In the realm of automotive rivalries, few matchups are as iconic as the battle between generations. For every classic muscle car, there’s a modern counterpart itching to prove its dominance. But what happens when Grandpa decides he’s had enough of being left in the dust by roaring V8s? Well, he takes matters into his own hands, or rather, his own wheels, with a vengeance that’s both electrifying and controversial. Enter the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80.
Genesis, the brainchild of Hyundai, has been synonymous with luxury since its 2016 inception. The brand has continually pushed boundaries with its designs, and now it’s making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) arena. The new electrified lineup includes the GV60 crossover SUV and the G80 electrified mid-sized sedan. With an MSRP starting at $79,825, the G80 we had the luxury of driving is a whopping $82,450, with its custom paint color. Does it bring the bang for the buck? The short answer is yes.
While retaining the iconic design cues of the original G80, the electrified version brings a refreshing twist to the table. The Verbier White with a sleek matte finish that adorns our Genesis Electrified G80 was an added feature chosen by the buyer. This car has the signature LED split headlight design you recognize from other models; however, some notable exterior changes include large functional corner air inlets, a grille featuring shiny aluminum chrome exclusive to the electric model, and 19-inch multispoke rims designed for optimal airflow. Other than that, it looks relatively the same compared to its ICE counterpart.
Beneath its stylish exterior lies its dual electric motors – one in the front and one in the rear – delivering a combined output of 365 horsepower and a staggering 516 ft-lbs of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, this electric sedan is not only fast but also carbon-neutral, with a range of 282 miles on a single charge, thanks to its lithium-ion battery pack.
To say the cabin exudes luxury is an understatement. With soft white Nappa leather seating, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a crystal-clear rear-view camera, we couldn’t imagine needing more. The interior ambiance is further enhanced by heated and ventilated seats, color changing lighting, wireless charging, and a premium Lexicon speaker system wonderfully integrated into the door panels. Notably absent is a sunroof, but with features like a head-up display and a chauffeur option for rear passengers, we didn’t really miss it.
Ok, so there had to be a drawback, right? While the Genesis G80 Electrified excels in some areas, charging was a bit of a point of contention for us. With slow charging times and high costs for supercharging, the experience may not be ideal for those with long commutes. However, with the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes on a DC fast charger, the Electrified G80 offers a glimmer of hope for EV enthusiasts…if you can afford the cost.
Equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, the Electrified G80 delivers a solid performance with impressive handling, despite its hefty weight. Acceleration is swift, and handling is precise. However, changes to interior dimensions do affect headroom and trunk space, but these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the overall luxury and performance of this vehicle for us averaged-height people.
There are some cool features we weren’t expecting but enjoyed with this vehicle. From its ample torque (for plowing through yellow lights) to innovative features like key fob remote control, and paddle shifters, the Genesis Electrified G80 can handle its own. The cameras for blinkers and 1-pedal driving were nice additions to driving this electric sedan. One might even call it “futuristic.”
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It’s easy to hate EVs until you get behind the wheel and feel it out for yourself. In the world of electric luxury sedans, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 stands out as a true contender in the EV market. Especially if you want an EV with a more traditional body style. It offers a fun driving experience while also getting all those luxury features you don’t realize you want. While challenges like charging infrastructure and interior space do exist, the Electrified G80 is helping to pave the way for a future where performance and “sustainability” go hand in hand. Interested in test driving your own? This is only sold in select states, so make sure to give your Genesis dealer a call before heading over.
Source: www.classiccars.com