Driving report: Genesis Electrified G80 (2022)

Genesis is in a hurry to become a purely electric brand. A few weeks after the mid-range SUV GV60, the Koreans are now showing the fully electrified G80.  

After the introduction of the battery-electric Genesis GV60, the electric version of the G80 sedan follows immediately. With it, the luxury brand from Hyundai is electrifying its range in the business class. The e-offshoot of the middle-class SUV GV70 is coming in the fall. Genesis aims to offer all new models exclusively with electric drive from 2025.

The Drive portfolio of the G80 previously included a diesel with 154 kW/210 hp and a petrol engine with 224 kW/304 hp. Now comes the 69.200-euro Stromer. Of course, it uses the electrical components of the Hyundai Group. Among other things, the electric G80 has 800 volt charging technology, an important point for the target group that drives a lot. The recharging of the 87,2 kWh energy store, which theoretically enables a range of up to 520 kilometers, from 10 to 80 percent via the opening in the front of the radiator grille should take place at a fast charging station be possible in just under 22 minutes. A single coffee at the charging stop can be enough, says Genesis. If you find a coffee shop at the charging station, it is better to enjoy a large mug than an espresso when charging.

Two electric motors, each with an output of 136 kW/185 hp, are placed on the front and rear axles and thus enable all-wheel drive. The system output is 272 kW/370 hp and 700 Nm. This means that the sedan is very well motorized. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4,9 seconds top speed is given as 225 km/h. However, most drivers are likely to have the increased consumption and thus the rapidly decreasing range in their heads and are disciplining themselves in terms of speed. Speaking of consumption: Genesis specifies 19,1 kWh. And that's not unrealistic. During the first test drives around Frankfurt and in the Taunus on motorways and country roads, which were very relaxed due to the heavy traffic, the on-board computer showed values ​​of around 20 kWh. Striking: the calm on board; The reason for this is a well-functioning driving noise suppression.  

Of course, there is also the option of selecting the "Sport" driving mode and maxing out the maximum speed or driving through winding terrain. Not only is there a more direct power output, the dampers and steering are also sharpened. In Eco mode, for example for city traffic or gentle cruising on country roads, the system setting is on Efficiency aligned. As is so often the case with this Genesis model, a good compromise is the "Normal" setting.

The occupants have to make few compromises. As with the conventionally powered sedan, the 5 meter long vehicle with its 3 meter wheelbase offers plenty of space for the passengers. However, they have to restrict themselves when it comes to taking luggage with them. The trunk holds only 354 liters. The interior is dignified, as is typical for the class, and is clearly designed more conservatively than hip. Following the trend of the time, the headlining and floor mats are partly made from recycled PET and nylon yarn, the decor from recycled pieces of wood from furniture production. The infotainment system with a 14,5-inch screen is also contemporary. It offers the usual class functions and can be moved to work via voice control, a rotary pushbutton and touch. The system does its job well, but has to admit defeat to the MBUX reference system from Mercedes in terms of speed and operating logic.  

Visually, the Electrified G80 does not differ noticeably from its diesel and petrol counterparts. Here and there, the huge radiator grille dominates, flanked by two LED lights on each side. The standard 19-inch model is only available for the E variant, as is the exterior color "Deep Metallic Matira Blue" (surcharge: 1.300 euros), the digital instruments also have special E displays. The usual assistants are on board.

It drives from the factory Electrified G80 already quite well equipped. But the price list lures with all sorts of extras that are put together in packages and including leather, an extended range of assistants, three-zone automatic air conditioning, a solar roof for more range or a driver's seat massage function Offer. If you tick all the extras, the basic price increases by almost 20.000 euros. The “Vehicle to load” function is available for a relatively cheap 290 euros. External devices such as a coffee machine can be operated via the battery. Practical if there is no big black person at the charging station. 

By the way: Drinking it at the dealer is currently almost impossible. Prospective buyers can currently only look at vehicles in Munich, Zurich or London. Genesis relies on personal assistants who take the car to the customer for a test drive and then pick it up and bring it back to the customer after the purchase for maintenance or workshop visits.

Elfriede Munsch / SP-X

Genesis Electrified G80 Specifications:
Four-door, five-seat upper midsize sedan; Length: 5,05 meters, width: 1,93 meters, height: 1,47 meters, wheelbase: 3,01 meters, trunk volume: 354 liters
Drive: 2 electric motors, each with 136 kW/185 hp, system output: 272 kW/370 hp, maximum torque: 700 Nm, all-wheel drive, automatic, battery capacity: 87,2 kWh, 0-100 km/h: 4,9 s , Vmax: 225 km/h, range (WLTP): 520 km

Charging times: 22 minutes (DC, 350 kW/200A/800V, 10-80%), 67 minutes (DC, 50 kW/125 A/400V, 10-80%), 7 hours/30 minutes (AC, 11 kW, 16A, 230V, 10-phase, 100-37%), 12 hrs (230A, 10V, 100-XNUMX%, XNUMX-phase),
Energy consumption (WLTP): 19,1 kWh/100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, emission standard: Euro 6d
Price: € 69.200  
(before deducting the innovation premium of 7.975 euros)

Genesis Electrified G80 – Brief Characteristics
Why: fast charging, good facilities, pleasant atmosphere  
Why not: one size smaller will do, no direct dealer contact
What else: Mercedes EQE, Tesla Model S
When is he coming: as of now