A New Icon

Genesis apparently wants to avoid any confusion as it goes about electrifying its current lineup. Take the 2024 Genesis Electrified G80. It’s an odd name, but one that creates an easy distinction from its gas-engine kin.

Or maybe the term “electrified” is meant to describe folks’ reactions to 516 pound-feet of torque that sprints the EV to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Or maybe it emphasizes a battery that’s large enough to accommodate household appliances in a pinch, and its fast-charge capability. 

Some shoppers might find the savings over rivals electrifying: It typically costs thousands less, especially with the new entry-level Advanced model ($5,000 less than the top trim Prestige). There’s no federal tax credit, however, since the MSRP is well over $55K.

So, no surprise that sales have surged for Genesis, the luxury brand of parent-company Hyundai. Sales in the U.S. last year were up 23% over 2022. A large part of the success comes from electric vehicles, which now represent 10% of sales volume.

Now in its second year, the Electrified G80 is a midsize luxury, but feels and looks like a full-size sedan. Twin rows of LEDs in front and rear give it a classy look, along with white brake calipers and a broad crest grille with functional vents below it. The charging port is cleverly concealed within the upper right corner of the grille. 

Flip up the hood and — surprise — there’s no “frunk” (front trunk), but an electric motor in there. Another in the rear completes a dual-motor setup that provides for all-wheel-drive and a combined 365 horsepower. 

But it’s the 516 pound-feet of torque that brings the spark to the Electrified G80 with a quick-kick of acceleration: 0-60 in around 4 seconds, the quarter-mile in 12.8. Top speed is 150 mph, according to Genesis. 

The ride is quiet and well controlled, not too sporty but not too cushy. Kudos to an electronically controlled suspension that previews road conditions ahead and adjusts the shock settings as needed. 

Gears are selected with a rotary dial. Then, four drive modes can fine-tune performance by adjusting throttle response, suspension stiffness and steering weight. Sport mode has the best dynamics and even tightens the bolstered seats. Eco throttles down and buys some extra miles.

Single-pedal driving is available, too, featuring regenerative braking with three levels of deceleration that restore energy and miles. Monitor and adjust it with a unique digital gauge cluster and re-gen indicator.

The 87.2 kWh battery pack, situated under the floor boards, is EPA-rated to provide 282 miles of range. Charging takes seven hours with a Level 2 charger, but it can power up from 10-80% in just 20 minutes using a fast charger (Level 3). And, here’s a bonus: Genesis buyers get three years of free 30-minute fast-charging sessions at Electrify America stations.

Meanwhile, if you live in a region that is prone to power outages, the G80’s large battery pack can be used to energize home appliances, along with backyard parties. 

The Prestige interior has a sophisticated look with quality materials. Seats are dressed in Nappa leather, accents in matte wood and carbon fiber, and the pillars and ceiling in suede-like microfiber. No panoramic sunroof is available because it would shrink headroom, which is already compromised by the battery and raised floor.

Front seats are quilted, bolstered and offer a multitude of comfort adjustments: 

The driver gets massaging seats with 16-way power and 4-way power lumbar, and the passenger gets 12-way power plus lumbar. Leg room is tighter in the rear and seats aren’t heated, but there are AC vents, a power rear shade and manual window shades to avoid the morning sun.

Speaking of tight space, the trunk loses some to the battery, accommodating just 10.8 cubic feet, two cubes or so less than the ICE (internal combustion engine).

The Prestige tech package ($4,750) starts with a 14.5-inch touchscreen housing the infotainment system. Controlled by touch, voice or a circular dial on the console, the system accommodates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers navigation, Sirius XM and Wi-Fi hotspot. A sensational 1,050-watt, 21-speaker Lexicon premium audio system is available. 

In the cockpit, the Prestige includes a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster with head-up display, and a blind-spot monitor that shows the next lane on the panel when you signal a turn.

For those with parking anxiety, a remote-park feature nudges the G80 into a tight garage spot from outside the car via a phone app. There’s also a full serving of active-drive safety: forward-collision warning with forward and reverse emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors with intervention, lane departure warning steering assist, and front and rear parking sensors.

It may be just shy of its German foes in sporty performance, but its ride, comfort and cabin make it a serious contender. And let’s not forget the sweetest warranty of all at 10 years, 100,000 miles. 

Meanwhile, if you’ve read about limited availability, know that Genesis has been expanding the G80s reach of late and was in at least 33 states earlier this year — Indiana is one of them. 

Barry Spyker was the automotive editor and columnist for the Miami Herald

Comments