Hyundai’s premium brand Genesis was born just a few years ago and is already bringing some very competitive models to the market. Initially focused purely on luxury sedans and, more recently, SUVs, the brand is now officially stepping into the EV market. Now, the company has revealed the all-electric Genesis eG80 at the 2021 Shanghai International Automotive Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2021), and it is the first Genesis model to be unveiled outside of Korea.
2022 Genesis Electrified G80
- Make: Genesis
- Model: 2022 Genesis Electrified G80
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: g80
Drivetrain & Performance
The Genesis eG80 promises a sophisticated driving experience through a perfect blend of comfort, smoothness, and performance. The Genesis G80 has already made it clear that it is not a performance sedan, but it can double as one, should you require it to. The electric version will follow the same principle.
The Genesis eG80 offers an exceptional range.
The Genesis eG80 comes with all-wheel drive as standard. According to the manufacturer, the luxury EV is able to do the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in 4.9 seconds in sport mode. With such performance, we can assume that the electric drivetrain will deliver around 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts) and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm). The eG80 also features a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS), which allows the vehicle to switch between RWD and AWD in order to improve efficiency and reduce powertrain loss.
2022 Genesis Electrified G80 specifications
Powertrain | Electric |
|---|---|
Power | 400 HP |
Torque | 516 LB-FT |
0 to 60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
Range | 311 miles |
Drivetrain | AWD |
A 400/800V rapid charging system allows for multiple charging infrastructures to be used. Through the driving motor and inverter, the voltage level can be boosted from 400 to 800V in order to optimize the charging procedure.
The luxury EV sedan will also feature level 3 autonomous driving, also known as “eyes off” driving, which allows the driver to focus on other activities but only up to a certain speed.
Exterior
Just like its ICE-driven version, the eG80 boasts the brand’s signature “Athletic Elegance” design language. The two-piece headlight and taillight design once more make an appearance, as does the diamond-shaped front grille. As expected, on this EV version, the signature Crest grille is closed, as the electric drivetrain does not need to “breathe” in the same manner an internal combustion engine does.
The lower front section differs from the internal combustion engine version by having a more restrained look. The air inlets are smaller and more focused on the center of the front, although the mesh features a similar pattern. On the side, we see a new multi-spoke wheel design, although that might be available on the ICE-equipped G80 as well.
The rear is practically the same with the exception of the exhaust tips, which are now gone. This allows the reverse lights to be positioned more towards the outer edges of the car.
Interior
The interior of the eG80 is, as expected, the same as the G80. The highly-finished interior once again features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen. We might see some new color and possibly material options for the two-tone interior, again specific to the EV version, together with unique to the model trim.
The Genesis eG80 may be a luxury car, but it is also about sustainability. The company has sourced various natural or recycled materials, like natural dyes for the seats, armrest, and console. The interior of the electrified G80 also features natural wood trim, recycled wood, and environmentally-friendly, recycled PET fabrics.
Price
We are yet to get the prices, but considering that the base G80 starts at $47,700 and the V-6 twin-turbo “Premium” from $65,100, we can expect the electrified G80 to start at around $69,000.
Competition
Tesla Model S
When we talk about fast EV sedans, we have to mention the Tesla Model S. Although not necessarily as luxurious as the Genesis eG80, the Tesla has some strong selling points. Among other things, it has the advantage of being the car that created the segment to begin with. Even in its base version - the P90D, it's a quick car. With all-wheel drive and the combined power of 469 horsepower and 713 pound-feet (967 Nm), it manages a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds, despite weighing 4,960 pounds (2,250 kg). It also has a bright and spacious interior and a generous cargo space of 31.6 – 63.3 cubic feet (895 – 1,792 liters). The Tesla also has a slightly better range at 316 miles (509 km). That said, even for the base P90D you have to pay $79,900.
Read our full review on the Tesla Model S
Jaguar I-Pace
For around $10,000 less than the Tesla, you can get the first electric Jaguar. The I-Pace is a good amount cheaper, but you also get less of almost everything. Even the top of the range EV400 makes 396 horsepower and 513 pound-feet (696 Nm) which is sent to all four wheels. This is still enough for a 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph, despite the weight of over 4,700 pounds (2,100 kg). You still get a very respectable 298-mile (480 km) range and quite possibly the best interior currently in the segment. The adaptive air suspension allows for an 8-inch (20 cm) rise in ride height. You still get generous amounts of space in the interior as well as the 23.2-cubic feet (656-liter) hatchback-style cargo area.
Read our full review on the Jaguar I-Pace
Conclusion
The Genesis brand has already proven that it can compete with some of the best in the premium segment and even beat them in terms of price and standard equipment. With the eG80, the Genesis brand starts the electrification process of its lineup. The standard G80 already offers unparalleled levels of luxury and comfort for its price and its EV counterpart – the eG80 offers the same for those who want to move with the times or simply want a more eco-friendly luxury vehicle with an element of nostalgia in the form of simple old-school comfort.
