Genesis is one of the newcomers in the luxury segment and while nearly every luxury automaker has announced plans to switch to all-electric vehicles, Genesis has a lofty goal. Genesis says that it wants to only sell electric cars starting at the beginning of 2025. Genesis has already introduced the electric GV60 crossover, but it’s also electrifying its current gas-powered cars as well, like the 2023 Electrified G80.
The Electrified G80 is based on the gas-powered G80, but it’s internal combustion engine has been swapped out for an electric powertrain. The Electrified G80 features 800-volt charging architecture, an 87.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a dual motor powertrain.
The dual motor system generates a total of 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which is 10 hp less and 125 lb-ft more than the V6-powered G80. The Electrified G80 has a 282 mile driving range and the good news is that its 187-kW max charging rate charges the battery from 10% to 80% in only 22 minutes. The G80 also has V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality that lets it act as a 1.9-kW generator for electric appliances outside the car, like a laptop.
Driving the Electrified G80 is a breeze with its ample power and serene driving experience. The Electrified G80’s powertrain makes the G80 feel even more luxurious since its devoid of the noise that comes from the four-cylinder and V6 engines in the other G80 models. Midrange power is great and a 0-60 mph time under five seconds is impressive for this big sedan. The standard rear-wheel steering system also makes it feel more agile. Thanks to its instantaneous torque, the Electrified G80 is actually faster off the line than the G80 Sport.
Since the Electrified G80 is a bit heavier (585 pounds more than the G80 Sport), the ride is a bit stiffer, which is a good thing. Although these suspension is stiffer, the ride is still comfortable, but it could use some improvements. The suspension could do a better job of smoothing the road and the overall body control could be improved. Overall the Electrified G80 is more of a comfortable cruiser than a sport sedan. We do wish the steering was a bit quicker, but he heavy steering aligns with the overall driving experience – comfort. There are also several driver-selectable levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal mode.
On the outside the Electrified G80 doesn’t differ that much from the other G80 models. At the front there’s a closed-off grille, which hides the charging port. The only other big change are the unique 19-inch wheels. If you want everyone to know that you’re driving an EV, then the Electrified G80 won’t appeal to you, but if you prefer a more regular looking car, this one’s for you.
Inside the Electrified G80’s interior is nearly identical to the gas-powered models, but there is a nod to sustainability with its trim that is made out of a combination of scrap wood and recycled newspaper. The entire cabin is wrapped in high quality materials, while the massaging driver’s seat provides even more relaxation. There are a few compromises though, since the battery pack under the floor raise the seating position and reduces the rear headroom by almost three inches. The rear electric motor also takes some of the space away from the trunk, which has 10.8 cubic feet of space, compared to 13.1 in the other models. The panoramic glass roof has also been deleted.
In front of the driver there’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. In the center there’s a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To connect to either system you have to use the wired USB-A connection. If you don’t like using the touchscreen, there’s also a rotary knob on the center console to operate the screen.
The Electrified G80 is only offered in one trim and its pricing starts at $80,920, including destination. Compared to other large electric sedans, like the Tesla Model S, it costs about $20k less, but the Model S has a longer driving range. The only downside is that the Electrified G80 is currently only available in Arizona, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Utah and Washington.
At the end of the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 is an excellent electric sedan that feels more luxurious and refined than the gas-powered versions. There are a few compromises, since the Electrified G80 is not based on a dedicated EV platform like the Genesis GV60, but most buyers probably won’t notice them. What they will notice is that the Electrified G80 keeps everything we love about the other G80 models, while managing to elevate the sedan even further.