REVIEW: 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD

This week I bring you one of my favorite vehicles to get behind the wheel of, ever. The 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 - the brand's first all-electric executive sedan.  It's a masterful blend of gorgeous design, a luxurious interior that wants for nothing, and cutting-edge technology at the forefront of automotive innovation.   

Exterior

The G80 is a gorgeous sedan to start with and it really shines in Hallasan green, which will cost you extra.

The electrified model is based on the gas-only model, which was redesigned in 2021, so they look very much the same. However you can tell them apart by a few things. Stunning 19-inch alloy wheels are exclusive to the electrified G80 model along with a unique rear bumper.   Also the Genesis crest grille is closed on the electrified model (and this is where you'll find the charging port.)

Powertrain

The Electrified G80 does not want for performance. All electrified G80s are dual motor all-wheel drive. The powertrain delivers an amazing 365-horsepower and a glorious 516 pound-feet of torque.  The steering wheel's regenerative braking control paddle shifters are also terrific.

Interior

The Electrified Genesis G80 exudes luxury the minute you open the door. Elegant and supremely comfortable Nappa leather seats beckon you and interior ambient lighting sets the mood for your journey. 

The Ergo-Motion massage driver's seat designed to reduce body fatigue has power side bolsters and a power cushion extender. This is a seat you don't want to get out of, trust me.  The driver's seat reclines all the way back and the headrest is super cushiony. Power buttons on the side of the passenger seat are easy for the driver to reach.

I love the green/white interior, though black leather is also available. The impeccably crafted interior is roomy for a midsize sedan. Soft-touch surfaces abound including a leatherette-wrapped upper instrument panel.  A really nice microsuede headliner and pillars add even more luxury appeal.  Sustainable wood on the dash, center console and door panels looks amazing.

The two-toned steering wheel exhibits detailed design with high-quality  switchgear.  Genesis does a great job with ergonomics and the controls are perfectly positioned. Above the steering wheel you find a colorful 12.3-inch digital driver display and above it, a head-up display.

A large high-resolution 14.5- inch digital touchscreen with premium navigation  jets up out of the center dash. The rearview and surround view camera quality is excellent. Genesis' multimedia system is easy to use and control with great graphics and a responsive swipe touchscreen. Voice command works well, too. The system is compatible with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's also capable of over-the-air updates.  And wow, let's talk about the 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. It is out-of-this-world incredible, as are the stainless steel speakers.  

Down on the center stack you'll find climate and heated and ventilated front seat controls. On the console, you'll find a cool-looking rotary dial that operates the multimedia system and behind it, a touch pad you can use for handwriting recognition. 

I had a little trouble using the wireless charger located in the center console area. It seemed to require removing my cellphone case, which I would prefer not to do.

Second-row passengers will enjoy cushiony seating as well as their own center console control are, along with a digital climate controls. You do lose a bit of headroom due to stadium seating. Rear-seat passengers have manual sunshades and there is a power sunshade for the rear window. There's also a pass-through area from the back seat to a nice-sized trunk. There are four USBs in the cabin.

The cabin incorporates sustainable materials. They include using recycled textiles to make the sun visors, floor mats and headliner. And all the wood trim? It's made from discarded Birch and recycled newspaper.

Range and Charging

What's nice about the Electrified G80 is that Genesis makes it simple. There's not a short and long range battery - just one long-range 87.2 high-capacity battery for an EPA-estimated up to 282 mile range.

Using Level 3 DC Fast Charging you'll get a 10%-80% charge in 22 minutes.  But you can't get that at home, at least not right now. If you buy an EV of any kind, you'll want to buy a Level 2 home charger. I used a Level 2 Volta Charging at a local mall to observe charging times. As you'll see in the right side of the driver display, at 7.9 kw it will take 4 hours and 30 minutes to charge from 64%-100%.  

Also if you want to sit in the car while charging and use the climate functions,  you can, but be aware it will delay charging completion. 

When you're driving, using the AC or heater will also impact range - and I love how easy Genesis makes it to see the range difference in the charging information. (The screen also denotes where the closest charging station is.)  Check it out below. 

The same is true for various drive modes, they'll impact range too. 

The Electrified G80 also offers Vehicle-to-Load charging which means you can power small devices outside the vehicle.

Remote Parking Assist

The Genesis Electrified G80 is equipped with Remote Parking Assist, which is amazing.  It allows you to park the vehicle while outside the car using the key fob. It's easy and intuitive to use, too.

Ride and Drive

The ride and drive of the Electrified G80 is superb. Acceleration is out-of-this-world quick and so effortless.  The ride is supremely smooth and comfortable. It's also quiet thanks to Active Noise Control.

Safety

The G80 lacks nothing in the driver assistance department.  It's equipped with the brand's excellent Highway Driving Assist suite of safety and driver assistance features.  Highway Driving Assist is Genesis' semi-autonomous technology.  

What You'll Pay  

The only option on this well-equipped sedan is the special paint color ($575) which brings the total MSRP to just over $81,000 with destination.   

Note: As of May 11th, the Electrified G80 will currently only be sold at select Genesis retailers in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NV, NY, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI due to extremely limited availability.  Genesis offers three years of 30-minute complimentary charging sessions with Electrify America from the vehicle purchase date.

Verdict

Still not sure about all-electric vehicles yet? Then you haven't been behind the wheel of the new 2023 Genesis Electrified G80.

1. 1. What I Liked Most:  Looks,  power & quick acceleration, luxurious interior, cutting-edge technology.  
   2. What I would change:  I don't love the wireless charger.
   3. MSRP: Base price: $79,825. As equipped $81,495.
   4. Fuel Economy: 105 MPGe city/89 MPGe highway/97 MPGe combined.
      
   5. Odometer reading when tested:  2,354 miles.
   6. Weight:  5,047 pounds.
   7. Spare Tire:  Tire Mobility Kit.
   8. Length-Width-Height: 197” long/75.8” wide/57.9” high.
   9. Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A.  Charging port on right rear fender.
   10. Official Color: Hallasan Green. 
   11. Towing Capacity:  N/A.
   12. 2023 Electrified G80 in a few words: An all-around incredible all-electric luxury sedan. 
   13. Warranty: 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty & electric system warranty/7-year unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty. 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance.
       
   14. Final Assembly Location: Ulsan, Korea.
   15. Manufacturer's website: Genesis