Some say that electric cars are boring, soulless and ugly. And they are right. Except for one. The Electric Genesis G80. This is not just a car. This is a statement. A statement that says: I don't care about your Teslas, your Porsches or your Mercedes. I have something better. Something Korean.
The Electric Genesis G80 is the first EV model by Genesis, the luxury brand of Hyundai. And it is a stunning piece of engineering. It has two electric motors, one on each axle, that produce a combined 272kW of power and 700Nm of torque. That's enough to launch this big sedan from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. And it can do that for over 500km on a single charge, thanks to its 87.2kWh battery pack.
But this car is not just about numbers. It's about style, comfort and technology. The G80 has a sleek and elegant design, with a massive crest grille, slim LED headlights and taillights, and subtle tweaks for the electric version, such as a closed front bumper and aerodynamic wheels. The interior is even more impressive, with a spacious and luxurious cabin that features leather seats, wood trim, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.
The G80 also has a 14.5-inch widescreen infotainment system that looks like it belongs in a spaceship. It has a 32:9 ratio and a blue light filter to reduce eye strain. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system and a digital instrument cluster that changes according to the driving mode.
And there are plenty of driving modes to choose from. You can select Eco, Comfort, Sport or Custom, depending on your mood and the road conditions. You can also adjust the suspension, steering and regenerative braking settings to suit your preferences. And if you want to be really clever, you can use the Vehicle-to-Load function that allows you to use the car's battery as a power source for other devices.
The G80 also comes with a long list of safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera. It also has an air purification system that filters out fine dust particles and harmful gases from the cabin.
But how does it drive? Well, it drives like a dream. A very fast and quiet dream. The G80 is smooth and refined on the road, with instant acceleration and effortless cruising. The all-wheel drive system provides excellent grip and stability, while the adaptive suspension absorbs most bumps and potholes. The steering is light and precise, and the brakes are strong and responsive.
The only drawbacks are that the ride can be a bit patchy on rough surfaces, especially with the 19-inch wheels; the rear seat doesn't fold down to expand the boot space; and there is zero toe room for the rear passengers due to the battery pack under the floor.
But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise brilliant car. The Electric Genesis G80 is not just a good electric car. It's a good car full stop. It offers performance, luxury and technology at a fraction of the price of its European rivals. It's also more interesting and distinctive than its Japanese or American competitors.
So if you're looking for an electric car that will make you stand out from the crowd, look no further than the Electric Genesis G80. It's Korean for awesome.
