The solar panels on the roof are the only hint that this Genesis G80 sedan is a EV. There’s no badges or obvious design features that scream ‘I’m a zero emissions vehicle!’. An EV spotter might take a second glance at the grill, though many late model vehicles are adopting similar styling.
A low key EV makes sense for a vehicle that is more about the passengers in the rear seat than the driver. Passengers that would prefer discretion over pomp and ceremony that other brands are demanding with their electric triumphs.
Genesis has always struggled to find a place for its premium luxury large sedan in a small market dominated by European brands with heritage and brand status built over decades. However, as the first all electric vehicle available in this segment, there’s an opportunity to capture the environmentally conscious buyers.
The battery size is 87.2 kWh and the range is advertised at 520km. It was showing 502km on the afternoon that I collected it from Genesis HQ and the drop in range correlated to kilometres travelled that first hour. Then I parked it in the 30 degree sun for two hours. In the heat, approximately 70 kilometres evaporated.
I gained some of the range back over night thanks to the cool morning start, though the volatility would be a concern to new electric vehicle owners. At the end of the week I had travelled 402km on a single charge with 25km left in battery.
To drive the Genesis G80 is a silent and enjoyable experience though the infotainment controls and seat position took some adjustment time before I felt comfortable.
Being a large car, the centre infotainment touch screen is a long way from the driver. There are steering wheel controls for the common repetitive tasks however you’re forced to use the Genesis Touch Controller which after several days I was still trying to use efficiently with Apple CarPlay.
If you’re not using Apple CarPlay, moving between functions with the Touch Controller is easier, though it does take your eyes from the road longer than I was comfortable with so I found myself constantly stretching towards the 12 inch screen with my index pointed finger.
The seats looked scrumptious in the Havana Brown Nappa leather with forged wood highlights. Though I didn’t melt into them, and after my first 60 minute stint behind the wheel, I was getting some discomfort. The driver’s seat has a massage function and it felt like it hadn’t reset after being used so I was feeling the hard prongs of the mechanical masseuse instead of soft cushioning.
While I was feeling unloved as the driver, in the back seat my kids were loving the limousine rock star experience. Each one had their own small screen to control music, lighting and climate (There are also controls in the centre armrest).
As teenagers of above average height, they stretched out in the rear seats, cocooned with sun shades on side and rear windows, and felt in full control of their environment. This is how I came to the conclusion that the electric Genesis G80 is built for the passengers, and the driver is along for the ride.
The car I drove came in Matira Blue. It attracted some comments as people stopped to decide if it was blue or green. They also found themselves admiring the styling as well as the colour. And maybe wondering why someone was driving a large sedan in a world that is dominated by SUVs.
Genesis makes beautiful cars. As a luxury package they offer good value, high levels of safety, and interior comfort. The GV70 SUV is one of my favourite cars. The electric G80 is a statement vehicle built on an old ICE platform which wasn’t expected to break sales records. It’s perfect for the target market and I’m looking forward to the next generation of Genesis EVs.
