[Taboleo] An Electric Sports Car Disguised as a Sedan... Genesis G80 Electrified Model

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] "We will become the new standard for premium electric vehicles."

This is Genesis's ambition with the G80 electrified model entering the global premium electric vehicle market. As declared, the G80 electrified model is equipped with luxurious design, outstanding power performance, and electric vehicle specialized technologies, clearly differentiating itself from existing electric vehicles that emphasized economy and eco-friendliness. The price, which easily exceeds 80 million KRW, also stands shoulder to shoulder with premium brands.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to capture global premium automakers such as Tesla, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz by leveraging the G80 electrified model, born from years of electric vehicle technology and the premium Genesis brand. Some view this as a hopeful vision for Genesis. However, after personally test-driving the 100 km stretch between Hanam City and Gapyeong County, I felt that the G80 electrified model is an electric vehicle with sports car-like performance, certainly not inferior to imported premium brands with powerful performance.

-Did it inherit the luxury of the internal combustion engine G80?

▲Yes. The exterior colors include a total of 10 options, including the electrified model-exclusive 'Matira Blue,' and the interior offers 4 options including the exclusive 'Dark Lagoon Green - Glacier White Two-tone,' providing a luxurious color palette with no noticeable differences. The large crest grille of the G80, featuring the mesh pattern called G-Matrix, is also applied to the electrified model. The pattern is blocked to reduce air resistance. The charging port is located on the driver's side grille and is cleverly concealed as part of the grille, making the boundary invisible, which was impressive.

The interior luxury was also very much in line with the G80. Additionally, eco-friendly wood trim and recycled fabrics were used as interior materials, continuing Hyundai's recent emphasis on sustainability showcased in the Ioniq 5.

-How is the driving performance?

▲It felt closer to a sports car that accelerates instantly rather than a sedan. The G80 electrified model is equipped with a high-output, high-efficiency electrification (PE) system delivering powerful performance. It operates as a single all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, with motors on both the front and rear axles producing a maximum output of 136 kW and maximum torque of 350 Nm each, combining for a total maximum output of 272 kW (approximately 370 PS) and total maximum torque of 700 Nm (71.4 kgf·m). The zero to 100 km/h acceleration time in sport mode is 4.9 seconds. While driving on the highway in sport mode and pressing the accelerator, I felt like overtaking other cars effortlessly.

The braking performance was as impressive as the driving performance. The G80 electrified model secures stable braking power by standardizing an integrated electric booster (IEB), Continental monoblock calipers (4P) on the front wheels, and large-diameter brake discs on the rear wheels. Moreover, it features a 'brake mode' that allows adjustment of braking feel according to the driver's style. Switching the brake mode from comfort to sport provided noticeably more agile braking performance.

-Is the noise level not high?

▲The quietness comparable to dedicated electric vehicles is a major advantage. During driving, motor noise and vibrations were hardly noticeable. Hyundai applies Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R), an active noise control technology, as standard, which uses four sensors and six microphones to measure and analyze road noise in real time and emits sound waves of opposite phase through speakers to enhance interior quietness. When driving with the windows closed, the air conditioner noise was actually more noticeable. Opening the windows while driving made me realize, "So this is how noisy the road is." Even at high speeds, the motor noise was not bothersome.

-Isn't the energy efficiency low since it's not a dedicated electric vehicle?

▲Since this is a derivative electric vehicle model released amid the active launch of dedicated electric vehicles, I also had the same question during the initial test drive. The official combined energy efficiency of the G80 is 4.3 km/kWh with 19-inch tires. Hyundai explains that with an 87.2 kWh high-voltage battery, it can travel up to 427 km on a single charge (certified by the Ministry of Industry), and with a 350 kW ultra-fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in under 22 minutes.

However, after completing the test drive, I wondered if Hyundai had been too conservative with the energy efficiency rating. I drove on both highways and congested national roads. Although driving habits may have influenced this, the energy efficiency displayed on the dashboard after stopping was 6.4 km/kWh. Of course, if driving exclusively in sport mode, the efficiency could be lower, but it certainly eased concerns about energy consumption.

-What about convenience features and price?

△There was no shortage of convenience features. The 14.5-inch screen offers enhanced intuitiveness through augmented reality (AR) navigation. Additionally, smart cruise control (SCC), forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), and target vehicle highlight display improve driving convenience. Advanced features such as 'Highway Driving Assist 2,' which helps with lane changes and merging, are also equipped, making driving comfortable. Before entering the vehicle, the remote air purification system can be activated remotely, and the driver's ergo motion seat assists stretching, reducing driving fatigue.

The price is 82.81 million KRW (reflecting electric vehicle tax benefits and a 3.5% individual consumption tax). The actual purchase price may be lower depending on government and local government subsidies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.