Genesis G80 Electrified, luxury is key

The premium electric saloon car from the South Korean brand, the Genesis G80 electrified, is the top of the range

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Car Reviewed: Genesis G80 Electrified

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That means Genesis is still pretty new in the UK; initially launching here in 2021, it has taken commitment and exposure; slowly but surely, the Genesis brand is becoming noticed, which becomes more evident when driving it.

We all know Hyundai and Kia are successful South Korean brands, so it is time to take a good look at Genesis; like other brands, this is how Hyundai takes its brand upmarket to another level. Remember the early days of Kia? What did it take to get them where they are today? Just look at their range now.

The Genesis dealer network has had to change, initially just an online with concierge operation, now to physical dealerships throughout the UK in conjunction with its parent brand, Hyundai. In the UK, we weren’t entirely ready for the online-only approach.

Luxury is the key to the brand’s premium nature, and the Genesis G80 is one of the largest premium electric saloon cars on the market. It’s a reasonable price for a car of this calibre and would surprise many buyers of the German marques with precisely what is on offer. They have an even bigger model, the G90, but it is not available in the UK.

What’s it like then? On the inside, it’s big and comfy, Obsidian Black, soft Nappa leather seats with levels of refinement that make you want one. It has got every type of tech, safety system and many extras, like a portfolio of what you can actually do to make a car to impress. Many are standard, and some are wrapped up in various tech packages. It’s well covered with a proper five-year warranty on most mechanical things and a hefty ten years on battery and motors.

On the outside, the styling is of a fancy large car that people notice, and rarity makes it even more pleasurable to own. It has some very pleasing touches to the styling that are easy on the eye.

Extras, options, everything is available – What about a solar roof adding the ability to top up charge to the huge 87.2kW battery and ancillary 12v battery? Probably not a lot, some days in the UK, but ‘every little helps’, and it does look cool; Genesis claims it can add up to 715 miles per year,

What about dual motor all-wheel-drive, with rear-wheel steering? The system makes the front and wear wheels turn in the same direction at higher speeds, improving stability and handling. Then, at lower speeds, it turns the wheels in opposite directions, making steering easier and reducing the amount of turn needed.

Ride preview tech – scans the road ahead, increasing ride comfort on bumpy roads in conjunction with active noise cancellation. It stays so refined; enjoy the 17-speaker Lexicon sound system.

On the road, it is smoother than a feather in the breeze, with 370PS available and a swift, silent rush to 62mph in just 5.1 seconds. The 700Nm of torque makes pootling and hurtling this car so much fun; it is just so good to drive. And it’s a saloon car; remember them before the days of SUVs? They always handled so much better, with the added assurance of AWD handling, levels of grip are very good.

At night, the mood lighting gives it the feeling of a time machine; change the colour to your preference, and a unique glow takes over the cabin. Just switch on the ergo massaging seats, approved by Germany’s leading back and spinal health institute. You get the picture; journeys have just become much more enjoyable, and sitting in the back while being driven can only be better.

The Genesis has a reasonable 323-mile (WLTP) range. Not to be forgotten, 400/800V architecture adds – Ultra-fast charging. The 87.2kWh Battery gives 10-80% in just 22 minutes when utilising the most powerful chargers.

Should you be looking in the premium luxury saloon space, the Genesis G80 saloon is a car to find out about, and now, should you have got this far in me raving about it, you may be one more step closer to considering the Genesis brand.