Genesis G80 Electrified is as its name suggests an electrified version of Genesis’
large G80 luxury sedan.
But it is a conversion rather than a dedicated EV, evidenced by the blanked-out
radiator grille.
G80 is popular with hire car drivers because it offers plenty of splash for relatively
little cash. However, with a small boot and tight rear seat the electrified version may
not be quite as appealing.
STYLING
G80 is a big, impressive-looking car that radiates quality. It sits a shade over 5.0
metres at 5005mm, with a wheelbase of 3010mm. It’s wide too, at 1925mm and
stands 1467mm high.
The raked, fastback design is appealing and in the electrified version features a
blanked-out version of the signature Crest grille with G-Matrix pattern, with two-stripe
quad matrix headlights.
There are three models from which to choose, two petrol and one electric version:
2.5T 2WD, priced from $87,200, 3.5T Luxury AWD, from $116,200 and Electrified,
from $147,000 – all before on-road costs.
When you buy a Genesis G80 Electrified, you also get the choice of five years of free
charging via public infrastructure, or the option of a free home charger.
There’s only one option, matte or premium paint for $2000.
A choice of 11 exterior colours is offered, 10 shared with G80 2.5T and 3.5T – plus
an exclusive hue called Matira Blue.
Named after the beach of the same name, Matira Blue uses a special pigment that
changes colour from different angles – from cobalt to emerald-blue and turquoise.
Our test vehicle, G80 Electrified, was finished in this colour which looks like a
sparkling metallic green in full sunlight, but almost becomes black in deep shade or
at night.
The glass roof is divided into two sections which look like they could be solar panels
(and we later learned that is indeed what they are).
The interior features three-zone climate air and is finished in a combination of
tobacco brown and this weird, matte, flowery pastel design for the surrounds with
suede for the headlining, pillars and rear shelf along with touches of stainless steel.
The interior design is apparently inspired by Korean architectural philosophy that
emphasises the ‘Beauty of White Space’, to create a serene and luxurious
experience for occupants.
It is available with Obsidian Black, Havana Brown, Forest Blue and an Electrified-
exclusive Glacier White interior colours, each featuring a bespoke quilted pattern for
the Nappa leather seats.
In line with Genesis’ commitment to sustainable mobility, G80 Electrified uses low
environmental impact natural and recycled materials throughout the cabin.
These include leather that utilises natural dye for the seats, console and rear seat
armrests, an eco-friendly ‘forged wood’ garnish made from recycled birch wood from
the furniture manufacturing process, and environmentally friendly fabric made from
recycled PET.
The rule of fives applies to after sales care, with a five-year unlimited kilometre
warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year complimentary servicing with
pickup and drop off.
INFOTAINMENT
Infotainment comes in the form of a long thin 14.5-inch touchscreen, operated by
touch or via a console-mounted touch controller.
With the map displayed full screen it looks and is designed to accommodate an
information panel to one side.
The system features Augmented Reality (AR) navigation, 12.0-inch Head-Up Display
(HUD) and a 12.3-inch Genesis 3D instrument cluster, Genesis Integrated Controller
w/handwriting shortcut, AM/FM/DAB+ w/ RDS, wired Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto and 21-speaker Lexicon premium audio and Active Sound Design (ASD).
Touch is a stretch, but the controller is a little tricky to master and we were not able
to locate our favourite radio station.
There’s also two 9.2-inch touchscreen hanging off the back of the front seats for the
use of rear seat occupants.
Each screen is independent, allowing custom content to be displayed.
Dual 3.5mm headphone jacks and USB audio/video input located on rear centre
armrest compartment.
Additional features include wireless Qi smartphone charging, 12-way power-adjust
heated and ventilated front seats, power boot lid and a panoramic sunroof.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
G80 Electrified is offered with a single battery-electric, all-wheel drive powertrain that
delivers 272kW of power and 700Nm of torque, with a 136kW/350Nm electric motor
front and rear.
SAFETY
G80 Electrified scores five stars for safety.
The safety package is extensive, starting with 10 airbags, including centre bags
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) provides Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist detection
(FCA – Car/Ped/Cyc), Junction Turning/Junction Crossing function (FCA – JT/JC),
Lane-Change Oncoming/Lane-Change Side function (FCA – LO/LS) and Evasive
Steering Assist function (FCA w/ ESA).
Smart Cruise Control (SCC) offers Stop & Go function (SCC w/ S&G) plus Machine
Learning function (SCC w/ ML).
The system combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Smart Cruise Control (SCC) to
learn driver patterns and habits, tailoring acceleration and following-distance.
DRIVING
It’s an impressive looking thing. But for a big car interior space is far from expansive.
While Dr Who’s TARDIS is bigger inside than out, the futuristic G80 Electrified is
exactly the opposite – larger outside than in.
A wide centre console separates driver and front passenger creating a narrow
seating position.
Front legroom is okay, but in either direction there’s not a lot of room to move.
The seating position reminds us of the 1999 Jaguar S-Type which had a similarly
tight driving position.
The situation is worse for rear seat passengers with a low roofline and elevated back
seat that makes entry and exit challenging, with little room for head and knees once
ensconced.
With an 87.2kWh battery, energy consumption is a claimed 19.1kWh/100km with a
maximum driving range of 520km based on the newer WLTP testing protocol.
The solar roof system helps to recharge the batteries and avoids the battery from
going flat when the car is parked for long periods.
Depending on the location, weather conditions and time of year, it can add around
0.7kWh of energy in a day which translates to an extra 3km of range.
It’s not to be sneezed at because over the course of a year that can add up to
266.5kWh and an extra 1150 free kilometres.
Performance is typically EV, quick out of the blocks and emphatic, belying its 2325kg
heft.
The dash from 0 to 100km/h takes 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 225km/h.
Riding on 19-inch wheels with chunky rubber and a low centre of gravity, it has a
planted, big car feel and goes ‘ker-thump’ over bumps and potholes in the road,
retaining its composure at all times.
A Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) can separate or connect the motor and drive
shaft according to driving conditions, including vehicle speed and driving mode.
The system lets G80 seamlessly switch between RWD and AWD to maximise
efficiency.
G80 Electrified features a 400V/800V multi rapid-charging system that lets
customers plug into a range of charging infrastructures.
The driving motor and inverter can boost the voltage from 400V to 800V – the optimal
level for the system – for stable charging performance.
The charge port is located conveniently at the front of the car, hidden behind a door
in the grille.
Plugged into a 350kW rapid charger, Electrified G80 can charge its battery from 10
to 80 percent in as little as 22 minutes.
A V2L (Vehicle-To-Load) feature allows households to draw power from the car if
needed, with household-grade 3.6kW output). With four sensors and six
microphones, Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R) reduces road noise by generating
sounds of the opposite phase like headphones.
Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Pre-view ECS), with information supplied
from the front camera and navigation system, also helps to create the optimum
driving experience.
A world-first, stereoscopic 3D instrument cluster uses a camera that recognises the
driver’s eyes to present the display in 3D, with three themes that can be selected
individually.
Augmented navigation uses the Surround View camera, the windscreen camera and
front radar along with navigation data to form AR view navigation.
SUMMING UP
Yeah, nah. As much as we like the G80 Electrified it in principle, we just couldn’t live
with it. Cramming the batteries and a second motor into a chassis designed to
accept a single petrol engine is too much of a compromise. Give us the same set up
in a dedicated roomier SUV and we’re good to go though.
RATINGS
Looks: 7.5/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8.5/10
Thirst: 7.5/10
Practicality: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Overall: 7.4/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Genesis G80 2.5T RWD, priced from $87,200
Genesis G80 3.5T AWD, priced from $116,200
Genesis G80 Electrified, priced from $147,000
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact
Genesis for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Genesis G80 Electrified, Twin electric motors, Single speed
reduction gear, AWD)
ENGINE:
Battery: 87.2kWh
Configuration: 2 x 136kW electric motors
Maximum Power: 272 kW
Maximum Torque: 700 Nm
Fuel Type: Electric
Energy consumption: 19.1kWh/100km
Range: 520km (WLTP)
CO2 Emissions: N/A
DRIVELINE: Single speed reduction gear, all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5005 mm
Wheelbase: 3010 mm
Width: 1925 mm
Height: 1495 mm
Turning Circle: 11.64 metres
Kerb Mass: 2325 kg
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated discs
Rear: Ventilated discs
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
