Genesis Electrified G80

FIRST DRIVE Updates and fresh face for newly extended, EV-only saloon as it sets sights on the executive and chauffeur markets

- Richard Ingram

TAKING on the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class is no easy task, but Genesis has struck an impressive balance with its G80 – acar that, at least at first glance, has a lot of the key features needed to succeed in this sector.

Initially offered with petrol and diesel engines, the G80 was facelifted this year – and lengthened by 130mm - plus it’s now only available in ‘Electrified’ guise. The powertrain has been beefed up with a bigger battery (94.5kWh gross) for a range of up to 354 miles; the firm hopes its single spec offers enough to tempt business users and chauffeur drivers away from their trusty executive saloons.

At the front, you'll immediately notice the huge grille, which subtly hides the (heated) charge port. Some of the trim, plus the headlights and bumpers, has been updated, and apparently everything from the B-pillar backwards is new – primarily to accommodate that longer wheelbase.

Alone ‘Dynamic’ trim replaces the old ‘Luxury’ model andis priced at a whisker under £76,000. That's up by around £6k versus the pre-facelift car, but the firm claims the added kit means that in real terms the difference is less than £1,500.

Every car gets 19-inch alloys, fully electric, heated and cooled leather seats, a brand-new 27-inch infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, plus a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo with Dolby Atmos, and three-zone climate control.