Long-term test introduction: 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD

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My two experiences with the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 before beginning this long-term test drove home a singular point about this luxury sedan. This is one very efficient full-size vehicle. As I’ve reported, admittedly ad nauseum, the most important number pertaining to electric vehicle is not range, battery size or charging capability, it is the real-world number that precedes kWh/100 km. Yes, those other three numbers are important, but the EV equivalent of L/100 km and MPG is the one that really matters, particularly since those other three numbers in most every 2023 EV are more than acceptable.

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My first inkling that this big sedan punches way above its hefty weight in terms of efficiency came during the global first drive event in June of 2022. I drove the Electrified G80 some 300 kilometres around and through the Ozark Mountains along the Arkansas-Missouri border and when all was said and done achieved an efficiency number of 16.8 kWh/100km. And that despite having the air conditioning cranked and the cooled drive seat on for most of the drive through sweltering 35C heat. And just a week later, that exceptional efficiency proved no fluke as the Electrified G80 posted an even-better 15.8 kWh/100 km number during the 700-km, three-day AJAC EcoRun around Ontario. The only EV that posted a better number was the Kia EV6 with a 15.6. And finally, my colleague David Booth was suitably impressed — and that takes a lot — when he did one of his patented Range Finder tests of the Electrified G80, and posted a similar efficiency rating.

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So, as I begin this long-term test drive, I fully expect to post a similar efficiency number. What I am most interested in is how living with this big sedan — and it is a big one — in the city and out on the open road goes. I’m also looking forward to charging the vehicle in different circumstances and at different chargers to test out its much ballyhooed 350 kW (800v) rapid charging capability.

What is the Genesis Electrified G80?

So, let’s look at what the Genesis Electrified G80 is all about. Unlike so many electric vehicles today, it isn’t based on an EV architecture but instead is engineered on the gas-powered G80 platform. The Electrified G80 debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2012 and arrived in Canada as a 2023 model in 2022.

It only comes with an all-wheel drive powertrain, with a dual 136 kW electric motor setup powered by an 87.2 kWh, which is surprisingly smallish for a vehicle of this size. Reported power output is 272 kW, which translates to 365 horsepower, which is more than enough to spirit along this 2,325 kg (5,125.7 lbs.) four-door. Full-charge range is posted at 454 km. Charging times, according to Genesis, are seven hours and 22 minutes using Level 2, 67 minutes and 20 seconds on a 50 kW Level 3, and 21 minutes and 45 seconds on a 350 kW Level 3.

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And like so many of its South Korean EV counterparts, the Electrified G80 comes standard with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, allowing appliances — think laptops, coffee makers and projectors — to be plugged to use the vehicle as a power source. You can even charge up electric bikes with this feature.

As to the design of the Electrified G80, it maintains Genesis’ top-level aesthetics, from the G-Matrix patterned crest grille to the 19-inch turbine-shaped wheels, and from the recycled, forged wood trim to the Nappa leather seats with natural dyes.

Approaching the vehicle for the first time, what strikes you is its size but also how well-proportioned it is. Its silhouette exemplifies the classic sport sedan, with a long hood, a raked windshield and a sloped back window, exemplifying that coupe-like sedan trend that Mercedes-Benz started a few years ago with the CLA Coupe.

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How much is the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 in Canada?

Canadian MSRP is $105,150, and like all Genesis models that is all-inclusive and fully loaded. One interesting option, however, is a solar roof that charges the high-voltage and low-voltage batteries to extend driving range and prevent the batteries from being discharged completely. Unfortunately, my test vehicle did not come with this interesting option.

I’ll report back in a few weeks’ time with my mid-term impressions of the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80.