New Genesis Electrified G80 2022 review
Genesis is still new to the UK, but it’s got some serious backing. Its parent company is Hyundai, and it was one of Hyundai’s big saloons – called the Genesis – that initially spawned the decision to spin off Genesis into a brand. By Tim Barnes-Clay.
Having Hyundai technology under the bonnet is no bad thing, then. But the powers that be decided that, if it was ever going to compete with the German premium marques, the Hyundai badge was too ‘middle of the road’ to generate the necessary appeal.
Along came the new brand – its cars have wowed the motoring public since. Head-turning designs exist throughout its range, and the Electrified G80, a battery-powered version of the petrol G80, is no exception.
But how good is it?
The Electrified G80 costs £65,805, substantially more than the £41,650 you pay for an entry-level petrol G80. And, unlike the three trims in the conventional version – Premium, Luxury and Sport, you get a choice of Luxury or nothing.
The car comes with 19-inch alloys, a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and voice control. You also get a 12.3-inch electronic instrument cluster, heated 12-way electric front seats, electronic control suspension and keyless entry/go.
In addition, Genesis says that a solar roof is available as an optional extra. Over a year, this can provide over 700 miles of range.
Other features, such as a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, three-zone climate control and a powered tailgate are options, too.
stunning. The Bentley inspiration is clear to see – not just by the Genesis badge, which is indistinguishable from Bentley’s at a distance – but also by the enormous front grille.
The interior is lovingly inviting, with comfortable seats that are great for motorway cruising. They are also bolstered enough to hold you in place in the bends if you dial up the throttle pedal on twisty roads.
While the interior isn’t as outrageous as some Genesis cars, the dashboard layout looks lovely and has a premium feel.
The infotainment screen is crystal clear and one of the better ones I’ve seen. It is easy to use but comprehensive enough to keep you occupied if you enjoy playing with settings.
Android Auto connectivity are factory-fitted, while there’s a DAB radio and voice activation, which works reasonably well.
Thankfully, Genesis has resisted the urge to bury the climate control settings into the infotainment system. So, they’re still physical dials which display the temperature on a readout beneath the touchscreen.
The 370PS generated by the electric motors will grab the headlines. But it’s the amount of torque that’s the eyebrow-raiser.
Compared with the petrol-powered version, you get an extra 65PS, but torque measures 516lb/ft – that’s over 200lb/ft more than the fossil-fuelled G80. As a result, the car accelerates rapidly, dealing with 0-62mph in just 4.9-seconds. What’s more, the throttle response feels instantaneous, so overtaking is a doddle.
Ride comfort is positive, helped by the suspension system. There is a camera in the front of the vehicle to scan the road ahead, so the suspension knows how to set itself up at any given millisecond.
The regenerative braking feels intuitive to use. However, some electric cars can feel inconsistent, as though the brakes are either ‘on’ or ‘off’. Not so the Genesis, which has refined its braking system well.
There is a trio of driving settings – Eco, Comfort and Sport. Eco limits the power to conserve the battery, while Sport does the opposite, stiffening up the suspension and adding weight to the steering simultaneously. Comfort is a good mix of the two, and I often found myself using that mode.
The Genesis Electrified G80 has an 87.2kWh battery which is good for 323 miles of range, according to the manufacturer.
Expect to achieve less than this in real-world British driving conditions, though. This G80’s range will, like all EVs, depend on factors such as road conditions, weather, ambient temperature, and your driving style.
The Genesis can use ultra-rapid 350kW charging stations, although you’ll be lucky to find a charging point in the UK capable of such rapidity.
If you can find one, a 10-80 per cent charge takes just 22 minutes, while a 7.4kW home wall box can get from 0-100 per cent in around eleven and a half hours.
Despite electricity bills going through the roof, the Electrified G80 will save you money versus the petrol-powered version. However, that is offset by a significantly higher purchase price if you buy
There should be few problems with reliability given it’s made by Hyundai, one of the best-rated manufacturers regarding dependability. The G80 is backed up by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, too.
Euro NCAP hasn’t yet tested the Electrified G80, but the petrol G80’s rating will suffice. It was awarded five stars, scoring 91 per cent for adult occupants, 87 per cent for children and 91 per cent for safety assists.
In addition to 10 airbags, a rear-view camera and smart cruise control, you get highway drive assist, rear cross-traffic, blind-spot collision avoidance, and lane following assist. Various other safety features are available as optional extras.
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Lincolnshire Life Magazine Newsletter 05/24 - mailchi.mp/lincolnshirelife.co.uk/lincolnshire-life-magazine-newsletter-05-2024
