Generation Game

Genesis might have surprised the market by launching without an electric model in its range, but the transition to an all-electric future has now started.

In addition to the purpose-designed GV60 electric car, an electrified version of the E-classsized G80 saloon has now been launched, in which the 2.5-litre petrol engine has been swapped for an electric motor.

The Genesis Electrified G80 has already arrived in some parts of the world and is coming to the UK later in the year.

Genesis has already carved out a reputation for opulent, extravagant designs. And, taking inspiration from Bentley and the Mercedes-Benz CLS on the G80, it’s clear the manufacturer means business.

The G80 looks fantastic. It is a four-door saloon but has the same swept-back coupe shape that was popularised by the CLS and the Audi A7 – and of course, the Tesla S. But from the front, you might be forgiven for wondering if Bentley had launched a new car.

The winged Genesis badge looks similar, but only the V-shaped profile of the enormous front grille gives the game away.

The headlights consist of two horizontal strips either side of the grille, while a more modest lower grille sits beneath it. From the side, the headlight strips match the size and shape of the wings, and there are a couple of defining lines. One of the creases at the top of the doors bulges outwards to add ‘shoulders’. The back has a more subtle design than the front, but its relative simplicity gives it that ‘wow’ factor.

The interior of the Electrified G80 is as good looking as the exterior. It is smart, luxurious, and, indeed, a threat to the other premium marques based on aesthetics. The seats are comfortable, and there’s plenty of space inside the cabin. Finding a suitable driving position is straightforward, enabling you to maximise visibility out of the front. The visibility isn’t as good at the rear, as the sloping roofline means the pillars at the back are very thick. But there’s a rear camera on all models to help.

There is a generous helping of legroom in the back, too, although the roofline’s angle will impact taller rear-seat passengers. Furthermore, the floor is slightly higher than the petrol version, which doesn’t help matters. Boot space is only 354 litres (70 litres less than the petrol version), and the opening is shallow. Loading bulkier objects like large suitcases can be challenging.

The Electrified G80 comes with 19in alloys and a 14.5in infotainment touchscreen with a 12.3in digital instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, a digital radio, and keyless entry/go are included as standard, along with voice recognition. Twelve-way power-adjustable heated front seats, two-zone climate control and electronically controlled suspension, are also part of the package. Optional extras include a solar roof, which Genesis reckons can add 715 miles of range over a year.

The Electrified G80 will be a single-trim-level car, and even though there are three grades for the petrol version, anything that isn’t included as standard appears to be available as an optional extra. The infotainment screen is wide, crisply clear, and easy to use. And while BMW leads the way, the Genesis system is comprehensive yet user-friendly, helped by physical climate control dials. Meanwhile, the digital instrument cluster provides valuable information, but isn’t distracting.

The Electrified G80 is powered by dual-electric motors – one on each axle – producing 370PS, which is 65PS more than the 2.5-litre petrol version. And it also has significantly more torque, helping to propel it from 0-62mph in 4.9sec. That is quick for a heavy, large saloon car. Indeed, the Genesis feels as fast as the figures suggest, with plenty of power in reserve at all speeds. The lower centre of gravity, as a result of the extra weight of the batteries, seems to help the handling.

It is still a big car, though, so chucking it into a bend can be a challenge, as can keeping the rear in check if you get the power down early on exit.

Nevertheless, the ride comfort is excellent, helped by the electronic suspension, which constantly adjusts the setup depending on the road surface ahead. The overall driving experience isn’t on the level you’d get with BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz, but it’s still pleasing. Eco, Comfort and Sport modes are available, which all do a decent job adjusting the car’s dynamics to suit – even adapting the lumbar support as you drive. Meanwhile, the regenerative braking system is well refined and consistent.

While the Electrified version hasn’t yet been crash-tested, Euro NCAP put the petrol G80 through its paces last year, awarding it a five-star rating. It comes with safety scores of 91% for adults, 87% for children and 91% for safety assists. A rear-view camera comes as standard, along with rear crosstraffic and blind-spot collision avoidance. You also get lane-follow assist, smart cruise control and ten airbags.

There is an optional Innovation Pack, too. The technology in this pack adds a headup display, advanced highway driving assist, forward-collision and reverse-parking collision avoidance. In addition, the bundle includes a blind-spot view monitor, remote smart parking, a surround-view monitor, and rear-seat alert.

The Electrified G80 has an 87.2kWh battery which is good for 323 miles of range, despite the 370PS generated by the electric motors. However, our capacity showed just under 300 miles on our German test route around Frankfurt. Why? The real-world range is affected by a host of factors, including temperature, and driving style.

Charging can be performed at up to 350kW, which means a 10-80% charge takes 22 minutes. Mind you; there are not many chargers in the UK capable of those speeds yet. A 50kW charger will still get you the same in around 68 minutes, while a 0-100% charge on a home 7kW wall box will take just under 12 hours. No emissions means no road tax, which is a nice bonus, while it falls into the bottom band for Benefit in Kind.

Overall, the Genesis Electrified G80 delivers. It is not cheap, but it’s inexpensive to run day-to-day. And although the driving experience isn’t as refined as a BMW, you may decide that it’s a sacrifice worth making for the showy exterior. What’s more, Hyundai is among the most reputable brands for reliability, and it offers a five-year, 100,000-mile hire & reward use warranty for further peace of mind. The G80 isn’t the most practical car in terms of boot space, but the cabin is roomy. So, if you want something spacious, luxurious, striking and quick, then the Genesis Electrified G80 could be just the ticket.