Genesis Electrified G80 review

Genesis Electrified G80 verdict

The Genesis Electrified G80 doesn’t exactly revolutionise the premium electric saloon car market, but it’s nevertheless a well-rounded package that’ll appeal to those who favour comfort above all else. Virtually silent on the move, the G80’s leather-wrapped cabin is a delightful place to spend time in, and while the technology on offer can’t quite match that of rivals, it’s more than sufficient and the optional 3D dials are a nice party piece. A range of over 300 miles, while still great, is just part and parcel in this class of car, but ultra-fast 233kW charging is a more than welcome addition that makes longer journeys a breeze. Other than a tight boot, the only real drawback of the G80 is its badge which shouldn’t be a deterrent given the five-year warranty Genesis offers on all of its models.

Details, specs and alternatives

Ask someone what “Genesis” is and most people will probably either mention something along the lines of books or rock bands. That’s not quite what Hyundai hopes you’ll say, however, as Genesis is the Korean maker’s luxury arm which, despite only launching in the UK back in 2021, already offers three electric cars – with even more in the pipeline.

The Genesis Electrified G80 is, as its name suggests, an electric version of the brand’s G80 executive saloon. Starting at just under £70,000 it's pretty expensive, but crucially the G80 undercuts many of its big-name premium EV rivals such as the Mercedes EQE, Audi e-tron GT and the new BMW i5.

Unlike the smaller Genesis GV60 SUV which shares its bespoke EV parts with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the Electrified G80 sits on the same platform as its petrol equivalent. While this comes at the compromise of practicality – more on that later – the Electrified G80 does at least boast the same 800-volt architecture as its GV60 sibling, meaning you can top up the battery from 10-80% in as little as 22 minutes if you manage to find a quick enough public rapid charger.

Speaking of the Genesis Electrified G80’s battery, there’s only one option available: an 87kWh unit that, according to Genesis, offers a range of up to 323 miles on a single charge. During our time driving the car, we easily averaged three miles per kWh, which translates to a range of just over 260 miles – that’s quite a bit off Genesis’ claimed figure, although we suspect those with a lighter right foot may be able to get a little closer.

All electric Genesis G80 models come with a pair of electric motors that combine to provide four-wheel-drive grip, as well as an output of 359bhp. A five-second 0-62mph isn’t exactly Tesla Model S-quick, but progress is undeniably swift, with enough power to occasionally spin the wheels when you floor the accelerator. 

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The theme of simplicity continues to trim levels as, once again, there’s only one: ‘Luxury’. Standard equipment is incredibly comprehensive, with all cars getting 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear LED lights, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated seats and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. There are many options, though: our car came with both the £3,840 Innovation Pack (adding remote parking, surround-view cameras and motorway driving assistance) and the £1,170 Convenience Pack (adding a powered tailgate, rear climate control and a heated leather steering wheel).

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It also had the £4,600 Comfort and Executive Pack, adding soft-close doors, curtain blinds and laminated rear glass, plus a £1,360 a solar roof that can add some charge to the battery when you’re driving in clear weather (albeit not enough to avoid having to charge normally). All that helped push the asking price north of £80,000. A hefty amount – but the G80’s quality and driving experience feel worth it.

Up to 60mph or so, it’s pretty much silent, with only one-off noises like a slight wiper squeak or the rumble from driving over cats’ eyes evident in the cabin. The ride is somewhat firm, but is never uncomfortable – quite the contrary, actually – while the steering is nicely-weighted, adding to the overall feeling of confidence the G80 provides. We wouldn’t say it’s much fun, though – a Porsche Taycan not only feels faster in a straight line, but also more taut and nimble on a twisty road.

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Around town, the Genesis’ regenerative braking system is top-notch, allowing for one-pedal driving with ease in most situations. There’s no disguising its five-metre length, though, and there’s no rear-wheel-steering system to help with low-speed manoeuvres, like you’ll find in some rivals. Visibility is decent, however.

Inside, the Genesis Electrified G80 is beautifully appointed, with all cars getting full leather upholstery and the option to upgrade to sumptuous quilted Nappa leather (around £2,500). We especially like the digitised climate controls and we’re glad the G80 doesn’t get the GV60’s electrically revolving crystal ball of a gear selector which looks like it should be hanging from the ceiling in Elton John’s foyer and will likely break after a few years.

Regardless, Genesis should be proud of the fact that its build quality is easily able to match the likes of its Mercedes-Benz rival, with almost every element of the G80 feeling solidly built – it’s no surprise that it comes with a five-year warranty.

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The G80’s 14.5-inch infotainment system might not have the wow-factor of Merc’s Hyperscreen, but it’s less distracting and comes as standard with sat nav, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It responds pretty quickly to your inputs, but we feel it’s slightly too far away to use comfortably while driving. The optional 3D digital dials, while certainly snazzy, could do with a bit more configurability, too.

It’s a pity the Genesis G80’s generous exterior dimensions don’t translate to lots of space for rear passengers. While legroom in the back is fine, taller passengers will feel at risk of brushing the roof – something that doesn’t happen in the large premium electric SUVs that many customers at this price point may also be considering. There’s less boot space in the Electrified G80 than the petrol model, too – the 354-litre total is less than a VW Golf’s and crucially, less than the 430 litres on offer in the equivalent Mercedes EQE.