2023 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

An unforgettable luxury experience for passengers

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

The "Electrified" version of the 2023 Genesis G80 is the harbinger of things to come for this Korean manufacturer of ultra luxury sedans and SUVs. While Genesis will continue production of gasoline-fueled models through the end of 2025, they have announced that after that date, the company will produce only electric-powered vehicles. So how does the Electrified G80 stack up against the gasoline-engined version we drove earlier this year? If you did a blindfold comparison of both G80 models, you would have a very hard time differentiating twixt the two. From the outside, they look very much alike, with streamlined egg shaped fuselages, similar wheel designs, and clever use of LED light bars front and rear. From the inside, both interiors look alike, offering extraordinary comfort and fastidious attention to detail.

The deciding factor comes down to how much long-distance travel you intend to do with your G80. If your plans call for primarily local trips close to home, and you've got the capacity to install a Level 2 (240 Volt) home charging station, then the Electrified G80 will suffice and then some. When we received our test model, it had just been fully charged and was showing a luxuriant range of 325 miles. We managed a couple of 100-mile round trips during our week in the G80 and still managed to return it to Genesis with more than 100 miles of range still remaining. But if driving and travel plans call for frequent interstate travel to unfamiliar destinations, you will undoubtedly want to stick with the gas-fueled version, because you never know what kind of recharge mayhem awaits you at the end of a long day behind the wheel.

The G80 EV is quite an achievement in looks, luxury and especially acceleration. From a drag racing perspective, no gas-fueled car will ever beat an EV off the start line when the light turns green. Even though the 5,047lb. Electrified G80 weighs 552lbs. more than the 4495lb. gas-fueled G80, it scorches through the quarter mile speed traps noticeably quicker than the gas-fueled Genesis: with a 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds it beats the gas G80 by .6 of a second, and clears the standing start quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 106mph. Compare that to the gasser's 13.2 seconds at 107mph. But the Electrified model's notably heavier curb weight compromises its performance in the upper-speed ranges, where it takes 22.5 seconds to reach 130mph versus just 20.8 seconds for the gasoline-fed 3.5 liter V6 Turbo.

The extra weight of the Electrified G80 also makes its presence known in the braking department. In a panic stop from 70mph to 0, the much lighter V6Turbo requires just 170 feet to come to a complete stop versus 184 feet for the EV. In our daily driving we never had to perform any panic stops, but we did note an unpredictable brake pedal that left us in doubt about its exact engagement point. The V6Turbo G80 fills its under hood compartment with the usual plethora of internal combustion apparatus. But it came as something of a surprise to discover that Genesis has managed to usurp the Electrified G80's entire front trunk area with various EV black boxes and orange high voltage lines and couplings. So that leaves both models on a storage par, with just a rather cramped (13 cubic foot) rear trunk available for all your equipment or travel gear.

I enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the EV G80 thanks to its precise steering feedback and the excellent adhesion generated by its advanced electronically controlled suspension. Assisting the effort were ultra fat, staggered size Michelin Primacy Tour A/S radials (245/45R19 Front; 275/40R19 Rear).

But what I enjoyed even more than driving was being chauffeured as I lounged in the beautifully appointed back seat. The G80 provided an unforgettable luxury experience thanks to many thoughtful innovations. Top of the list was the fact that using buttons on the back of the unoccupied front seat, I could slide or tilt it to create stretch-out legroom for myself. Then there was the beautifully appointed flip-down center armrest, the phalanx of overhead reading lights activated by touch rather than button, plus a full HVAC control panel for temperature modulation. Finally, a button for rear seat occupants erects a back window privacy screen. Also provided were a pair of manually operated rear side window screens.

So if you decide to buy a G80 in the near future, bear in mind that you'll be going EV unless you act quickly to snap up one of the last gasoline-fueled versions of this pampering ride.

2023 GENESIS ELECTRIFIED G80 AWD

MOTOR: Permanent-Magnet Synchronous AC Front and Rear
COMBINED HORSEPOWER: 356hp
COMBINED TORQUE: 516lb.-ft.
COMBINED CITY/HIGHWAY FUEL ECONOMY: 97MPGe
DRIVING RANGE: 282 MILES

HYPES: Lyrically Lovely Interior

GRIPES: Looking for an Operative Recharge Station

STAR RATING: 8 Stars out of 10

©2023 David E Colman