Genesis G80 2026 review: Electrified Signature

All it takes is one look at the size and function of this car’s 1.2-metre long rear doors to realise its primary focus is on the rear occupants rather than the person behind the wheel.Not that the Genesis Electrified G80 Signature’s driver is ignored… far from it, and we’ll get to that soon. But once you clock the auto close and soft-shut functionality of those immense rear openings, its VIP A-to-B purpose is clear.And the way it perfectly leverages the smooth, effortless power and serene refinement delivered by its dual-motor, pure-electric powertrain further confirms this car as more luxurious limo than driver-focused touring sedan.Luxurious 2025 Tesla Model Y rival gets more range and tech upgrade: 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 priced for Australia with $7000 price hikeAn electric vehicle without range anxiety? Genesis GV70 range-extender electric vehicle confirmed for late 2026 global debut to rival the BMW X3, Lexus NX and Volvo XC60 : report’Time is right’: Petrol power wins over EV as Genesis confirms its first sports coupe to take on Lexus LC500, BMW 8 Series and Mercedes-AMG GTAt $155,000, before on-road costs, it lines up against other luxe (often commercially-operated) electric people carrying options like the BMW i5 Sedan ($155,900), Mercedes-Benz EQE350 4Matic Sedan ($154,900) and Zeekr 009 6-seat ($139,900).Updated just last month, this already large EV’s wheelbase has been extended by no less than 130mm, and now at over 5.1m end to end, it shows.The G80’s exterior is familiar, although car-spotters should look for this Electrified’s brushed metal inserts filling in the signature honeycomb grille, uniquely dished 19-inch alloy rims and a tweaked rear bumper.The interior is awash with quilted Nappa full-grain leather on the seats, highlight trims in the doors and lush carpets on the floors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CarsGuide.com.au (@carsguideaus)
And it’s not just the coverings. Dialling in the heating, cooling, recline and massage functions on the (front and rear) seats is a reminder that relaxation and comfort are key Genesis G80 objectives.And when I say rear seats, it’s just the outer ones. Technically you can slide someone into the centre rear position but that’s more of an afterthought. The huge fold-down centre ‘armrest’ unit is the size of a carry-on suitcase and contains everything from seat adjustment (including recline, heating, cooling and massage functions) and media controls to wireless charging and extra storage.Controls on the rear centre console, available only to the rear ‘VIP’ position behind the front passenger, allow its occupant to remotely push and tilt the front passenger seat forward, which allows for a comfy recline angle and a leg rest to swing up, creating the best seat in the house. Add climate control at the back of the front centre console, a power-operated rear window and screen curtains, plus drop-down illuminated vanity mirrors in the roof, and you have a comfortable automotive cocoon at your disposal. No surprise the extra millimetres in that wheelbase stretch were dedicated exclusively to rear seat space. A ‘small’ disappointment is the boot, which despite power opening and closing (with hands-free operation) offers only 354 litres of volume (70L less than its internal-combustion counterparts), which could be awkward when well packed passengers need a ride to the airport. Compounding the issue is the fact the rear seats don’t fold, so what you see is what you get, except for a small ski-port-style door in the centre.But what was that comment about aspirations of a driver-focused touring sedan taking a ‘back seat’? Despite its substantial footprint and roughly 2.3-tonne kerb weight, the Electrified G80 accelerates, steers and stops ridiculously well.The dual motors combine to produce 272kW and 700Nm, which is