The 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 starts at $81,495 in the United States and at $105,000 in Canada, freight and delivery charges included.
Seductive design, luxurious cabin, surprisingly energy-efficient.
Ride quality could be smoother, low rear-seat cushions, not a bargain.
As these lines are being written, there are few fully electric luxury sedans on the North American market, and even fewer midsize and full-size models to choose from. However, that short list includes the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80.
The electric midsizer is sold alongside a gasoline-powered Genesis G80 equivalent, and only a sharp eye might distinguish them on the road. The differences are subtle, but the most obvious one is the Electrified G80’s faux-grille up front, which neatly conceals the charge port door, while the lower bumper vent is narrower. At the rear, the EV’s bumper isn’t punctured by exhaust outlets. There’s a different set of 19-inch alloy wheels and some exclusive paint colours, but that’s about it.
The 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 measures up against the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, the newly revealed BMW i5 and, of course, the Tesla Model S. There’s also the Volvo S90 Recharge, but that’s a plug-in hybrid, not a fully electric sedan.
The Electrified G80 is equipped with two electric motors, one at the front and another at the rear, featuring the same output. Together, they produce 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, feeding all four wheels, suiting the Northern U.S. and Canada very well with all-weather traction. With so much instantly available torque, the Electrified G80 has no problem getting up to 60 mph or 100 km/h in about five seconds, despite the sedan’s 5,038-pound or 2,285-kg mass.
The 87.2 kWh battery pack provides a driving range of 282 miles or 454 kilometres on a single charge, while the 800-volt system can reach charging speeds of up to 350 kW on a compatible fast charger. The on-board Level 2 charger is rated at 10.9 kW, resulting in a nine-hour wait to fully charge the battery pack.
As for energy efficiency, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80’s city/highway/combined ratings are set at 32.0/38.0/34.9 kWh/100 miles, or 19.9/23.6/21.7 kWh/100 km. That’s better than what the EQE 350 4MATIC can manage (combined 38.9 kWh/100 miles or 24.2 kWh/100 km), but not as good as the amazingly efficient Model S (combined 28.2 kWh/100 miles or 17.5 kWh/100 km). However, during our test of the Genesis, we ended up with an excellent overall average of 28.8 kWh/100 miles or 17.9 kWh/100 km. With some eco-driving efforts, it’s possible to beat the official ratings.
Like its direct rivals, the Electrified G80 serves up a touch of sportiness, but it’s more adept at being a road-trip luxo cruiser, cosseting its occupants in sumptuous leather upholstery and insulating them in a quiet and serene atmosphere. However, ride comfort isn’t as smooth as we were expecting, which may be the sedan’s biggest shortcoming. The EQE soaks up road imperfections with greater poise, thanks to its air suspension, while the G80 rides on simpler adaptive dampers. Not that it really matters, but Genesis offers no equivalent to the performance-focused Mercedes-AMG EQE and the Tesla Model S Plaid.
As is the case with the brand’s other products, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 boasts an impressively crafted interior, with dazzling Nappa leather seat upholstery, impeccable levels of fit and finish, and solid switchgear feel. The sole interior design faux-pas in our test car, decked out in the Dark Green/Glacier White scheme, is the wood trim that looks like a melamine kitchen countertop.
There’s plenty of space front and rear, although from a comfort standpoint, the front seats lack overall support, despite the 16-way driver and 12-way front passenger power adjustments. They are heated and ventilated though. Rear-seat occupants will enjoy the generous amount of legroom, but won’t be thrilled by the rather low cushions, resulting in them riding with their knees awkwardly high. Well, higher than expected at least. Trunk volume is limited to 10.8 cubic feet or 305 litres due to the battery pack, while the regular G80 gets a 13.1 cubic-foot or 371-litre trunk.
Aside from the gear selector and infotainment system rotary dials that should be interchanged for better usability, the control layout is ergonomic, with redundant buttons on the center stack for quick access to the system’s main menus. Said system is loaded with features presented on a crisp, wide touchscreen. The 21-speaker Lexicon surround sound system is pure bliss. The Electrified G80 also includes niceties such as soft-close doors, a power rear window sunshade, heated rear seats and rear-seat climate control, and much more.
There’s only one trim level and it’s obviously fully equipped, meaning the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80’s starting price checks in at $81,495 in the United States and at $105,000 in Canada. That’s an audacious strategy, given that the EQE 350 4MATIC starts at $70,050 USD and $89,195 CAD, while the EQE 500 is listed at $87,050 USD and $98,595 CAD. Meanwhile, the Model S starts at $80,130 USD and $110,870 CAD this week. Apparently, Genesis has no inferiority complex against Benz and Tesla, and selling their sedan at a bargain price would give the impression that the electric G80 is uncompetitive. Of course, Genesis also offers a concierge service that picks up the vehicle when it’s time for maintenance.
Stylish, efficient and opulent, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 has what it takes to measure up to the competition, and the number of rivals will only grow from here on. However, it does have some shortcomings—some minor, some more notable—that don’t tarnish its strong first impression. Its price is also a little dear for a luxury brand that’s still fairly young, but in this day and age, it doesn’t need to be around for several decades to gain that all-important aura of prestige and desirability.
