It’s tough to find sedans these days because automakers have almost completely shifted their focus to crossovers, SUVs and pickup trucks. All-electric four-door cars are scarcer still, though there are a few offerings to choose from, including the BMW i4, new Mercedes-Benz EQE and Tesla Model 3. One additional option is the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80, a luxury sedan that’s not only an excellent alternative to those rivals, it’s a great option if you’re someone that wants an EV that’s not an SUV.
But why isn’t this car called the “Genesis G80 Electric”? Calling it “electrified” implies it’s some sort of hybrid, which will almost certainly lead to confusion.
This amped-up Genesis looks almost identical to its combustion-powered brethren. Unlike other electric vehicles, very few visual changes were made to this car, which gives it a decidedly under-the-radar appearance. Setting the Electrified G80 apart from the rest of the model range are special 19-inch wheels, a unique rear bumper design with no cutouts to accommodate exhaust outlets and the grille has been filled in for better aerodynamics. Visually, that’s about all that sets this four-door apart from conventional G80s.
SEE ALSO: 2023 Genesis GV60 review: Exceptional, engaging and a little eccentric
Of course, what truly sets this all-electric luxury sedan apart from its siblings is the drivetrain. This car features an 87.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s large enough to provide an EPA-estimated 282 miles of range, a whisker shy of the 300 I usually like to see, but it’s close. In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 tops out at 315 miles on a charge and the best BMW’s i4 eDrive40 can do is 301 miles when fitted with 18-inch wheels.
Making up for its slight range shortcoming, this sedan charges like a raging bull. Hooked to an appropriate DC fast charger, it takes only 22 minutes to go from 10 to 80%, an amazing performance. The same feat takes about 7 hours more when you tap into to a Level 2 AC charger, which is a very typical performance for today’s EVs.
Putting those energy reserves to good use, this G80 is motivated by a pair of 136-kW electric motors. One dynamo is mounted at each axle, which provides standard all-wheel drive along with a respectable 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That gives this car a big twist advantage over its gasoline-powered siblings. In fact, it has an extra 125 pounds of torque compared to the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. That combustion engine, however, does have 10 additional horsepower.
There’s no push-button boost mode like you get in the GV60, but the Electrified G80 still delivers potent, if not bone-crushing acceleration. The automaker says this car can hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, not bad for something weighing around 5,038 pounds. This puppy is plenty quick in nearly all driving situations, though the accelerator response can be a bit lazy at times. When one-pedal driving is turned on and you’re in the comfort driving mode, the pedal feels dead when taking off from a standstill, it doesn’t respond one-to-one with what your foot is dictating, which makes the car seem laggy. Oddly enough, if you use a different setting for the regenerative braking or switch to the sport or eco modes this delay goes away.
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Despite the accelerator’s occasional recalcitrance, comfort mode with i-Pedal turned on is still my preferred setting. As such, the Electrified G80 delivers a truly magic carpet ride. It’s smoother than crème fraiche thanks to the standard electronically controlled suspension system with road preview. A forward-facing camera scans the surface ahead and adjusts the dampers to deliver a ride that’s absolutely buttery, never lumpy like cottage cheese or harsh like a sharp cheddar. Hmmm, are there any other dairy products I could use to describe the G80’s driving dynamics? I shouldn’t milk this metaphor any longer, no whey, Jose!
Matching that gliding ride, this Genesis sedan’s interior is also super quiet. There’s barely any wind or tire noise, even at highway speeds, which is exactly what you want in a luxury car. Also, unlike other EVs, there’s no option to play synthesized engine noises through the speakers, and that’s A-OK with me because I’m not a big fan of fake sounds.
Like other Genesis vehicles, the Electrified G80’s cabin is gorgeous. The dashboard design is elegant yet expressive, and the quality of everything is impossible to ignore. No, this car won’t top a Rolls-Royce, but it’s still probably nicer than what you get from Acura, BMW and Lexus these days.
Burnishing its eco-friendly credentials, this Genesis has fabrics made from recycled PET plastics, the leather on the seats has been treated with natural dyes and models fitted with the white interior get special trim on the dashboard, center console and door panels that’s made from recycled birchwood scraps. Basically, this is a fancy version of oriented strand board, OSB for short. Other interior colors come with conventional wood accents, which is what the car seen in this review is fitted with.
On the dashboard is a super-wide 14.5-inch display. Quick and intuitive, the infotainment system that resides in that panel is a joy to use, being both immediately intuitive and instantly responsive. You can control it with a knob on the center console or via the touchscreen, though the latter is a bit of a reach from the driver’s seat. Of course, there’s also a digital instrument cluster, but what sets this 12.3-inch panel apart from other displays is that it offers a 3D viewing mode that works without requiring you to wear special glasses or anything. It’s an intriguing parlor trick that actually works, though it makes the instruments look a little gritty. Honestly, this is a feature I just leave off, which you can easily do from the settings menu.
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The Electrified G80’s interior is lovely overall, but the front bucket chairs aren’t. Yes, they’re heated and ventilated, plus the driver’s seat adjusts in 16 ways and offers massage functionality, but the lower cushion is too flat and firm for my liking, which is a shame. The vehicle’s floor has also been elevated slightly to accommodate the battery pack, but this makes the driving position feel a couple inches too high.
This car’s backseat is mostly a pleasant place. There’s ample legroom, though headroom is a little scarce for taller passengers and the rear door openings are a touch narrow, which makes entering and exiting a little awkward. Passengers are treated to two USB ports and a pair of cup holders in the fold-down center armrest. There are also separate climate controls and a button to raise or lower the rear sunshade.
Like the backseat, the Electrified G80’s trunk is also fairly tight, clocking in at just 10.8 cubic feet. Additionally, there’s a pronounced hump in the floor, which makes storing cargo just a little more awkward. Another downside, the rear backrests do not fold to increase cargo capacity – this is the same as in gasoline-powered G80s – though there is at least a small pass-through in the center so you can carry longer cargo like skis or lengths of crown molding. Unlike other EVs, this Genesis has no front trunk. This is a bummer, though not surprising for a conventional vehicle that’s been converted to electric.
The Electrified G80’s creamy-smooth ride, potent acceleration, top-quality interior, tasteful styling and intuitive technology are all laudable accolades. The too-flat-and-firm front bucket chairs, somewhat tight backseat, occasionally laggy accelerator response and small trunk are a few minor downsides. One other reason to avoid this luxury sedan is that it may not be available in your state. Genesis is only offering them at select retailers in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington.
SEE ALSO: 2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus review: Neither new nor improved, and that’s OK
Basically a one-and-done affair, the Electrified G80 comes with loads of standard amenities. You get all-LED exterior lighting, automatic high beams, a 14-speaker sound system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a super sharp 360-degree camera system and a lot more. If you can get your hands on one, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 starts around $81,000 including $1,095 in destination fees. Aside from a few minor accessories, like wheel locks and a first aid kit, the only extra-cost options are premium paint colors. Several special hues are available – including Hallasan Green like we have here. These paints go for $575 a pop, though a matte white is also offered for $1,500.
The battery-powered G80 drives well, charges quickly and is beautifully styled. An electrified version of an existing product, this car isn’t quite the slam-dunk, homerun, knockout that the new Genesis GV60 is, but it’s still an excellent option if you want an all-electric luxury sedan. Because of its refined manners, upscale trimmings and tasteful styling, I prefer this car to the BMW i4 M50 and Tesla Model 3, and you might, too.
At a glance
- Year: 2023
- Make: Genesis
- Model: Electrified G80
- Type: 4-door, all-electric luxury sedan
- Horsepower: 365
- Torque (pound-feet): 516
- MPGe ratings (city/highway/combined): 105/89/97
- Range: 282 miles
- Pros: Buttery-smooth ride, gorgeous interior, first-rate tech,
- Cons: Too-firm front bucket chairs, tight backseat, occasionally laggy accelerator
- Estimated base price: $79,825
- Price as tested: $81,495 including $1,095 in destination fees
