Benchmark for full-size Premium Motoring

Introduced for the 2021 model year, the larger-than-life Cadillac is back in 2023 mostly unchanged and still representing one of the most luxurious and technologically-forward options to transport a full load of passengers. Here’s why.

Designers have done a great job translating the appealing boxy aesthetic over to the new fifth generation. Signature traits like the massive crest-shaped grille — featuring chromed slats on Darpan’s Platinum Luxury press loaner — vertical running and taillights and huge 22-inch polished alloy wheels return but are reinterpreted, and there are some contemporary twists such as the LED headlamps taking on a super-slim horizontal appearance.

Built on the GMT1XX platform similar to stablemates the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, the SUVs share certain accessories including the powered running boards that deploy and retract when the doors are opened or closed. This is a great help for ingress and egress as the vehicle measures 1,948 millimetres high.

Cadillac sets a new benchmark in terms of cabin comfort and convenience. The Whisper Beige interior is beautiful, the caveat being after only half a winter of use the semi-aniline leather upholstery and carpeting was already looking worn.

The crown jewel however is the industry-first 38-inch curved OLED display, stretching nearly the entire width of the dashboard housing a digital instrument cluster and infotainment controls. Connected on the left-hand side is an info panel where drivers can activate a nifty Night Vision infrared camera (+$2,300), which projects an enhanced low-light view of the road ahead and highlights pedestrians and large animals in bright yellow. And new for 2023, an electronic version of the owner’s manual is now available to view right on the main screen.

Audiophiles will love the 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference stereo, powered by three a amplifiers,

By Benjamin Yong

Highlights

MSRP: $130,333

Motor: 6.2-litre V8

Horsepower: 420 @ 5,600 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 460 @ 4,100 rpm

Gearbox: 10-speed automatic

Layout: Front engine, Four-wheel drive

Fuel economy: 19.2 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

By Benjamin Yong

Zero Emissions Twinning

There’s a good chance people have seen the latest Genesis Electrified G80 and not even realized it thanks to the car’s remarkable resemblance to its internal-combustion sibling. This all-new offering is one of the best-looking examples in the zero emissions mid-size luxury sedan segment, and doesn’t drive half bad either.

“The Electrified G80, the perfect balance of athleticism and elegance, marks the beginning of our journey into the EV market, representing Genesis in the era of electrification,” says Genesis global head Jay Chang in a news release during the model’s reveal in Asia back in 2021.

Designers have cleverly left signature styling cues intact like the Crest Grille, which is completely solid since there’s no radiator behind to feed with fresh air. Instead, the charging port is cleverly concealed in the upper right corner behind a one-touch-open panel. While the hidden location provides a seamless appearance, short charging station cables might prove challenging. Besides a slightly modified bumper, rear exhaust tip delete and different alloy wheels the vehicle is almost indistinguishable from the non-EV version. In other words, the same Two-Line language is present, seen in the thin LED head and tail lamp shape, fender repeaters and elsewhere around the exterior. The roof line still bears a steep slope towards the rear that meets a slightly raised trunk lid lip, complemented by a fullwidth chrome garnish and emblem. The interior is no less premium and features the same fully digital 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and expansive 14.5-inch infotainment display. Controlled via touch or the dual rotary knobs the system is a joy to use and is world’s better than many examples found in competing products. The wireless Apple CarPlay

Highlights

MSRP: $105,150

Motor: Dual

Horsepower: 365 (net)

Torque (lb-ft): 516 (net)

Transmission: One-speed

Automatic

Layout: Front/rear motor

Fuel economy: 2.18 Le/100 km mixed city/highway (observed) and Android Auto are equally excellent and connects nearly instantly to a smart device making navigation and streaming a painless experience. Overhead, the cool black microfiber suede headliner in Darpan’s tester added to the classy feel.

Dual 136-kilowatt front/rear electric motors generate a net 365 horsepower and whopping 516 lb-ft of torque. The instant performance coupled with a soft, floaty adaptive suspension was enough to make me a little motion sick the first few times I drove. Make no mistake the Electri- fied G80 is quick, though the battery does add hundreds of kilograms of weight and the 4.9-second 0 to 100 km/h time is only a tad faster than the gasoline-consuming 3.5T V6 variant. On the topic of the battery (mounted beneath the floor and resulting in slightly less cabin and trunk space compared to the latter), range is estimated at 427 kilometres on a full charge. In real-world wintertime operation, the number is a bit lower if heated seats and the like are activated. Depending on the rating of a Level 3 station, a top-up to 80 per cent can take anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes.

Attached to the steering column are a pair of paddles that change the amount of regenerative braking force to siphon energy back into the powertrain, and at the maximum setting is able to bring the four-door to a complete stop when the foot is off the pedals.

All this technology comes at a price, however — the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 is offered in a single all-inclusive Prestige trim retailing at $105,150.