With three electric models in the lineup (and another on the way), Genesis appears fully committed to reducing its carbon footprint in a meaningful way.
The full-size Electrified G80 is the Hyundai division鈥檚 only sedan to offer EV and gasoline propulsion systems.
As for the name, some clarification is in order. The Electrified G80 handle implies the sedan is a gasoline-powered vehicle assisted by an electric motor, which is not the case. This one is 100 per cent battery-electric powered and an offshoot of the G80 that offers turbocharged four-cylinder and V-6 engine choices.
Other than a closed-in faux grille 鈥� concealing the charging port behind a small opening 鈥� and lower air intake, the Electrified G80 is basically identical in shape to the gasoline model. Some body panels have been switched to aluminum from steel to at least partially offset the weight of the battery pack beneath the floor. The platform was stiffened by a claimed 17 per cent to handle about 5,200 pounds of body weight and to aid overall ride comfort and handling capabilities.
The car鈥檚 shapely, low-slung design is one of the more attractive to be found and is a total eye-catcher from every angle.
The cabin affords a reasonable amount of space for up to five passengers, who are treated to supportive seats along with a wood-and aluminum-trimmed dashboard and door panels. And all aboard should have sufficient legroom, thanks to the Electrified鈥檚 distance between the front and rear wheels, which is about three inches greater than that of both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CT5 sedans. Rear seat headroom is somewhat limited, and the rear motor intrudes into the trunk.
All Electrified G80s have front and rear electric motors that deliver a net 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. For comparison, the regular G80's available turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 pushes out 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet. According to Genesis, the Sport mode setting can accelerate the Electrified to 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 4.9 seconds.
The standard all-wheel-drive splits the front-to-rear torque evenly and is engaged except when travelling at a steady rate of speed. During those times, all the power is shipped to the rear wheels.
According to Genesis, a commercial-grade DC faster charger will bring the battery pack to 80 per cent capacity from 10 per cent in 22 minutes. Why 80 per cent and not 100? Because the charge speed dramatically slows once 80 per cent is reached, which is the case with most hybrids and EVs on the market, and automakers want to advertise their quickest times. A full charge when hooked to a 240-volt Level 2 home station takes about seven hours.
Maximum range is officially rated at 454 kilometres.
Fuel-economy equivalency numbers are 2.2 l/100 km in the city, 2.6 on the highway and 2.4 combined.
The power system is a treat for the senses as the Electrified G80 gets up to speed almost imperceptibly. Press the pedal aggressively and passengers will be pinned to their seats.
The big sedan also transitions into tight corners with little drama. The adaptive dampers effectively smooth out the road. At its highest setting, the paddle-shift controlled regenerative braking system can stop the Genesis without the driver touching the brake pedal.
At $105,150, including destination fees, the fully loaded Electrified G80 comes with a 14.5-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver鈥檚 display, 16-way power-adjustable driver鈥檚 seat with 12-way passenger seat, 21-speaker Lexicon-brand audio system and 19-inch wheels. Also included are tri-zone air conditioning, Nappa leather seats, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.
Standard active safety tech includes forward-collision avoidance, driver attention warning and lane-keeping assist.
The Genesis Electrified G80 really is the complete package when it comes to spirited driving, luxury accoutrements and of course fuel-pump avoidance.
