Korean luxury car maker Genesis has released an electrified version of its established G80 sedan with the new model boasting impressive performance and range along with a generous list of standard equipment.

Genesis calls the new model the “Electrified G80” in order to differentiate it from another new battery electric model launched at the same time, the GV60 compact SUV.

Despite obvious body style differences, the fundamental difference between the Electrified G80 and the GV60 is that the former is a modified version of an existing internal combustion powered model, while the latter is designed from the outset as a dedicated electric vehicle.

The Electrified GV70, which has just gone on sale but which we haven’t yet driven, will be the next new model to wear the moniker and the third Genesis EV to arrive in rapid succession.

Meanwhile, back to the G80 which has established itself as a popular choice with airport limousine drivers and the like since first launching here as the Hyundai Genesis in 2015, only to be later rebranded as the Genesis G80 in 2019.

The second generation of the Mercedes-E-Class sized luxury sedan was launched here in 2020, featuring a new platform and a raft of styling and feature upgrades.

This Electrified G80 is based on that vehicle and is available in a single, highly equipped grade costing $145,000 (MRLP), which places it at the top of the G80 range and above former top-of-the-line 3.5T AWD Luxury Package.

The big, electrified sedan boasts a twin-motor AWD powertrain with outputs of 272kW/700Nm and a claimed maximum range of 520km (WLTP), courtesy of its 87.2kWh battery.

Plugged into a 350kW rapid charger and under ideal conditions, Genesis claims the battery is capable of ultra-rapid charging from 10 to 80% in as little as 22 minutes, thanks to the vehicle’s advanced 400V/800V multi rapid-charging system.

The latter means the driving motor and inverter can boost the available charging voltage from 400V to the system’s optimal 800V charging level for more stable charging performance.

The Electrified G80 also features a Vehicle to Load (V2L) function that allows users to access a household-grade source of electric power (3.6kW output) when required.

The system can be used to power or charge electric appliances such as e-bikes or camping equipment and can also provide Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) charging functionality, to charge another EV.

The AWD drivetrain features a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) that can separate or connect the motor and drive shaft according to driving conditions, meaning the Electrified G80 can switch seamlessly between RWD and AWD to maximise efficiency.

Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow the driver to further maximise range by adjusting the level of regenerative braking and rate of deceleration, while an i-PEDAL mode enables single-pedal driving, with acceleration, deceleration and stopping all via the accelerator pedal.

The vehicle’s smart regenerative braking system also optimises coasting efficiency by automatically adjusting the amount of regenerative braking in three stages, based on the speed of the vehicle ahead, the following distance, and navigation map road sign data such as a change of speed limit.

Finally, a solar roof panel covering almost the full width and length of roof delivers incremental increases to driving range by connecting straight to the traction battery and using the electricity generated to help power ancillaries. 

Safety is well accounted for with 10 airbags, including a centre side airbag, and an array of advanced active safety and driver assistance technologies.

Among the latter is forward collision avoidance assist, which utilises the front radar sensor and windscreen-mounted camera to detect and monitor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists ahead. If driver intervention is not detected after a warning, the system automatically applies the brakes and/or engages evasive steering assist.

Other notable safety technologies include blind-spot collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, forward attention warning, blind-spot view monitor, high beam assist, intelligent front lighting system, smart cruise control, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, reverse parking collision avoidance assist, smart parking assist, remote smart parking assist, intelligent dpeed limit assist, safe exit assist and more.

The handsome exterior design carries over the established look of the G80, but adds an array of EV-specific styling elements, including a redesigned closed-off grille which houses a hidden charging flap, unique front and rear bumpers, deleted tailpipes, a solar panel roof and bespoke aero-efficient turbine-design 19-inch alloy wheels.

At just over 5m in length and riding on a 3010mm wheelbase, the Electrified G80 has the sort of generous proportions previously associated with Holden’s Statesman Caprice.

Inside, the roomy and generously appointed cabin features a range of low environmental impact natural and recycled materials, including bio-processed Nappa leather, fabrics made of recycled PET and nylon yarn and door garnishes made using birch wood left over from furniture manufacturing.

Materials and finishes across the board are first class with open pore wood, stainless steel and recycled suede highlights dotted throughout.

A crisp and clear 14.5-inch high-resolution LCD touchscreen multimedia unit holds pride of place at the centre of the dash, featuring augmented reality (AR view) navigation function, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio.

A cracking 20-speaker Lexicon by HARMAN Premium Audio system provides superb sound quality, while a console-mounted control dial for the vehicle operating system includes a handwriting recognition touchpad as an alternative to keypad selection.

Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch high-resolution full-digital cluster with 3D view and themes that change according to vehicle drive mode.

The superbly comfortable driver’s seat features 18-way electric adjustment, heating and cooling, plus massage function, while rear seat passengers are treated to separate rear temperature controls, power window sunblinds and a pair of adjustable 9.2-inch HD monitors mounted behind the front seatbacks.

The screens present independent media sources to each rear seat and are controlled either by a touchscreen interface or a panel located in the centre armrest.

On a test drive through Victoria’s Yarra Valley and surrounding ranges the handling of the big sedan proved impressive, thanks in no small part to standard electric torque vectoring technology which reduces understeer by directing torque to the outside wheel when cornering, while also braking the inner wheel.

The underfloor location of the battery has also helped improve body rigidity by some 18% over the ICE models, which benefits ride and handling. 

Ride quality is impressively refined, despite the Electrified G80 being shod with low-profile Michelin tyres on 19-inch wheels.

New front and rear suspension members play a part, but the vehicle also uses a camera to detect speed bumps and potholes, priming the electronic controlled dampers before the bump to avoid excessive crash through.

In combination with active noise control technology which uses an array of sensors and microphones to measure road noises and simultaneously creates sounds at opposite phase to cancel them out, the Electrified G80 glides along with impressively low road noise.

The electric power steering is less impressive, however, with an artificial weight to it and not much by way of steering feel, although that’s probably splitting hairs in a vehicle largely designed for ferrying rear-seat passengers in generous comfort and refinement. 

Another area of criticism is the significant reduction in boot size over the ICE-powered models, with the Electrified G80 offering just 354 litres (VDA) of space, versus 424 litres for the G80 petrol models. 

What isn’t in doubt is the impressive power and torque outputs of the twin electric motors or the ability of the all-wheel drive system to get the staggering 700Nm of instantaneous torque smoothly down to the tarmac.

The 272kW/700Nm outputs are enough to propel the 2,325kg luxury four-door from rest to 100km/h in a rapid 4.9 seconds, which is two tenths of a second faster than its 3.5-litre twin turbocharged V6 stablemate can manage.

As with other Genesis models the ownership package is compelling, with a five-year warranty, five years free servicing, 10 years roadside assistance, 10 years of satnav map updates and an eight-year unlimited battery warranty.

Customers can also opt to have a complimentary home wallbox charger installed or choose five years of complimentary charging on the Chargefox public charging network.

 Given the relatively small sales of this style of large sedan the Electrified G80 is a niche model within a niche category, but that’s not to decry in any way the impressive job Genesis has done on electrifying its big luxury sedan.

It represents a compelling combination of luxury, performance and technology that is largely unmatched by other car makers at present.

Despite this, for many buyers the extra $45,000 that it asks over the entry-level G80 V6 may be a bridge too far, although fleet operators chalking up high mileage and looking to impress paying customers with the plush refinement and performance of this luxury saloon might make the numbers add up.         

Key stats

• PRICE: $145,000 (MRLP)  
• MOTOR: Dual 136kW front/rear mounted permanent magnet synchronous; 87.2kWh lithium-ion polymer battery
• POWER/TORQUE: 272kW/700Nm
• RANGE: 520km (WLTP)
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not yet tested
• ENERGY CONSUMPTION: 19.1 kWh/100km
• WARRANTY: Five-years unlimited km (vehicle), eight-years unlimited km (battery)
• FOR: Effortless and exhilarating EV performance, superbly refined, high-quality finishes, loaded with kit.   
• AGAINST: Priced $45k higher than the V6 petrol version, smaller boot than petrol models, tyre repair kit in lieu of spare tyre.