Auto Shanghai 2021: Genesis presents Electrified G80 and X Concept Study

With Genesis, Hyundai is electrifying very discreetly: The Genesis Electrified G80 remains visually very close to the G80 combustion engine. The all-wheel-drive sedan comes with two electric motors, each with 136 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque at the front and rear axles. The Koreans specify the system output of the all-wheeler at 272 kW and the combined torque at 700 Nm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is said to be achieved in 4.9 seconds. The battery offers a capacity of 87.2 kWh, which according to Genesis should mean a range of more than 500 kilometers according to NEFZ. In reality, we rather expect 300 plus or minus x. The Electrified G80 also relies on an 800-volt system. This means that DC charging capacities of up to 350 kW should be possible. Accordingly, Genesis promises 22 minutes of charging time for charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent.

Designed to bring efficiency: The phase-wise shutdown of one motor

The Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) is set to control the motors in such a way that no unnecessary power losses occur. According to Genesis, this allows seamless switching between two-wheel and all-wheel drive. Additionally, the luxury sedan offers power supply to external devices with 3.6 kW and a solar roof integrated into the roofline—details that are somewhat known from the Ioniq 5.

Visually, hardly any differences from the combustion engine

Visually, the approach remains very restrained compared to other group brands: The brand radiator grille has been changed into a crest with a matrix pattern; otherwise, you can only recognize the electric vehicle by the missing exhaust and the charging flap in the upper right corner of this crest, which is said to be "invisible" when closed. And of course, various natural and recycled materials are offered inside. Genesis is also adding more drive and assistance systems: Active road noise control (ANC-R) is supposed to make the Electrified G80 even quieter, and an electronic chassis (Preview Electronic Control Suspension) controls the suspension through information from the front camera and the navigation system.

In addition to introducing the Electrified G80, Genesis showcased its X Concept, an electric Gran Turismo designed to signal the future direction of its design language. This electric Gran Turismo follows the previously presented Mint and Essentia concepts. The more conservatively styled two-door vehicle draws inspiration predominantly from the latter. At the front, Genesis slightly angles the so-called G-Matrix grille into the wind – reminiscent of BMW models from the 1970s. The brand's typical split headlights are executed as slim LED strips extending deep into the fenders, past the front wheel arches. The silhouette, however, adheres to the classic three-box design of large coupes.

For Genesis, it was the first-ever appearance at Auto Shanghai. Markus Henne, CEO of Genesis Motor China, explains:

“The world premiere of Genesis's very first electric vehicle here in Shanghai demonstrates our strong commitment and connection to the Chinese market.”

And he adds:

“It takes trust to create something new. In China, we see this spirit everywhere. Genesis will strive to build authentic relationships with Chinese customers through a new business model tailored to China.”

What does this mean?

The Hyundai Group continues to stay engaged with its subsidiary Genesis, although here with a significantly more conservative aesthetic compared to its other subsidiaries: The innovative technology of the G80 sedan is practically imperceptible. This aims at a higher-end conservative audience that has so far primarily driven European or Japanese luxury brands.