Genesis presents a battery-electric G80

Hyundai’s premium brand Genesis has shown its first all-battery electric model at the Shanghai Auto Show. The Genesis Electrified G80 is the electric variant of the well-known G80 luxury sedan and will be offered exclusively with all-wheel-drive.

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The vehicle combines two electric motors, each with 136 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque on the front and rear axles. Genesis puts the system output of the all-wheel-drive vehicle at 272 kW, the combined torque at 700 Nm. The electric G80 is supposed to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The battery is said to have a capacity of 87.2 kWh, enabling a range of more than 500 kilometres – albeit based on the NEDC standard. Since the vehicle relies on an 800-volt system, DC charging power of up to 350 kW should be possible. Genesis speaks of a charging time of 22 minutes for charging the battery from 10 to 80 per cent.

Other highlights cited by Genesis include its Disconnector Actuator System (DAS), which activates the motors in such a way that there is no unnecessary loss of power. The solution enables seamless switching between two-wheel and all-wheel-drive, the company says. The luxury sedan also offers 3.6 kW power output to external devices and a solar roof integrated into the roofline.

Visually, Genesis says it is going for athletic elegance. The brand’s characteristic radiator grille has been transformed into a coat of arms with a matrix pattern, according to the South Korean company. The tailgate is located in the upper right corner of this emblem and is “invisible” when closed. Regarding the interior, the manufacturer only states that “the beauty of the white space” has been taken over from the combustion engine counterpart. In addition, the vehicle’s interior is to feature various natural and recycled materials.

In keeping with its luxury image, the electric G80 comes with all kinds of driving and assistance systems that are supposed to increase comfort, among other things. Specifically, Genesis mentions an active road noise control (ANC-R) and an electronic suspension (Preview Electronic Control Suspension), whose suspension can be controlled by information from the front camera and the navigation system.

It was the first-ever appearance for Genesis at Auto Shanghai. “The world premiere of the first ever electric vehicle of Genesis here in Shanghai shows our strong dedication and commitment to the Chinese market,” expressed Markus Henne, CEO of Genesis Motor China. “It takes confidence to create something new. In China, we see this spirit everywhere. Genesis will strive to build authentic relationships with Chinese customers through a new China-tailored business model.”

In addition to unveiling the Electrified G80, Genesis also put the spotlight on a concept car called the Genesis X Concept in Shanghai. The vehicle is an electric Gran Turismo that is intended to show the way forward in terms of design.

Update 26 August 2022:

Genesis announced US pricing for its first electric sedan. The 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 starts from an MSRP of $79,825. The brand also announced the expansion of electric vehicle sales at select retailers located in four more states: Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Washington, beginning in September.

Update 15 November 2022:

Genesis announced the expansion of Electrified G80 sales at select retailers located in four more US states: Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Virginia. “We are pleased to offer our growing lineup of electric models to an expanded audience of American consumers,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “Customers have been waiting patiently to get into a new Electrified G80 executive sedan. We are delighted to expand the availability of this model today in four more states.”

Update 22 November 2022:

Genesis is now offering an optional large-scale solar panel on the roof for its all-electric premium sedan Electrified G80, which is supposed to slightly increase the combined WLTP range of 520 kilometres. According to Genesis, with an average daylight period of just under six hours, about 0.7 kWh of energy can be generated per day, which corresponds to an additional range of three kilometres. Calculated over a year, this figure adds up to about 1,150 additional kilometres, the manufacturer calculates. The Electrified G80 is available in Germany at prices starting at 72,200 euros. The solar roof package costs an extra 1,610 euros.

In the UK, the Electrified G80 is available to purchase with pricing starting from £65,000. The sunroof pack is available as an optional extra and is priced at £1,360 for the UK.

autoblog.com, carscoops.com, hyundaimotorgroup.com, prnewswire.com (update), genesisnewsusa.com (update II), genesisnewseurope.com (update III)