Car Review: 2023 Electrified G80 AWD is a quiet luxury cruiser that hides its EV credentials

In the last car review, we looked at the Genesis GV60 crossover that flaunts its all-electric roots with space-age looks and quick acceleration. The styling and size might not be the ticket for all luxury car buyers. Luckily for us, Genesis has other EV models.

The mid-size luxury G80 sedan spawns a new model for 2023. The Electrified G80 joins the normal gas versions. Two electric motors replace the gas engine to create a quiet and powerful luxury sedan.

The Electrified G80 is quicker than the gas version and has no problem keeping up with traffic — cruising on the highway is its specialty.

The ride is smooth most of the time. Take it easy in the curves and the Electrified G80 is happy. This car does not handle like a sports car.

Like the other Genesis EVs, the Electrified G80 charges quickly at high-speed charging stations.

While the last Genesis I drove screamed EV with daring looks, the Electrified G80 AWD looks just like a normal gas engine version of the model. Other than no exhaust pipes and a small gas door (plug is in the front grill), you’ll be hard pressed to tell that this is an EV.

While Genesis did not give the Electrified G80 vastly different looks than other G80 models, it does not suffer. The mid-size luxury sedan has looks that will turn heads. The four slender light clusters and pentagon grill command attention. The long hood and body give the Electrified G80 that traditional luxury sedan look when you see it from the side. Out back, the four slender light clusters return and complete this clean, yet unique-looking car.

Genesis is a newer luxury brand and the interior is in the big leagues already with a top-notch luxurious interior with high-quality materials that rival its pricey competition. I am a fan of the Matte wood trim — a nice visual change from the normal shiny wood.

The seats are very comfortable with many power adjustments and the leather is top-of-the-line. Ample space spoils the front and rear seat riders. The cabin is very hushed on the highway with not much noise making it in from the outside.

Cost: $79,825; as tested $82,420

MPG: 105MPGe city and 89MPGe highway; I managed 3.1 mi/kWh in 354 miles of mixed driving.

Safety: Forward collision-avoidance assist; safe exit assist; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; lane keeping assist with lane-changing oncoming; high beam assist; blind view monitor; smart cruise control with machine learning; surround view monitor; driver attention warning; parking distance waring reverse; highway drive assist.

Options: $1,500 Verbier White paint; $1,095 inland freight & handling

Things to know: The new Electrified G80 is a luxurious mid-size sedan that is all-electric and declares it in an understated and elegant way. With style and an upscale interior, the Genesis Electrified G80 is a contender.

Pros:

  • Large sedan with high-quality, luxurious interior
  • Charges quickly
  • Long warranty period, service valet and free charging period make ownership easier

Cons:

  • Not as sporty on the corners as some of the other German luxury EV sedans
  • Less cargo space than other electric luxury sedans
  • Pricey when compared to the all-gas G80 model
Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up