First seen over a year ago, the Genesis Electrified G80 has finally touched down in the United States. The company's first-ever electric vehicle suffered some setbacks and was beaten to the local market by the smaller GV60. Still, the electric sedan seems to have been worth the wait, as the automaker has finally announced local specifications and pricing while expanding its availability to four more states than were originally planned.
Just one configuration will be offered at a rather appealing price of $79,825, making it far more affordable than similarly equipped electric sedans. Currently, the midsize sedan has no true rivals in the local market but, when compared to ICE-powered models such as the BMW M550i ($79,900) and Mercedes-AMG E53 ($76,050), it's not a bad deal.
However, the true test of its value for money can only be carried out once the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan arrive on local shores. For now, let's look at what Genesis gives you in return for your substantial chunk of change.
Thanks to a dual-motor setup, there's a combined total of 365 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This translates into adequate performance; 0 to 60 mph is dispatched in a claimed 4.9 seconds. The 87.2 kWh battery pack provides 282 miles of estimated range when on 19-inch alloy wheels.
Charging should prove relatively fuss-free. When plugged into a 350 kW DC fast charger, the Genesis needs just 22 minutes to top up its 87.2 kWh battery from 10% - 80%. Level II home charging, however, requires an additional seven hours.
Speaking of charging, the automaker is throwing in a sweet deal with the Electrified G80. In partnership with Electrify America, owners can enjoy three years of free 30-minute charging sessions from the date of purchase. But free charging isn't going to cut it for luxury car buyers. What else is Genesis offering?
Plenty, judging by the generous equipment levels. The interior should prove sumptuous, with standard Nappa leather seating that's been teamed with matte wood inlays and a leatherette-trimmed instrument panel. Microfiber suede trim is used for the roof lining, for an even more luxurious feel.
The front seats are, of course, power-operated and boast heating and ventilation. On the convenience front, there's a power door closure feature, along with a power trunk lid, rain-sensing wipers, and rear compartment sunshades. Dive into the 14.5-inch infotainment system, and you'll find there's Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, and a Lexicon Premium sound system.
As you would expect, for $80,000 or so, the Electrified G80 receives a full suite of driver assists. The Genesis receives Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control (with stop and go capabilities), blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and several more crash avoidance features. In fact, the only cost-extra options are metallic and pearl paint ($575) or matte paint ($1,500).
The big news, however, is that Genesis is offering its electric vehicles to a larger market in the USA. Previously, the GV60 was only made available at select retailers in the states of California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. With the launch of the Electrified G80, the company is now expanding its electric presence to four additional states.
From September, customers in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Washington can finally consider an electric Genesis - without traveling out of state, of course. "The Electrified G80 represents another important milestone as we continue on our journey to full electrification," said the company's Claudia Marquez.
On the EV front, this is only the beginning for Genesis. The X Speedium concept is a promising preview of the future, and we can expect an electrified version of the GV70. We can't wait to get a closer look at the battery-powered G80 and see how it stacks up against the EQE and i5.
