Genesis G80 Gets ‘Electrified’

BENTONVILLE, AR – Add the ’23 Genesis Electrified G80 to the short list of battery-electric vehicles that outdoes its specifications in real-world driving.

The second BEV in the Korean luxury brand’s stable, joining the GV60 CUV, the Electrified G80 (that’s the official name) travels 3.4 miles (5.5 km) per kWh during our 190-mile (306-km) drive through the winding roads of the Ozark Mountains near here.

At that rate, based on the capacity of the car’s 87.2-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and driving on a combination of country and mountain roads, city streets and a small amount of highway, the Electrified G80 tops its 282-mile (454-km) estimated range by 14 miles (23 km),

The Electrified G80 is powered by twin 136-kW motors, front and rear, producing 365 hp and 516 lb.-ft. (700 Nm) of torque driving all four wheels.

A treat when driving any electric car is the instant-at-any-speed torque, and the Electrified G80 doesn’t disappoint. The seamless acceleration in Comfort drive mode was strong; select the Sport mode and it becomes exciting. The i-Pedal or one-pedal driving, with three selectable levels of regeneration, makes it possible to do most driving without relying on the friction brakes.

The well-distributed weight and the staggered all-season tires, mounted on 19-in. multi-spoke aluminum wheels, provided ample grip, even when pushing corners to the limit. The all-wheel-drive system automatically senses grip, sending power front to rear and laterally. The electronically controlled suspension, with front-facing cameras reading road conditions, automatically controls the damping force of the suspension to provide for a smooth ride.

Wind and road noise are low, helped by the 0.26-cd, acoustic-laminated glass and sound-deadening insulation. The excellent Harman Lexicon audio system has road-noise control that, through a series of sensors and microphones, produces anti-noise frequencies that cancel exterior noise from reaching the cabin.

The exterior oozes class while the interior welcomes with supple quilted Nappa leather seats and eco-friendly natural fabrics and wood that seems to invite long, efficient drives. Driver comfort starts with the heated and ventilated front seats, 16-way power adjustments including side bolsters and thigh extensions.

UX features are top-notch as well, featuring an 8-in. (20-cm) color LCD instrument cluster and a 14.25-in. (36-cm) horizontal LCD touchscreen that controls navigation and the 1,050-watt, surround-sound 21-speaker system.

Rear-seat access was excellent, where 6-footers will find ample head and leg room from the sculpted heated seats. Trunk room, even with the rear seatback not folding, was ample.

As in the ’22 G80 gasoline-powered model on which the electric model is based, the Electrified G80 comes with an extensive list of standard safety features as well as full-range adaptive cruise control and lane keeping.

Using a 240V Level 2 home charger, the battery replenishes in 7.25 hours. For faster charging, owners can take advantage of the three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America stations, where an 800V 350-kW charger will take the battery from 10% to 80% state of charge in 22 minutes.

Built in Ulsan, South Korea, the Electrified G80 goes on sale late this year, limited to the California, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey markets.