Flash Drive: 2023 Genesis G80 EV AWD

The Next Step to an All-electric Line-up

The 2023 Genesis G80 EV AWD is the second battery-electric model from Genesis, joining the GV60 SUV. Genesis calls it the “G80 Electrified,” but instead of having it cast in with a bunch of hybrids and plug-in hybrids, we at Clean Fleet Report will simply call it as it is—the G80 EV.

Genesis, in only its sixth year, is in a transition phase. By 2025 it will come out with no new internal combustion engine (ICE) models, then by 2030 will only sell electric cars and SUVs. Since the company already has its popular Genesis G80 powered by either a turbocharged 4-cylinder or a non-turbo V6, Genesis appears to be wanting to keep the brand loyalty the model has built while adding in a new propulsion system.

Genesis invited automotive media to Bentonville, Arkansas, to drive the G80 EV through the winding Ozark Mountain roads. This ideal location spotlighted the performance, handling, ride comfort and overall enjoyment of this five-passenger luxury sedan.

Charging and Regeneration

Using a 240V Level 2 charger, the 87.2 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion polymer battery will replenish from 10-to-100% charge in under 7.25 hours. For faster charging, owners can take advantage of three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America stations where, with a 350 kW charger, the G80 will get from 10-to-80% in 22 minutes.

Adding to charging is powerful regeneration that occurs when coasting or braking, converting kinetic energy into electric energy and returning it to the battery. Regeneration can be set to three levels with the ultimate being i-Pedal or one-pedal driving, making it possible to do most driving without relying on the brakes.

Silent Propulsion

The all-wheel drive G80, with twin 136 kW motors front and rear, produces 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, delivering an all-electric range of 282 miles. In our 190-mile drive on country and mountain roads, city streets and a small amount of highway, we got 3.4 miles per kWh.

Smile-inducing torque at any speed is what makes driving an electric car so special, and thankfully the G80 EV did not disappoint. Acceleration in Comfort drive mode was strong, but select the Sport mode and it becomes exciting. We turned 0-60 mph times of about 4.9 seconds.

The well-distributed weight gave the G80 a balanced and confident ride. The staggered Michelin Primacy Tour (245/45 front and 275/40 rear) all-season tires, mounted on 19-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels, provided ample grip, even when pushing corners to their limit. The all-wheel drive system automatically senses grip level and undetectably sends power front to rear, and side-to-side. The electronically controlled suspension, with front-facing cameras reading road conditions, automatically controls the damping force of the suspension to provide for a smooth ride.

The G80 EV has limited wind and road noise partly due to the low 0.26 C_d, acoustic laminated glass and sound deadening insulation. The excellent-sounding Harman Lexicon audio system has active noise control that, through a series of sensors and microphones, produces noise-cancelling frequencies that stop exterior noise from reaching the cabin.

Exterior Elegance

The classy exterior, with distinctive styling, says there is nothing reserved about the G80. The G-Matrix grille looks familiar. It’s like the Crest Grille found on all other Genesis models, but the open honeycomb pattern has been closed off. Without a radiator, air is aerodynamically pushed over, under, sideways and around the G80 instead of being sucked into the engine. The discerning eye will notice the charge door is on the left side of the grille, but Genesis did a masterful job of hiding it. Plus, they did a good job of not letting anyone know this G80 is all-electric as there is no EV badging anywhere on the car.

The two-line LED lights are a signature Genesis design, front and rear. The popular fastback design has sleek roofline, leading to a gentle built-in lip spoiler on the hands-free power trunk.

Interior: An Eye for Detail

The interior is a superb example of crafts people integrating fine materials into a well-designed cabin that seems to ask “Why would you want to be anywhere else?” The build quality and attention to detail feature eco-friendly natural materials of leather, fabrics and wood.

The comfort starts with Nappa leather heated and ventilated front seats, with memory and 16-way power adjustments including side bolsters and a lower leg extension for the driver. The driver gets the Genesis-exclusive Ergo Motion Seat designed to improve comfort and reduce fatigue. Checkout this video to see the technology that will make your journey even more relaxing and enjoyable. The front passenger seat gets 12-way power adjustments, including 4-way lumbar, and has power buttons to adjust the seat back to allow easier access to the rear seats. The sculpted rear leather seats, with ample head and leg room, have adjustable head rests, a center folding armrest with cup holders and side window shades.

As is to be expected on a luxury car, the G80 has power everything. The dash has a 14.25-inch horizontal LCD touchscreen that houses the navigation and the 1,050-watt Lexicon by Harmon premium surround-sound audio system. The 21-speaker system has multiple tweeters and woofers, including 8-inch subwoofers located under the two front seats. SiriusXM, AM/FM/HD radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, with Bluetooth voice commands for the radio and the telephone. The leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel has controls for audio, telephone and the adaptive cruise control. The radio can also be controlled by voice, touchscreen or volume and channel selection wheels on the center console. There was a very short learning curve for this outstanding entertainment system.

Other interior features are an 8.0-inch color LCD instrument cluster that included easy-to-read gauges with white backgrounds and black numbers, a proximity key with push button start, USB and 12V power outlets, three-zone automatic temperature control, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a color head-up display, heated and power side mirrors with turn signals and wireless phone charging.

Technology features continue with the Smart Key, which provides access to vehicle systems including remote start, and the Digital Key providing extra convenience and safety. The Homelink auto-dimming rear view mirror is an integrated transceiver (a transmitter and receiver) that can be programmed to activate radio frequency (RF) devices such as garage doors, estate/community gates, entry door locks, home/office lighting, security systems or other RF devices.

Safety, Warranty and Pricing

The G80 comes with an extensive and standard list of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a semi-autonomous driving system, the Genesis Highway Driving Assist. A helpful feature: When using the right or left turn signal, a camera comes on in the dash showing the side of the G80, depending on which direction you’re turning.

The 2022 G80 EV is a new model and has not been safety tested by the government or insurance industry, but the gasoline-powered 2022 G80 received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Top Safety Pick+. Those are the highest overall safety ratings from both organizations.

As with all Genesis vehicles, the G80 has an industry-leading warranty, beginning with the Powertrain and Battery at 10 years and 100,000 miles each.

The G80 EV will be available sometime in fourth quarter 2022, initially in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Pricing has not been announced, but the Genesis Concierge service can answer questions about reservations. All Genesis electric vehicles qualify for the federal tax credit and state rebates.

Observations: 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD

Whether an entry-level or a luxury model, there is something very satisfying about driving an electric car. The lack of sound as it moves down the road is wonderful, and the instant torque from a stop or while at highway speeds is something to enjoy.

We quickly recognized we were in a fine automobile upon climbing behind the wheel of the 2023 G80 EV. It has contemporary styling and an impressive interior with generous passenger space. The features list is long and deep, including a full safety suite, making the G80 a true value proposition among luxury midsize sedans. But what is the G80 EV selling against?

It will compete in the bigger picture against models from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Lexus and Cadillac, but since not all of those offer an electric sedan, Genesis will have a great story to tell about luxury, comfort, performance, sustainability and efficiency.

The G80 EV, built in Ulsan, Korea, is the second step in Genesis becoming an all-electric brand, with the electrified GV70 SUV next up. For a six-year old company, Genesis is traveling at light speed when it comes to becoming an all-electric car brand.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Genesis.