Shanghai show: Genesis goes EV with Electrified G80

AFTER the concept of electrification was teased by Hyundai Motor Group executives late last year, Genesis has confirmed it will be entering the electric vehicle (EV) market by debuting its new Electrified G80 this week at the Shanghai motor show.

Due to arrive in Australia early next year, the Electrified G80 rides on an optimised version of the existing Genesis platform rather than HMG’s dedicated E-GMP architecture and as such, features all of the same dimensions as its petrol and diesel-powered counterparts.

Given it will be a fully-fledged member of the G80 portfolio, it should come as no surprise to find the Electrified G80 looks near enough identical to the internal combustion versions save for a unique set of (more aerodynamic) alloy wheels and a solid crest grille.

Sporting electric motors on both the front and rear axles, the electric G80 almost matches the existing 3.5T flagship in terms of power, developing a combined 272kW (vs 279kW) but batters the petrol on torque with a meaty 700Nm (vs 530Nm).

When all is said and done, the V8-like outputs will propel the Electrified G80 from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds – 0.2s faster than the 3.5T.

While an exact battery capacity has not been quoted, Genesis says its first-ever EV should be able to cover “more than 500km” on a single charge according to the NEDC standard, however its native Korean EV certification has the range pegged at around 427km.

Either way, recharging can be done at up to 350kW, resulting in the battery being charged from 10-80 per cent in 22 minutes.

The standard 400V/800V multi rapid charging system ensures owners will be able to make the most of the available charging infrastructures.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality is also standard.

To help extend the range as much as possible before charging is required, Genesis has fitted the Electrified G80 with a ‘Disconnector Actuator System’ which can deactivate and reactivate one of the electric motors when maximum power or grip is not required.

Other range-boosting and sustainable touches include the solar roof which helps boost energy efficiency, natural dye for the leather upholstery, ‘forged wood’ trim recycled from the furniture industry and interior fabrics made from recycled PET.

Like the battery capacity, full equipment specifications and pricing are yet to be revealed however Genesis has confirmed its camera-based adaptive suspension system will feature from launch, which combined with the performance credentials points to the Electrified G80 usurping the 3.5T as the range flagship.

The idea of a dedicated battery-electric and sustainable Genesis was realised only last week in the form of the X Concept; a green premium GT car that took all of the brand’s styling and engineering philosophies to the next level.

Questions were raised as to the X Concept’s chances of evolving into a production model and now with new comments from the global head of Genesis Jay Chang, more fuel has been thrown on the fire.

“Today is very special because it represents a variety of firsts for the Genesis brand,” he said at the Electrified G80’s reveal.

“Not only because this is Genesis’ very first appearance at the Auto Shanghai, but it is also the first time we are unveiling a new product outside of Korea.

“The Electrified G80, the perfect balance of athleticism and elegance, marks the beginning of our journey into the EV market, representing Genesis in the era of electrification.”

Given the G80 is already Genesis’ dedicated E-Class and 5 Series fighter, a coupe version would go some way in squaring the tables for the Korean brand, alongside the X5-baiting GV80, looming G70 3 Series competitor and upcoming GV70 SUV which is aimed squarely at the volume-selling Mercedes-Benz GLC.

In the meantime though, the Electrified G80 won’t have things its own way for long as BMW readies its all-electric 5 Series which is expected to make its debut sometime next year ahead of a global launch in 2023.

Genesis has sold nine G80s so far this year ending March, accounting for a slim 1.1 per cent slice of the $70,000-plus large car segment.