Genesis Electrified G80 review: I’d rather have this than a Mercedes

The updated Genesis Electrified G80 proves beyond doubt that Genesis is a serious player in the premium car market – it’s exceptionally comfortable and seriously impressive

The Genesis G80 Electrified was hugely impressive on our test (Steve Fowler)

The car world may be obsessed with SUVs these days, but to be a proper premium car maker you have to have a limousine and electric power is the purest form of luxury. Mercedes has the EQS, BMW has the i7 and even Rolls Royce has the Spectre.

Genesis has been knocking on the door of these posh rivals for a while now, but in the latest G80 Electrified it has a luxury electric saloon that can compete – and beat – the very best. The G80 combines a traditional appearance with the latest in electric car technology. The latest updates mean its available in one spec with a longer wheelbase than before, it looks better than before with a few minor cosmetic tweaks and new lighting, while updates to the battery and tech means it’ll go further – up to 354 miles on a full charge – and is more luxurious than ever.

It’s a real haven of tranquillity inside, with the very best in materials combined with first-rate refinement – there’s even noise-cancelling tech to make it even quieter inside and to make the most of the Dolby Atmos audio system.

The Genesis brand itself remains something of an unknown quantity for many, which is probably why Genesis is pricing the G80 Electrified so competitively. But when you combine the quality of the car with the quality of Genesis’ dealer service – focused around the Korean art of ‘Son Nim’ hospitality – I’m starting to believe that Genesis is a new brand set to take on the very best.

How we tested

I spent a week in a G80 driving it around local country and suburban roads, driving into congested London and even on a long drive on motorways, A-roads and country lanes down to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where I was surprised how many people wanted to take a picture of the car – it’s a good looker. As usual, all the tech got a thorough examining, while I made sure I was chauffeured in the back and loaded up the boot.

Genesis Electrified G80: From £75,615, Genesis.com

The Genesis Electrified G80 has sleek, smart looks and perfect paintwork (Steve Fowler)

Independent rating: 9/10

• Pros: Superb refinement, effortless performance, extremely well-equipped
• Cons: Others beat it on range, small boot
• Price range: £75,615
• Battery size: 94.5kWh
• Maximum claimed range: 354 miles
• Miles per kWh: 3.4
• Maximum charging rate: 240kW

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive 

The updated Genesis Electrified G80 now comes with a single 94.5kWh battery option rather than the old 87.2kWh battery. This means the maximum claimed range has jumped from 323 miles to a more useful 354 miles – still some way short of the 481 offered in a Mercedes EQS. Thanks to the latest 800V technology, the Genesis can use rapid chargers at a rate of up to 240kW. This can take it from 10 per cent to 80 per cent charge in as little as 25 minutes.

The Genesis Electrified G80 is all-wheel drive, with two electric motors giving a total power output of 370PS. Both front and rear motors deliver the same output, and power delivery to individual wheels can be varied according to grip. This makes it a very surefooted car to drive, particularly in bad weather. It is very fast too, with 0-62mph performance in just 5.1 seconds.

Optional four-wheel steering is a real boon, making it much easier to manoeuvre the 5,135mm long saloon – I found it particularly useful when driving around London and parking in a crowded underground car park.

Perhaps the most impressive aspects of the Electrified G80 are its ride and refinement. The Genesis Electrified G80 has a smart piece of technology called Road Preview that helps improve the ride quality on rough roads. A forward-facing camera reads the road ahead to detect bumps and potholes, adjusting the electronically-controlled suspension accordingly. It means there’s an impressively plush ride that doesn’t in any way feel too firm, but it’s not too floaty, either. And while it’s no sports car, it handles confidently and – with that acceleration – can be fun to drive; surprising for such a large car.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

All electric cars are quiet, but the G80 has particularly good noise isolation, along with the novel extra feature of active road noise cancelling, helping make it whisper-quiet even at high speeds.

Interior, practicality and boot space

The Genesis Electrified G80 has a very upmarket and luxurious interior. It is made from the very finest materials, meaning everything feels posh and premium – and this latest model looks and feels better than ever inside. The newly-designed soft leather seats are lavish and they’re extremely comfortable to sit in, too; naturally, electric operation is standard, as is seat heating and ventilation with in-seat massaging available as an option. The use of real metal, and even real wood, further elevates the exclusivity.

There plenty of space and decent stowage space up front, while the extended wheelbase means an extra 130mm of rear legroom, while a second row comfort pack gives you powered rear doors as well as controls in the centre armrest, sun blinds and vanity mirrors in the back

Although the boot is trimmed as beautifully as the rest of the car, it isn’t huge with an awkward step up at the back of the luggage space that’ll make carrying longer loads a bit awkward.

The extended wheelbase of the new Genesis Electrified G80 means more space than ever in the luxurious back seats. There are now powered doors, too (Steve Fowler)

Technology, stereo and infotainment

The tech updates to the Genesis Electrified G80 have also helped to elevate the car to a new level. Most noticeable is the new 27-inch widescreen display that incorporates the driver information screen and infotainment. It’s bright, responsive and there’s still a scroll wheel that you can use rather than reach out for the touchscreen, although it sits right in front of the similarly-sized rotary gear selector.

There are also a row of fast keys to take you directly to major functions, plus separate heating and ventilation controls that are easy to use, too.

One slightly odd feature (although it didn’t stop me trying it out) is the UV-C steriliser system that’s hidden under the centre armrest that allows you to sanitise any items you want to put in there. I couldn’t tell that it had cleaned my phone, but I’m assuming any nasty bugs that lived on it were eliminated! Another oddity, but slightly more useful, is the biometric fingerprint reader that you can use instead of the key (which can work on your phone, too) to start the car.

The audio system has had an upgrade, too, with a new 17-speaker Bang & Olufson system now fitted with Dolby Atmos capability – although we’d have needed a higher quality on-board streaming service to check that out. It sounded pretty impressive with a feed from my iPhone – wirelessly though Apple CarPlay – though.

There’s a head-up display, cameras in the mirrors that display images from alongside as you indicate to eliminate blind spots, plus the usual self-parking, adaptive cruise and other driver safety and assistance systems.

Prices and running costs

The new Genesis Electrified G80 has had its price updated, too, but at £75,615 that’s pretty competitive compared to rivals, especially with the extra space, bigger battery and enhanced tech on board. The few options you can go for are well priced, too, with a comfort pack for £1,780, Nappa leather for £2,620, the second row comfort pack including powered doors for £2,640, rear-wheel steering adding £1,120 and if you must have white brake calipers (although I’d want to know why) it’ll cost £340. You can get a socket for vehicle-to-load charging if you want to power something with a three-pin plug for another £300.

For such a large car, the Genesis Electrified G80’s efficiency isn’t bad, at 3.4 miles per kWh, and in our experience with the G80 – like other electric cars from the Hyundai Group – the range of 354 miles is pretty realistic. You can get other luxury models that go further, though.

The Genesis G80 boot isn't huge, but it's luxuriously trimmed. You even get a charging cable in a lovely case! (Steve Fowler)

Genesis Electrified G80 rivals

• BMW i7
• Mercedes-Benz EQS
• Porsche Taycan

FAQs

How long does it take to charge?

The Genesis Electrified G80 will charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 25 minutes using a DC rapid charger.

How much does it cost - is it worth it?

There is only one version of the Genesis Electrified G80 on sale, costing £75,615 – which looks good value especially now it’s longer, will go further and has more tech on board.

Do Genesis replace batteries for free?

Genesis will replace a battery for free, so long as it is within the generous eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Why trust us

Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic.

The verdict: Genesis Electrified G80

I was hugely impressed by the Genesis Electrified G80. It may still lack a badge that premium car buyers are familiar with, but as a car to drive or be driven in it’s hard to fault the comfort, the space or the quality – three of the most important pre-requisites of a limousine. I’d rather drive or be driven in one than a Mercedes EQS.