Is the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 a Good Electric Car? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
When Genesis unveiled the G80 luxury sedan for the 2021 model year, it shook things up in the world of premium cars. With its spacious, quiet and opulent cabin, balanced ride, and long list of standard tech and comfort features, the G80 delivered real luxury-car cred for thousands of dollars less than established European competitors. Now, Genesis has upped the ante again with an all-electric version of the G80 accurately dubbed the Electrified G80.
Related: 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 Review: The Best G80?
The Electrified G80 delivers the same luxury and features as its gasoline counterpart, and improves on it in some ways. Thanks to its electric powertrain, the Electrified G80 is even quieter and more refined. And with added torque from its large battery and a pair of electric motors matched with standard all-wheel drive, the Electrified G80 is more responsive, with immediate and smooth acceleration from a standstill.
The Electrified G80 is also the sportier version to drive, owing to its more lively feel — but not everything is perfect, of course. Cars.com’s Joe Bruzek recently spent some time getting to know the Electrified G80, and you can tap the link above to read his complete review; for a quicker look at five things we like about the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 and four we don’t, however, read on.
Things We Like
1. Upscale Value
With a starting price of around $80,000 including destination, the Electrified G80 is not exactly cheap — but it undercuts some key EV competitors by $20,000 or more, including the Mercedes-EQ EQS, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model S. Better still, its price tag includes AWD and all of the options available on the gas-powered G80 Sport.
2. A More Engaging G80 …
With 365 horsepower combined and a notable 516 pounds-feet of torque on tap, the Electrified G80 is quicker off the line than the gas version of Genesis’ luxury sedan — and that’s in spite of an extra 585 pounds of curb weight due to its electric battery and related hardware. The gasoline version has 10 hp more, but that advantage is nullified by less torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission that doesn’t have the same instant response as the electric powertrain.
3. … And a More Luxurious One
The Electrified G80’s cabin is virtually identical to the gas version, which is to say: quite luxurious. But thanks to the electric powertrain, the Electrified G80 is even quieter and more refined, making it seem that much more opulent. The hushed powertrain makes road and tire impact noise more noticeable than in the gas version, though it’s not enough to be objectionable.
4. Quick Charge Time
Genesis claims that the Electrified G80 can go from a 10% charge to 80% in just 22 minutes when plugged into a 350-kilowatt DC fast-charging station; that’s impressive for any EV regardless of price. In our testing, the Electrified G80 delivered on the factory claim, going from 16% to 80% in 20 minutes. When using a 48-ampere home charger, the Electrified G80 can charge at a rate of 10.9 kW, enabling it to go from 0% to 100% in 7 hours, 22 minutes.
5. Emergency Power Plant
The Electrified G80 comes with a standard power outlet mounted in the front grille, enabling it to be called upon to supply power to your home during an outage. Just plug in a standard extension cord, and the G80 can deliver sufficient power to operate most 120-volt home appliances. As a bonus, this feature also lets you power a big-screen TV or other entertainment devices at tailgating events or outdoor parties.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Smoothness Challenged
As quick and smooth as the Electrified G80 is when you mash the throttle, stop-and-go driving can be more of a challenge. We observed a disturbing lag in response when the accelerator is pressed in moderate driving regardless of which driving mode is selected. When power comes on, it does so in a big way, which can translate into an abrupt start. The same is true of braking when driving in one-pedal mode: Lift the throttle and there’s a disturbing hesitation before braking kicks in. Coming to a full stop also can result in a jerky back-and-forth motion.
2. Where’s the Juice?
One thing the Electrified G80 cannot do is plot a route that includes suggested stops for recharging, a handy trip planning feature included with Tesla’s navigation system. To its credit, the Genesis will show you where charging stations are along the way, along with a projected range radius — it just won’t automatically route you to a charger when you’re in need of a boost.
3. Cargo Space
The electric components eat into trunk space compared to the gasoline-powered G80, reducing capacity from 16.1 to 12.9 cubic feet. That’s a significant chunk of luggage and storage capability, and it’s made worse by the lack of a front trunk as found in many other EVs.
4. Limited Availability
For now at least, the Electrified G80 is only available in very limited quantities in only seven states: California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Washington. That makes acquiring one a nonstarter for some buyers, and it likely means finding one will be difficult even in the few states where it’s offered.
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