It may be because I only get a Rolls-Royce every decade, that the Bentley press fleet folks keep losing my phone number, or that Ferrari and Lamborghini never had my number to start with, but by far the biggest reactions in the parking lot at my day job come from big Genesis sedans.
These cars have an incredible presence to them---the bold grille, the big wheels, the overall feeling of wealth and taste that transmit themselves across a parking lot---and the next thing you know, folks are stopping by my desk to ask about "that gorgeous car out front".
This gorgeous car we're looking at and talking about here is the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80. Those who say there is no truth in automotive labeling just lost the argument---this is a Genesis G80, but....electrified (Genesis has done the same with the GV70 crossover).
That means that instead of the 2.5-liter turbo four or the 3.5-liter turbo V6 found under the hood of regular G80s, this one is an EV. Dual electric motors make this all-wheel drive. Its 365 horsepower are only ten fewer than the 3.5-liter gasoline engine, but because of the battery, this one's several hundred pounds heavier. Despite that, the Electrified G80 is faster to 60 mph from a standing start, doing it in 4.1 seconds, as opposed to the 4.9 the V6 needs. How's that possible with ten fewer horsepower and two NFL linebackers worth of extra weight? The instantaneous torque from the electric motor.
Range? 282 miles on a single charge. Plus, the Electrified G80 benefits from Genesis being Hyundai's luxury brand. It has the same 800-volt electrical architecture as the IONIQ 5 , resulting in extremely rapid recharges on DC fast chargers---22 minutes from 10 percent to 80 percent charge.
The Electrified G80 has one of the nicest interiors in a mass-production car. The design, the materials, the fit and finish are all first-rate. At a time when Lexus has chosen to go with a lot of black in its cabins, Genesis counters with rich-looking light-colored leathers that contrast with dark skins and wood trim. The sensation of luxury is only heightened by the fact that the Electrified G80 makes no noise---it just moves. Swiftly.
The base price of the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD is $80,950 including destination. That price covers a massive list of standard equipment, including a comprehensive active safety suite, an electronically-controlled suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, power door closure, Nappa leather seating surfaces, matte wood trim, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated power tilt/telescope steering wheel, power rear and manual rear door sunshades, three-zone climate control, navigation, a Lexicon premium audio system (which sounds amazing), head-up display, active noise control and wireless device charging.
In fact, the only extra-cost option on our test car was the Makalu Gray paint ($575), so the bottom line on the window sticker reads $81,525.
Genesis is in the early days of building its reputation as a luxury carmaker. When we look back in a decade or so, my bet is the Electrified G80 will be seen as one of the cars that ensured its place among legendary brands.
