Electrified Genesis G80 gets my volt for feisty fun

This review first appeared in the March 2023 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

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Sacramento, California -- Does the sound of silence get the heart racing?

In the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 AWD luxury sedan, it certainly does.

How to explain it?  Well, here goes ...

As the model name explains, the Electrified G80 is an all-electric vehicle, with front and rear electric motors dishing up 136 kilowatts each. That equates to 365 horsepower and a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

It feels faster than that, and I swear to you, it's the absence of a roaring engine that makes it feel that way.  Sure, I love the exhaust note of a growling internal-combustion engine, but with the tested G80, I had the pulse-quickening feeling of being driven forward by some silent, overpowering hand.  It's a rush.

It takes some getting used to. But once experienced, I was hooked, blasting the EV around town with a perpetual smile on my face.

Beyond the silent streaking, the tester's charms were numerous and enjoyable.

Hundreds of pages in the owner's manual were devoted to the advanced safety technologies, and the Genesis folks seemingly endeavored to put every available state-of-the-art system in the car.  That would be nearly 20 systems dedicated to crash avoidance, parking assistance and driving enhancement.

Extensive multimedia perks also are part of the deal.  And I had no trouble enduring Nappa leather surfaces, rich wood trim and heated/ventilated/power seats with multiple comfort settings.

Exterior styling is all-elegant, first team.  Also a bonus: An estimated 282 miles per charge, depending on driving conditions.

A small gripe: I would have loved a floor shifter, instead of the center console-mounted rotary dial gear changer.

The bottom line for all of this on the tested model: $81,495.  A lot, you say.  Yes, but I've tested similarly equipped cars going for six figures, so you do the math.

Luxury, top-tier technology and an electric volt jolt to the heart.  It's all good.