

2024.10.10 GENESIS
From the first glance, the new Electrified G80 captivates the eye. Befitting its status as the flagship electric sedan of Genesis, it has an intensified sense of luxury. This evolution builds on the third-generation G80’s already impeccable design. With signature dual-line headlamps and taillamps, a wide and low stance offering visual stability, the harmonious co-existence of dynamic strength and elegance through its parabolic line, and an interior that emphasizes minimalist beauty and premium materials, the G80 has been praised globally for its flawless design. What stands out most in the G80's design is its timeless appeal—a testament to Genesis' unique design ethos.
The signature design elements of the G80 are seamlessly carried over to the newly updated Electrified G80, with additional refined touches exclusive to the electric model. It’s evident that designers have meticulously enhanced its elegance, showcasing a more sophisticated approach to luxury. Genesis offered a glimpse into the designers' minds by arranging a session where the designers involved in the Electrified G80's development walked us through the vehicle, explaining their intentions behind the design evolution.
One pressing question was why the Electrified G80 opted for subtle evolution over radical changes. Moritz Martin, Senior Research Engineer at Hyundai Europe Design Center, explained,
“The Electrified G80, positioned as the flagship EV in Genesis’ lineup, needed a design that balanced opulence with efficiency. Every detail was crafted to harmoniously combine luxury and practicality, encapsulating the essence of Genesis' innovation and elegance.”
The front view emphasizes Genesis' signature dual-line headlamps. Using Micro Lens Array (MLA) lamp technology, these headlamps offer precise light control and a sophisticated lighting effect. The grille, a hallmark of the electric model, showcases Genesis' iconic G-Matrix pattern. Moritz Martin highlighted, “The new grille features a meticulously designed gradient G-Matrix pattern that enhances cooling efficiency.” The lower part of the bumper emphasizes luxury with a combination of gorgeous chrome lines and mesh design. Also, the two chrome lines on both ends create air curtains, ensuring aerodynamic performance.
The rear also adopts a cleaner, more luxurious look. With the absence of exhaust pipes, the rear view is adorned with a three-dimensional chrome line that seamlessly connects to the body, embodying the sleek and upscale image of the electrified sedan.
Perhaps the most noticeable exterior change is on the side profile. The new Electrified G80 extends the wheelbase and overall length by 130mm compared to its predecessor, solidifying its status as a flagship EV. This elongation results in a significantly more spacious rear passenger area, contributing to a new, balanced proportion.
Moritz Martin elaborated, “To achieve the perfect ratio, we extended the wheelbase to an ideal length and reconfigured every side element. This meticulous adjustment allows us to maintain a sporty silhouette while providing more space for rear-seat passengers.” Despite the lengthened body, the signature parabolic line that runs across the vehicle remains elegantly intact.
The hallmark “two-line” graphic of Genesis is evident throughout the vehicle. Notably, the window molding in the quarter glass area also features this dual-line design, setting the electrified G80 apart from its internal combustion counterpart. Moritz Martin noted, “The sharper angle of the two-line molding retains the G80’s dynamism while adding a visual intrigue.”
The new aluminum wheel design, which displays a sleek surface, is another key update on the side profile. Moritz Martin explained, “The dish-type wheels, designed with a delicate two-line graphic, mimic the image of an object slicing through the air at high speed, enhancing both luxury and aerodynamic efficiency.”
Taking a broader view, the Electrified G80 distinctly sets itself apart from typical EV-exclusive designs. Unlike other dedicated electric vehicles, the Electrified G80 retains the proportions and details of traditional sedan design, staying true to its classic formula. Furthermore, this latest update has elevated the design's overall completeness. Moritz Martin emphasized the subtle changes in the Electrified G80, stating:
“Genesis has put great effort into elevating the Electrified G80 to a higher level of luxury EV. Genesis customers will experience immense satisfaction on their journey with the Electrified G80, thanks to its enhanced sense of luxury and sophisticated design."
Inside, Genesis' design philosophy, “the beauty of white space,” unfolds into an open and relaxing space. The front row is a true luxury sedan cockpit, with unnecessary elements removed and essential details meticulously crafted. This update includes a new steering wheel design and a seamless center fascia, creating a simple yet upscale atmosphere. The infotainment system has also evolved, featuring a 27-inch integrated wide display that links the digital cluster and infotainment system, enhancing the high-tech feel of the cockpit.
"The center fascia's controls have been improved not just for aesthetics but also for usability. Jeong-Ik Yoon, senior research engineer from the Genesis Interior Design Team, who was involved in the interior design development of the Electrified G80, explained, 'We redesigned the center fascia based on existing customer feedback, rearranging the control panel's switch layout. The volume dial was raised and given a more protruding form for more intuitive operation.' He also added, 'We applied a high-gloss finish to the center fascia and a garnish to the console area, seamlessly connecting the crash pad to the console. This design enhances the high-tech feel while maintaining a sense of luxury.'"
The rear area, notably more spacious due to the 130mm wheelbase extension, has also undergone significant interior design enhancements. Yoon explained, “With the extended wheelbase, we optimized the rear seat position, resulting in a considerably larger rear space.”
”The interior of the new Electrified G80 was designed with a focus on maximizing usability and comfort in the rear seats, providing an impressive customer experience,” explained Jeong-Ik Yoon, Senior Research Engineer from the Genesis Interior Design Team. “We applied a new wing-shaped design element and a unique quilting design to the rear door trim, adding a differentiated sense of luxury. The rear seats have been equipped with independent reclining, leg support, and wing-out headrests to dramatically improve comfort. Additionally, the size of the rear display has been increased to enhance usability.”
One of the hallmarks of the Genesis brand, and a privilege for its customers, is the variety of color options and high-quality interior materials. The new Electrified G80 offers a total of ten exterior color options, including nine glossy shades and one matte finish.
Among these, the newly developed color is 'Geneva Silver.' Senior Research Engineer Man-yong Han from the Genesis CMF (Color Material Finish) Team, who participated in the CMF design of the Electrified G80, explained, 'While the previously used Seville Silver in Genesis models emphasized a more serious and sporty image, the new Geneva Silver embodies a bright and rich luxury vibe. It is delicately mixed with blue and red hues at a high brightness level, creating a distinctive character that sets it apart from the plain, conventional silver.
He continued to introduce the Electrified G80's special color, Matira Blue, stating, “Matira Blue uses high-cost special pigments that produce a dual effect depending on the angle and lighting. It is a unique color with an intense saturation even at a low brightness level.”
The use of premium materials and finishes plays a vital role in creating an emotional atmosphere in the interior. The Electrified G80 offers a variety of interior color options, combining top-grade leather and genuine material garnishes, resulting in a truly beautiful interior finished with impeccable quality.
The newly introduced aluminum and wood garnishes are noteworthy features. Senior Research Engineer Man-yong Han emphasized, “The square cross-brush aluminum adds a touch of luxury with a diamond accent on Genesis' G-Matrix pattern, while the black forged wood garnish uses upcycled wood, meeting both the eco-friendly elements required for a flagship EV and luxury at the same time.”
This session with the designers allowed a deeper understanding of Genesis' design philosophy and the hidden details of the Electrified G80. The new Electrified G80 has undergone changes befitting a flagship EV, boasting high completeness and minimalist sensibility. The interior sets a new standard for luxury sedans by blending advanced technology. Through the Electrified G80, Genesis presents its future vision and sustainable luxury.
Photography by Minseok Choi