The 2025 Genesis G80 Electric, officially dubbed the Electrified G80, represents Hyundai’s luxury arm’s bold step into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Positioned as a midsize luxury sedan, it competes with established players like the BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Lucid Air. Built on an adapted internal combustion engine (ICE) platform rather than a dedicated EV architecture, the G80 Electric aims to blend opulent comfort with electrified performance. But does it truly deliver the luxury and performance expected in this fiercely competitive segment? This 1500-word review dives into its design, interior, performance, technology, practicality, and value to answer that question.
Exterior Design: Subtle Sophistication
The Genesis G80 Electric carries a sleek, upscale design that’s nearly indistinguishable from its gasoline-powered sibling, a testament to Genesis’s cohesive brand identity. For 2025, it retains its signature crest grille—closed off to hide the charging port—and sharp 19-inch turbine-style alloy wheels. The 2024 model year introduced subtle updates like reshaped bumpers and white brake calipers, which carry over to 2025 with no significant exterior changes. Posts on X highlight a longer wheelbase for 2025, debuted at the Beijing Auto Show, primarily to enhance rear-seat luxury for markets like China. This extended wheelbase, now standard globally, adds to the sedan’s stately proportions, measuring roughly 196 inches in length.
The G80 Electric’s styling is elegant rather than flashy, with LED headlights featuring a double-stacked micro-lens array for improved low-light performance. Its Matira Blue paint option shimmers hypnotically, and power-folding mirrors with branded puddle lamps add a touch of class. Compared to the minimalist Tesla Model S or the aggressive BMW i5 M Sport, the G80 Electric’s design feels restrained yet distinctive, appealing to buyers who prefer understated luxury over bold statements.
Interior: A Plush Sanctuary
Step inside the G80 Electric, and you’re greeted by a cabin that rivals the best in its class. The interior is a masterclass in luxury, with pounds of Nappa leather covering the seats, microfiber suede on the pillars and headliner, and forged wood trim crafted from recycled materials. The materials feel substantial, with metal controls machined to a jewelry-like finish, creating a tactile experience that’s both soothing and premium. Reviewers describe it as a “budget-Bentley vibe,” with a serene atmosphere that shrugs off road and wind noise, enhanced by active noise cancellation akin to high-end headphones.
For 2025, the G80 Electric retains the 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge display from its predecessor, though the gas-powered G80 received a larger 27-inch OLED screen. This discrepancy is a slight letdown, as the expansive display elevates the tech-forward feel of the non-electric model. Still, the G80 Electric’s interface is crisp, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Lexicon audio system delivers solid sound, though audiophiles might crave more clarity.
The front seats are heated, ventilated, and hyper-adjustable, with the optional Prestige package adding upgraded leather and a surround-view camera system. However, the high floor—due to the underfloor 87.2-kWh battery—raises the seating position, which some reviewers find compromises ergonomics. Rear legroom benefits from the extended wheelbase, making it a comfortable space for passengers, but the trade-off is a cramped 354-liter trunk, significantly smaller than the BMW i5’s 520 liters or the Mercedes EQE’s 430 liters. The rear seats don’t fold, offering only a narrow ski hatch, which limits practicality compared to rivals.
Performance: Quick but Not Sporty
The G80 Electric’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivers 365 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, powered by an 87.2-kWh battery (upgraded to 94.5 kWh for 2025 in some markets, according to X posts). This powertrain propels the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, faster than the gasoline G80’s 5.0 seconds for the 3.5T V6 model. The instant torque provides brisk acceleration, outpacing the Mercedes EQE 350 and BMW i5 eDrive40 in a straight line, though it falls short of the Porsche Taycan’s dynamism.
Despite its quickness, the G80 Electric isn’t tuned for sporty handling. Its electronically controlled suspension with Road Preview technology uses a front camera to adjust for bumps, delivering a supple ride that prioritizes comfort over agility. Reviewers note loose body control and vague steering, particularly on winding roads, where the 5,000-pound sedan feels heavy and less composed than the BMW i5 or Audi e-tron GT. The adaptive dampers shine in Comfort mode, smoothing out rough pavement, but Sport mode’s hypersensitive accelerator and modest brake power detract from a spirited driving experience. Rear-wheel steering, standard on the 2025 model, improves maneuverability, but the large size and intricate alloy wheels make parking challenging despite surround-view cameras.
The G80 Electric’s one-pedal regenerative braking mode is a highlight, offering smooth urban driving, though its turning circle remains wide for a sedan. While it doesn’t match the corner-carving prowess of German rivals, its controlled ride and silent operation make it a refined cruiser for highways and city streets.
Range and Charging: Competitive but Aging
The 2024 G80 Electric offered an EPA-rated range of 282 miles, which real-world tests by Edmunds confirmed as achievable. For 2025, posts on X suggest a new 94.5-kWh battery extends the range to 570 km (354 miles) in some markets, though this is unconfirmed by official EPA ratings. At 187 kW, the peak charging speed is solid, allowing a 10-80% charge in about 22 minutes on a 350-kW DC fast charger. However, this falls short of newer EVs leveraging 800-volt architectures for faster charging, like the Porsche Taycan or Lucid Air.
Genesis sweetens the deal with three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America stations, which use Combined Charging System (CCS) ports. Starting in 2025, the G80 Electric will support Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) via an adapter, expanding charging options. While its range and charging capabilities are respectable, they’re not class-leading, and the front-mounted charging port’s low placement requires stooping, a minor ergonomic flaw.
Safety and Technology: Top-Tier Protection
The G80 Electric is a safety standout, earning a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star NHTSA rating for the standard G80, though the electric model hasn’t been separately tested. Standard driver aids include front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Prestige package adds a blind-spot camera and driver-attention monitor, enhancing its tech suite. However, some reviewers note that the adaptive cruise and lane-centering systems need refinement, occasionally feeling less polished than German competitors.
Additional tech highlights include the Genesis Digital Key 2, allowing smartphone-based unlocking and engine start, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 for automated parking. These features, combined with the quiet cabin and active noise cancellation, create a high-tech, serene driving environment.
Pricing and Value: A Mixed Bag
The 2025 G80 Electric starts around $76,000 for the Advanced trim, rising to $81,000 for the Prestige trim with added luxuries like three-zone climate control and a microfiber headliner. This pricing undercuts the Mercedes EQE and BMW i5 in base trims, though higher-end variants of those rivals offer more equipment for similar money. Compared to the Tesla Model S, starting at $74,990, the G80 Electric is pricier but offers a more luxurious interior and better build quality, though it lags in range and cargo space.
Genesis bolsters value with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, a ten-year EV powertrain and battery warranty, and complimentary charging, making it a compelling package. However, its adapted ICE platform limits passenger and cargo space, and the lack of a folding rear seat hampers versatility compared to rivals. Reviewers question whether the $10,000 premium over the gas-powered 3.5T V6 G80, which offers similar luxury and horsepower, justifies the electric model’s cost.
Verdict: Luxury Yes, Performance Maybe
The 2025 Genesis G80 Electric excels as a luxury sedan, delivering a plush, quiet cabin that rivals pricier European competitors. Its elegant design, high-end materials, and robust safety features make it a standout for buyers prioritizing comfort and refinement. The extended wheelbase enhances rear-seat space, and the upgraded battery (if confirmed) boosts its range to a competitive 354 miles, though charging speeds lag behind newer EVs.
On performance, the G80 Electric is quick, with a 4.1-second 0-60 mph sprint, but it lacks the sharp handling and driver engagement of rivals like the BMW i5 or Porsche Taycan. Its adapted platform compromises practicality, with a small trunk and elevated seating position, and its tech, while advanced, doesn’t match the gas-powered G80’s new 27-inch OLED display. Priced competitively with strong warranties, it’s a value-driven choice, but its premium over the gas G80 raises questions about its overall appeal.
For buyers seeking a serene, luxurious EV sedan with solid performance, the G80 Electric is a strong contender. However, those prioritizing sporty dynamics or maximum practicality might look to the BMW i5 or Tesla Model S. Genesis has crafted a compelling stopgap, but a dedicated EV platform could elevate the G80 Electric to true segment leadership.