The 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 isn’t a lot a revolution of a gas-powered automotive as it’s a shockingly good adaptation of a terrific automobile already pushing its German rivals.

It made me spend the week pondering whether or not Mercedes-Benz made errors with the EQE.

With an EPA vary ranking of 282 miles, a beautiful design, and a way of normalcy for $80,920, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 ought to make shoppers pause earlier than heading to opponents’ showrooms. That’s, in the event that they stay within the 12 states the place it’s really offered.

Cranking it to 800 volts

The Electrified G80 isn’t a clean-sheet EV like its E-GMP-based GV60 sibling. Genesis tailored the present G80 by eradicating the fuel powertrain bits and sliding an electrical powertrain of their place.

Mash the accelerator and the 365-hp dual-motor powertrain with 136-kw electrical motors at every axle doesn’t launch you into the seat like a Tesla Mannequin S or another EVs, nevertheless it’s simply the quickest G80 cash can purchase. Instantaneous torque, all 516 lb-ft of it, hits a lot more durable than in some other G80, together with the G80 Sport with its 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It wafts the EG80 off the road, and the automotive actually picks up steam between 25 and 80 mph.

Apart from the graceful powertrain, the EG80 has no sporty pretense. The softest sprung G80 mannequin, the electrical model reveals essentially the most physique roll, nevertheless it’s nonetheless nicely managed. The steering is a smidge on the sunshine facet and supplies simply sufficient suggestions to know what’s happening on the wheels, however this method isn’t as communicative as what you’ll discover within the Cadillac CT5. Normal rear-wheel steering tightens the turning radius and shrinks the mid-size luxurious sedan round corners similar to the G80 Sport. Not like its gas-powered sibling, the system within the electrical mannequin by no means felt uncoordinated or produced bizarre suspension undulations. That’s seemingly as a consequence of a retuned suspension that works nicely with the automotive’s elevated mass. The EG80’s modest physique roll ensures you’re keenly conscious it’s heavier than some other G80 mannequin, which is as a result of it weighs simply over 5,000 kilos. Gasoline-powered G80s weigh between slightly below 4,000 and almost 4,500 kilos.

Genesis affords three ranges of regenerative braking and a system the model (together with Hyundai and Kia) dubs i-Pedal, which is basically one-pedal driving with most regeneration. The degrees of regenerative braking are managed by way of the steering wheel paddles, and i-Pedal is activated by the right-side shift paddle. Annoyingly, the EG80 will bear in mind the primary three ranges of regenerative braking upon restart however refuses to restart with i-Pedal enabled.

The 87.2-kwh lithium-ion battery pack is a smidge smaller than the 90.6-kwh pack within the Mercedes-Benz EQE. Genesis went via the difficulty to improve the EG80’s electrical system to 800 volts, which Mercedes-Benz didn’t do with the clean-sheet EQE, opting as an alternative for a 400-volt system. This permits the Electrified G80 to recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in simply 22 minutes on a DC quick charger, in keeping with Genesis, and helps futureproof the EG80.

I got here near seeing that charging efficiency in the true world. Hooked to a 350-kw charger, the EG80’s battery took about 23 minutes to cost from 30% to 80% with a peak charging fee of 145 kw when the battery had a 68% cost. On a 48-amp, 240-volt charger, Genesis says the EG80 will take about 7.5 hours to cost from 10% to 100%. A 110-volt charger goes to take a painful 80 hours, so simply consider that as a trickle cost.

Regardless of ambient temperatures within the 30s throughout most of my time with the EG80, I nonetheless noticed a decent common of three.1 mi/kwh over the course of 367 miles. That common was increased at 3.3 mi/kwh in the course of the first 185 miles of driving till extra chilly and freeway speeds have been baked into the combination. It appears the EPA’s 282 miles of vary is life like. That’s in all probability about the identical vary ranking a comparable dual-motor EQE will obtain when it’s rated.

The Electrified G80 can also be able to bi-directional charging, which is typically known as vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-load operate. It means the EG80 can discharge its electrical energy at a fee of as much as 3.6 kw to cost one other EV, energy an equipment, and even energy a house. I didn’t take a look at this operate. Subsequent time, Genesis.

Appears to be like like a G80

Most individuals received’t be capable to inform the Electrified G80 lacks a fuel engine below its hood. Almost each little bit of its design is similar as its dino-drinking brethren, and that’s not a foul factor.

Not like the futuristic-looking Mercedes-Benz EQE, the Electrified G80 checks in with traditional rear-wheel-drive proportions that includes an extended hood, an extended dash-to-axle ratio, and a correctly brief rear finish. It inherits these proportions from the fuel mannequin, so Genesis couldn’t make use of a cab-forward design within the title of aerodynamics like Mercedes has.

Visible modifications that differentiate the electrical G80 are restricted. The important thing giveaway is a closed-off diamond-pattern grille with a hidden cost port on the motive force facet below a diamond-shaped door, however model-specific 19-inch wheels and obtainable Matira Blue exterior paint additionally distinguish the electrical mannequin from much less environment friendly G80s. Oh, and there are not any tailpipes.

Inside, the Electrified G80 appears like some other G80, besides it’s so loaded to the gills that it affords no choices. A 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster swaps out the gasoline gauge for a regenerative braking mode meter, the tachometer turns into an influence meter, and as an alternative of a spread indicator the show reveals the juice left within the battery pack. The usual controls are all right here, together with the 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with its easy-to-use tiled interface, the rotary controller for the infotainment system that augments the touchscreen, and the laborious buttons for the audio system and local weather controls. Bear in mind buttons, Mercedes-Benz?

The conversion from a fuel automotive rears its head once you slide into the cockpit. I instantly observed the seating place felt excessive in comparison with a fuel mannequin. Genesis spokesperson Jarred Pellat confirmed that as a result of battery pack the seats sit about an inch increased. This implies the motive force will get a greater view of the highway (which may also be achieved by elevating the seat in any automobile), however that there’s about an inch much less headroom than in a regular G80 throughout. Compromises.

Whereas the trunk retains the ski passthrough, it’s down 3.0 cubic ft for a quite small 10.0 cubic ft of cargo hauling house. I used to be nonetheless in a position to match 4 units of downhill skis (two grownup and two little one units) and 4 units of ski boots within the trunk with room to spare.

Not like the EQE, which lacks a frunk as a consequence of engineering choices, the EG80 lacks a frunk as a result of its ICE platform is pitch hitting with an electrical powertrain. The lengthy hood opens to disclose a entrance motor, inverter, and crucial cooling {hardware}.

With comparable vary and effectivity, a prettier design, and extra future-proofed {hardware} than a comparable Mercedes-Benz EQE, the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 has some benefits over the EQE with out totally committing to an EV structure. It prices $8,000 greater than a comparable fuel mannequin, however successfully trades fuel for electrons. I stay up for the A-game, clean-sheet EV stuff from Genesis. Be careful, Germany.