Genesis Launches Refreshed And Electrified G80 Luxury Sedan in Korea
When Genesis introduced the electric version of its G80 Sedan, it felt very much like the automaker had taken a pair of electric motors and a large battery and plopped them into the car to replace its combustion engine, and that’s exactly what happened. It allowed the car to blend in with the gas-powered version, rather than taking on a futuristic EV look that often includes a lack of front-facing character.
Trimmed with a host of luxury touches and technology, the Electrified G80 is another step toward the brand’s goal of realizing carbon neutrality by 2030, but it did have a few areas of concern. Headroom due to the addition of the battery mounted under the floor was reduced, charging port functionality wasn’t ideal, and its suspension didn’t quite meet the same level of comfort that its European competition possessed. All of that and more has been addressed with a refresh just launched for the Korean market.
A Tasteful Facelift
The closed-off G-Matrix Crest main grille maintains its oversized stature but uses an updated gradient pattern and larger air intakes hidden within. The lower grill is now taller and more elongated and, rather than bleeding into the bumper’s painted surface, uses distinctly curved bookends that wrap around both ends of the lower portion of the bumper.
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The rear bumper was also updated, though less dramatically, using chrome accents that carry over from the body and complete a sleeker look. The front and rear bumper changes are subtle but impactful, and the newly designed 19-inch wheels accompanying them are another understated touch that helps set the revised model apart without shouting about it.
Genesis Makes Things Right On The Charge Front
In regard to charging duties, the charge port remains hidden within the crest grille, but a common complaint about the G80 Electrified’s charging process involved accessing the port, which was done manually. This new updated version opens and closes at the touch of a button, is illuminated, and includes a heat function for inclement weather conditions. Problem solved.
That charging session feeds the new, fourth-generation 94.5 kWh battery as opposed to the previous 87.2 kWh pack. Range has improved to 295 miles of travel on a full charge, according to Korea’s EV certification standards, but the US-spec model will be tested on stricter EPA cycles, so we can expect a lower figure when the updated model reaches our shores. For the record, the current model claims 282 miles. The same AWD, twin motor setup is carried over, offering 365 horsepower with 516 lb-ft of torque.
More Comfort Within The Cabin
What you might not notice at a glance is that this new G80 has grown over 5.1 inches in length to allow additional space for rear passengers. In the previous version, the raised floor which accommodated the battery mounted underneath stole some of the head and legroom. The EV now boasts 39 inches of legroom, an improvement of 3.2 inches over its predecessor, and 37.4 inches of headroom, a slight increase as well, all thanks to its longer wheelbase.
The touches of luxury have been elevated, too. Getting inside the G80 is a breeze with Genesis’ Fingerprint Authentification System, and once inside, rear passengers can close and open their doors at the push of a button. A redesigned steering wheel is joined by a crystal drive selector, quilted rear door cards, ambient mood lamps, and a touch-based HVAC system, all included in the refresh. The previous 14.5-inch LCD was swapped for a massive 27-inch OLED display that starts in front of the driver and extends all the way across the center dash console. Able to be partitioned into two or three sections, it can, for example, display the vehicle’s gauges, a digital map, and an online streaming service simultaneously.
Chauffeur Mode Takes A Page Out Of Mercedes’ Playbook
This latest version of the G80 Electrified is the first to showcase Genesis’ Chauffeur Mode, a setting that further smooths acceleration and overall passenger comfort by modifying the car’s torque and suspension settings, as well as tweaking the hydraulic braking control system to avoid abrupt stops. Mercedes-Benz has a similar system called Magic Body Control. Getting a head start on what’s to come, the Road-Preview Electronic Control Suspension makes changes to the G80’s behavior as it pulls information from the navigation and other sources, and torque is applied to each wheel as needed through turns for greater handling.
Furthermore, upgraded bushings are used throughout the front and rear suspension to fight vibration and increase the vehicle’s stability. Even tight space negotiation is simplified with rear wheel steering. ” Those riding in the back can pull a rear window curtain, recline their seats 40 degrees, and enjoy the 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. If music isn’t a favorite driving companion, xElectric Vehicle Active Sound Design is in place to emulate the sound of a six-cylinder engine or, if you choose, the “serene sounds of the cosmos,” according to Genesis.
Sales have already started in Korea, and the G80 Electrified will likely be released in its newest form to both European and North American markets before the end of the year to continue doing battle with midsize luxury sedan segment dwellers, BMW and Mercedes. With any luck, it will soon be followed by the appealing Genesis G80 EV Magma, a concept also unveiled during the Beijing Motor Show this year.
