional comfort levels, but the centre seat is an afterthought - best to think of this as a four-seater.
The centre backrest folds down to reveal a number of controls for the audio and twin 9.2-inch digital screens housed on the rear of the front seats, a large storage compartment, cupholders and an armrest.
Air con is controlled back there via a digital panel on the rear of the console and it has knee-level vents. Storage in the doors is for smaller bottles. The G80 has ISOFIX points on the outboard seats and top tethers for all rear seats.
For more rear-seat privacy you’ll find manual blinds and a power rear windscreen sunshade, while the outboard seats are heated.
There is 354 litres (VDA) of boot space available.
The rear seats do not fold down at all but there is a central ski port.
Open the power-operated hands-free boot and there’s just 354 litres (VDA) of space available, which is down on the 424 litres of the G80 petrol models. The electric architecture has clearly eaten into the boot space.
It’s also not as big as the boot in the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE (430L).
The charging cables are hidden under the boot floor and instead of a spare wheel, there’s a tyre repair kit.
What are the key stats for the motor and transmission? 9/10
The Electrified G80 has a pure electric drivetrain consisting of two motors - one on the front and another on the rear axle - making for a combined output of 272kW of power and 700Nm of torque. The twin motors makes for all-wheel drive traction.
The capacity of the lithium-ion battery is 87.2kWh and the G80 can complete the 0-100km/h dash in a rather quick 4.9 seconds.
It has regenerative braking and ‘i-Pedal’ mode allowing for one-pedal driving. Other drive modes include 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and ‘My’ custom mode.
The Electrified G80 has a pure electric drivetrain consisting of two motors.
How much energy does it consume? 8/10
The G80 has a driving range on the WLTP cycle of a healthy 520km. It’s far off the Mercedes-Benz EQE’s claimed 660km range, but it’s more than the Porsche Taycan’s (with Performance Battery Plus optioned) 434km.
Genesis claims the G80’s energy consumption is rated at 19.1kHh/100km which is exactly the same as the GV60 Performance AWD.
It has a charging capacity of 350kW and a Type 2 port housed in the front grille.
Charging with a regular household socket will take a lengthy 39 hours, but plugged into an ultra-rapid charger it’ll charge from 10-80 per cent in 22 minutes.
Like the GV60, the Electrified G80 has vehicle-to-load charging, meaning you can use the included adapter to charge some household items, or you can even give charge to another EV that’s run out of juice. Very cool tech.
What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating? 8/10
The G80 is yet to be crash tested by ANCAP, but it includes a long list of standard safety gear.
Safety features include blind spot monitor and rear and side collision avoidance and much more.
Features include blind spot monitor and rear and side collision avoidance, driver attention warning, auto emergency braking with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning/crossing function and lane change oncoming and side assist, lane keeping aid, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, a tyre pressure monitor, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and a front centre airbag (among a suite of 10).
Warranty & Safety Rating
Basic Warranty
5 years / unlimited km
warranty
ANCAP Safety Rating
What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered? 9/10
Genesis is not playing around when it comes to luring buyers with ownership perks, and it starts with servicing.
Like the GV60, the Electrified G80 is covered by five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, while the EV battery is covered for eight years/unlimited kilometres.
Servicing is complimentary for the first five years of owning the Electrified G80.
You’ll need to bring the electric sedan in for a service every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The best part is that servicing is complimentary for the first five years of ownership.
After that time is up, the servicing ranges in price from $280 in the seventh year up to a maximum of $1556 in the eighth year.
Someone from Genesis will collect your car for a service, if you live close enough, and you get a free courtesy car when your G80 is being serviced, if it’s your first Genesis model.
What's it like to drive? 8/10
I have not had a chance to drive the petrol-powered G80 so this was my first time behind the wheel of the second-gen large sedan.
I had a feeling performance from the EV would be impressive, based purely on the powertrain specs and figures, but it’s quite something else to experience on the road.
The G80 is a big car. It weighs in at a hefty 2325kg (tare weight) and it measures a tick over five metres long. But somehow, it feels like a much smaller, lighter car on the road - especially on the twisty stuff.
In a straight line the G80’s acceleration is impressive, and while it doesn’t have the 'Boost' mode of the GV60, it doesn't need it. Again, 0-100km/h is done and dusted in under five seconds.
The G80 weighs in at a hefty 2325kg (tare weight) and it measures a tick over five metres long.
But it was on some tight, winding mountain roads of our launch drive where the G80 revealed its party trick. These roads can be tricky, even in a small hatch, but this big electric barge carved through the tightest of bends with ease.
It has a wafty quality to it, but still manages to remain planted to the road.
The steering is razor sharp and the chassis remains flat in corners, ensuring no noticeable body roll and a road holding ability that is unexpected. The road was wet, too, so the level of grip from the tyres was impressive.
Who would have thought the more dynamically engaging model at this Genesis EV launch would be the G80, not the GV60? Not me. But it is.
The steering is razor sharp and the chassis remains flat in corners.
It’s whisper quiet in the cabin, with only coarse chip roads noticeable, making for a hushed urban cruiser.
The ride quality is a little confusing, in a similar way to the GV60. The G80 handles pot holes without fuss, but at other times the ride feels busy.
The G80 comes standard with the Genesis ‘Road-Preview Electronic Control Suspension’ system, which uses cameras to detect potholes and speed bumps to then adjust the damping force of each wheel and moderate the ride.
My take out is that it does this well with more visible elements on the road like potholes, but misses less obvious corrugations that can unsettle the ride. It’s a good set-up, but clearly needs work. Aside from that, it’s hard to fault the G80 from behind the wheel.
Verdict
There’s no denying the Genesis G80, at $145,000, is pricey. Without a Tesla Model S on sale, and without pricing for the Mercedes EQE, it’s hard to compare. But there is nothing missing from the G80’s standard features list, so there is a level of value in this premium space that’s hard to beat.
The G80 is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It is a striking large electric executive sedan, perfect for urban duties, but find a twisty bit of road and it’s an undercover sports car.
Genesis might be a new, and still small brand, but models like the Electrified G80 should give all of its premium rivals a few reasons to be worried.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
