Genesis G80 Electrified updated for 2025

FOLLOWING a recent upgrade to the petrol-powered Genesis G80 premium large sedan comes a revamp to the G80 Electrified model that went on sale last week in South Korea.

Its international debut was at this year’s Beijing Auto Show on April 25, and then at the Busan (South Korea) International Mobility Show on June 27 – three years after the first iteration appeared (in 2021).

The new fully-electric model is due here early in 2025 despite meagre sales of the G80 Down Under – with only 39 YTD (of all variants).

But that may change spurred by the upgrades and a conspicuous TV ad campaign airing at the moment.

No price has been mentioned for the revamped model suffice to say the September 2024 schedule listed it at $145,058 excluding on roads so we can expect something north of that.

Though outwardly similar looking to the (soon to be superseded) model, the new elongated G80 Electrified comprises numerous technology, detail and design changes.

These include a longer wheelbase at 3140mm which is 130mm longer than the previous version and extended range per charge that Genesis says “takes luxurious driving to next step setting a new standard for the luxury electric sedan”.

A closer look at the outside reveals the latest G80 Electrified features upgrades and refinements down to minute details built around the corporate “Athletic Elegance” design language.

At the front is a big G-Matrix Crest Grille with a new gradient pattern and enlarged air intakes flanked by two-line Micro Lens Array (MLA) headlights.

The recharge port is handily located on the upper right-hand corner of the bumper seamlessly blended into the grille and is equipped with a heating function inside the port to ensure convenient charging under any weather conditions.

A set of 19-inch wheels enhances the model’s luxurious appeal and improves aerodynamic performance.

Minimal changes have been made to the rear apart from a cleaner bumper design with new chrome accents running across the side of the vehicle and bumper to achieve a sleeker image.

Ten exterior colour options are available including the exclusive Matira Blue.

Apart from the additional legroom the G80 Electrified interior has undergone a similar level of metamorphosis offering a more spacious cabin, new high-tech features like 27-inch OLED display and Chauffeur Mode and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with Dolby Atmos technology to “accentuate high-tech sensibilities”.

The designer’s intent was to create a relaxing ambience with high-tech features in the redesigned interior with a sense of luxury and sophistication.

The extra 130mm in wheelbase translates into backseat passengers enjoying 995mm of legroom, up by 83mm as well as 950mm of headroom, an improvement of 20mm.

The large 27.0-inch OLED display combines the cluster and infotainment systems while extending to the centre fascia allowing the driver to split the screen into two or three sections. This further enables simultaneous use of the navigation map while accessing favourite online streaming services all on one screen.

Touch-based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system controls thoughtfully offer drivers ease of operation as do the redesigned crystal-shaped shift by wire and central control panel.

Adding drama to the interior is the soothing atmosphere created by ambient mood lighting while the driver can enjoy a redesigned steering wheel and backseat passengers score quilted door trims.

Four interior colour combinations are offered: Obsidian Black monotone, Ecru Camel monotone, Prussian Blue monotone and Ash Gray/Glacier White two-tone.

The tech offering extends to the second row with the Chauffeur Mode that allows for smooth acceleration and rear-seat passenger comfort through the optimisation of torque and suspension settings. The Chauffeur Braking Mode adjusts the hydraulic braking control system for smoother braking.

It is operated by tapping a screen allowing backseat passengers to easily adjust their seats in at least 14 different directions and to a maximum recline angle of 40 degrees. The wing-out headrests and the Comfort Setting function are especially beneficial during long road trips, providing added relaxation.

Second-row passengers can also conveniently open and close their doors with a push of the EasyClose button, while enjoying privacy and shade by utilising the automatic door curtains. By using Connected-car Rear Cockpit (CcRC), they can stay entertained and pass time during their journey.

Tech improvements have gifted the new Electrified G80 an extended range via a 94.5kWh fourth-generation battery, the model now with a claimed 475km on a single charge.

Suspension upgrades focused on new front and rear bushings to reduce road vibrations and maintain driving stability.

The Road-Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Preview ECS) feature improves driving stability by pre-emptively controlling the vehicle’s dynamics based on information from the navigation system and other sources.

Electrically Assisted Dynamic Torque Vectoring (eDTVC) distributes torque to each wheel during cornering, facilitating stable and precise handling in turns.

There’s also rear-wheel steering and an electric vehicle sound generator featuring “Horizon,” one of the two new engine sounds created with the concept of viewing the Earth’s horizon from outer space while “Heritage: Black” expresses Genesis’ luxurious driving inspired by the harmonic structure of the six-cylinder engine, even though it doesn’t have one.