2024 Genesis G80 Electric Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Genesis is working to become an all-electric automaker. Its first EV is the G80 Electric, which is a battery-powered version of its G80 luxury midsize sedan . Unlike some EVs, the G80 Electric looks essentially identical to the gas-powered car on which it's based. Officially known as Electrified G80, the car went on sale for 2023. Competitors include the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE-Class, and Lucid Air .
What's New
- Entry level, less expensive Advanced trim introduced
- White brake calipers standard
- Leather seat upholstery standard
- Wi-Fi hot spot functionality standard
What We Think
For the most part, the 2024 Genesis G80 Electric is a very nice luxury car and a capable EV. Those laudations may fade as the industry advances, but for now, the G80 Electric is compelling.
By how it looks and drives, the G80 Electric is clearly luxurious. The exterior design is distinctive and stately; that it's just like the standard G80 is appreciable next to some strangely styled EVs. Inside, it's awash in premium materials, some of which are recycled. Tech abounds as well, although it's time for Genesis to get its own infotainment system, not one shared with Hyundai and Kia. Most problematic in the cabin is spaciousness, which is reduced from the standard G80 to accommodate the underfloor battery pack.
Thanks to its motors, the G80 Electric is smoother and quieter than the standard G80—not to mention, quicker and more powerful. Driving range is long enough for road tripping, although the car's maximum recharging rate is only good, not great.
As Genesis expands its EV offerings, the G80 Electric already has some competition next to it on the showroom floor. Furthermore, as it's based on combustion fundamentals yet reaches for electric ambitions, it doesn't land solidly in either stratum. The G80 Electric seems somewhat like a car of the moment, eventually to be replaced and outclassed by a vehicle designed as an EV from the ground up. For this moment, though, it's quite a nice car.
Performance, Range, and Charging
The 2024 G80 Electric has two motors, one on each axle, enabling electric AWD. Together, these motors produce 365 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, the G80 Electric's 0-60 mph acceleration measured 4.1 seconds, making it much quicker than gasoline-powered G80 models.
With its 87.2-kWh battery, range for the G80 Electric is EPA-rated at 282 miles. Charging tops out at 187 kW, a figure that's good if not leading among EVs. That should allow for charging from 10 to 80 percent in slightly more than 20 minutes, provided ideal conditions.
Is the G80 Electric Sold in Your State?
Last year, the G80 Electric was only sold in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. For 2024, the car's availability expands to Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Safety Ratings and Features
In IIHS testing, the G80 Electric earns 2023 Top Safety Pick+ status, the agency's highest accolade. Although the G80 Electric hasn't specifically been tested by NHTSA, the standard G80 gets a five-star overall safety score, the best possible.
Like every Genesis, the G80 Electric comes equipped with front and rear automatic emergency braking, rear and side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Prestige trim level adds camera-based blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and additional driver-monitoring systems.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Adding an underfloor battery pack to the G80 resulted in compromised interior space in its Electric version. With its raised seating position, the electric G80 has about an inch less headroom in every seat. Second-row legroom is also reduced. In comparison to some rivals, the G80 Electric has less space inside, particularly with its small trunk.
Technology
Every G80 Electric has a large 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto functionality. The Advanced trim level has an 8.0-inch gauge cluster display, while the Prestige model upgrades to a 12.3-inch all-digital display with a 3D effect. A head-up display and 360-degree camera are also added on Prestige. In addition to a wireless charging pad up front, each row of seats has two USB ports. Music plays through a 21-speaker Lexicon premium audio system. Phone-as-key functionality is standard.
New Advanced Trim Level
For 2024, Genesis introduces the new entry-level Advanced trim level on the G80 Electric. It's well-equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, Lexicon premium audio, a wireless charging pad, and large infotainment touchscreen, among other features. However, niceties such as an all-digital gauge display, head-up display, 360-degree camera, three-zone climate control, faux-suede headliner, Nappa leather, and rear window sunshades remain exclusive to the higher-end Prestige version. The 2024 G80 Electric Advanced starts at about $75,000, approximately $5,000 less than the Prestige trim.
