2023 Genesis Electrified G80 Review By Larry Nutson Chicago The Car Guy

Editors Note: Genesis To Adopt Tesla Charging

2023 Genesis Electrified G80
Modern electric elegance

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Since launching in November 2015, Genesis has significantly boosted its global sales through the introduction of award-winning competitive models. In mid-September the brand announced that it had sold over 1 million vehicles in the global market, including nearly 700,000 in Korea and over 300,000 overseas as of the end of August 2023.

In the United States, Genesis has achieved over 225,000 cumulative sales as of August 2023. Worldwide, the Genesis G80 is the best-selling model in the brand’s vehicle lineup since its introduction in 2016. The Genesis G80 executive sedan was named Best Upper Midsize Premium Car for the third consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study.

From 2025, Genesis has said every model introduced will be purely electric, backed by plans to diversify its manufacturing plants for electric cars to meet the expanding global demand for electrification. Towards this objective, in 2022, the brand introduced its Electrified G80, the first Genesis EV sedan and second all-electric model, as the brand pursues a 100% electric lineup by 2030.

The exterior design inherits the thermal-engined (ICE-powered) G80’s design character with both sporty and elegant elements. With a long hood the prominent Crest Grille sits between double-lined Quad Lamp headlights. The two-line graphics extend beyond the headlamps, to front fender side market lights and into the rear fenders and the taillamps.

A profile parabolic line runs along the side through the top of the door ending at the short design rear deck. The fastback roofline is balanced with short overhangs, a wide stance, and 19-inch wheels.

The 5-seat interior is plenty roomy, although slightly reduced in a couple dimensions due to the under-floor battery pack. The low dashboard height and large glass area makes for clear sightlines and outward visibility. Slim air vents, a large central infotainment touch screen, low mounted HVAC controls and an uncluttered steering wheel provide an inviting and functional driving environment.

Another difference with the Electrified G80 compared to the gas-powered G80 is trunk capacity. Due to fitting the rear electric motor, the trunk is smaller at 10.8 cu.ft. versus 13.1 cu.ft. in the gas model.

The Electrified G80 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Ride and handling is comfortable, balanced and nicely compliant. Front and rear mounted 136 kW motors create powerful performance with a total 365-horsepower. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph is in just 4.9 seconds, according to Genesis.

Power is provided to the electric motors from a 87.2kWh/523V Lithium-ion Polymer battery. Using a AC Level 2, 240V / 48A charger the battery can be recharged from 10% to 100% in 7 hours and 22 minutes…simply, overnight. One point of emphasis: you won’t need to charge every night. You only need enough battery charge for your next day’s driving.

Rapid charging with a 350kW /800V DC Fast Charger needs only 22 minutes from 10% to 80% charge. The battery charging port is located in the upper portion of the front grille near the driver’s side. In collaboration with Electrify America, Genesis offers three years of 30-minute complimentary DCFC charging sessions from the date of vehicle purchase.

Charging rate and time estimate varies based on several factors, including current battery charge level, output of the charging unit, vehicle and battery settings and outside temperature. Noteworthy is the electric vehicle system has a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

EPA driving range rating, a combined 55% city/45% highway rating, is 282 miles on a full charge. Take note! Your actual driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, ambient temperature, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery pack age/condition, and other factors.

The EPA MPG equivalent ratings of 105 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway are telling in that BEVS perform best in lower speed, city driving. An interesting comparison is the fuel economy equivalent 97 MPGe combined rating to that of the gas-powered 2.5-L G80 AWD at 25 mpg combined. That’s just about a factor of four.

At 197 inches long, the Electrified G80 is easily maneuverable in congested cites, where a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) performs best. Remote Smart Parking Assist helps with getting into those tight parking spaces. Electrified G80 is equipped with a long list of collision warning, collision intervention, and driving control assistance features.

Also fitted on the Electrified G80 is Active Noise Control-Road, a noise-reduction feature that reduces the level of noise significantly by measuring and analyzing road noises and creating soundwaves of the opposite frequency simultaneously. As well, Electronic Control Suspension with Road Preview is an adaptive suspension system that can be controlled by information supplied through the front-facing camera, also helps to create an optimal, smooth driving experience.

2023 Electrified Genesis G80 is available in one, fully appointed configuration with a base MSRP of $79,825. Destination charge is $1,095. There’s also a $575 added charge for exterior paint color, no matter which. Or you can choose Verbier White Matte finish for $1,500.

The Electrified G80 is available at select retailers in 23 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Customers may contact their local retailer and visit www.genesis.com for more details.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has designated the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 as TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS.

The G80 Electrified is quite posh and will provide a good driving experience. However, your needs in your typical driving pattern must be considered in determining if a BEV is right for you. Charging is all important. Personally, I recommend the installation of a Level 2 charger at your residence. It’s key to having a good ownership experience. If you live in a cold climate it is best to be able to garage a BEV. If you can’t charge at home I don’t recommend a BEV at this point in time due to the somewhat limited public charging infrastructure. But, public charging availability will improve in the next 2 to 3 years.

The future is electric.

Happy motoring!