RAY MASSEY: Genesis G80 is a swish, smooth sensation
I was headed to the historic Ashridge House in leafy Hertfordshire, to see my godson Warwick and his bride Nataliia tie the knot, and needed an equally swish set of wheels to fit the occasion.
And boy, did the G80 deliver – in ding-dong style.
Available exclusively as a long-wheel base model, the car – mine was in a sparkling Geneva Silver – has passenger comfort firmly in mind. In addition to plenty of legroom, there is a centre armrest for those in the back, and the second-row comfort pack (£2,640) includes heated rear seats, too.
Genesis has also added Chauffeur to the list of available modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Snow), allowing for super-smooth driving. In fact, had my services been required for the happy couple, all I'd have needed was a smart cap.
With its striking 'face', sharp lights and Nappa leather interior, the zero-emissions limo was also a head-turner, with a hint of Bentley in the latticed grille – cunningly disguising a charging point.
Riding on 19in wheels as standard, the all-wheel-drive G80 is powered by a new, larger 94.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, and a 370 horsepower 272kW dual motor system. It goes from rest to 62mph in 5.1 seconds, up to a top speed of 139mph.
For instant oomph while cruising, it will cover 50mph to 75mph in 3.3 seconds. Claimed range has increased to 354 miles.
The G80 also features a driver-controlled powered rear-closing door system, soft-close doors, rear and side window electric blinds for added privacy and sunshade, and twin vanity mirrors.
Being electric it is also exceptionally quiet, though you can opt for a futuristic EV sound.
Head-up display is great for viewing sat-nav directions and speed limits through the windscreen while keeping my eyes on the road ahead.
Live images of what's behind you flash up on the dashboard when you indicate left or right, which helps eliminate dangerous blind spots.
There's extra comfort up front too (a £1,780 option) with relaxing driver and passenger massage in the cossetting but sporty 'ergo motion' 18-way electrically adjustable seats.
However, the erratic voice control often lost a lot in translation.
Although it has a wide 27in digital screen, key functions are controlled by dials on the centre console. Steering wheel paddles alter the regenerative braking resistance – right up to 'one-pedal' driving – so you brake by taking your foot off the accelerator.
You can turn myriad warning systems off, but the alert for cars about to cross behind you is useful when reversing, as are live images of what's behind you.
The G80 is only slightly let down by its boot, measuring 334 litres. It's not cheap, either: prices start from £75,615, though my car, with £10,000 of added wedding bells and whistles, cost £84,925.
More than an everyday runaround, this is a car for an occasion. Wedding planners, chauffeur firms, busy executives – take note.
Will it fit in my garage? Genesis electrified G80
On sale: now
Price: from £74,800
Price as driven: £84,925
Seats: 4/5
Colour: Geneva Silver
Style: Large extended-wheelbase limousine saloon
Powertrain: Electric EV all-wheel drive
Length: 5,135mm
Width: 1,925mm
Height: 1,480mm
Wheelbase: 3,140mm (an increase of 130mm)
Wheels: 19-inch silver
Tyres: Bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Weight: 2,410kg
Energy source: 95.5 kWh lithium ion battery
Propulsion: 272kW dual motor (136kW for each of the two motors, front and back).
Power: 370 horse-power
0 to 62mph: 5.1 seconds
50mph to 75mph: 3.3 seconds.
Top speed: 139mph
Range: 354 miles
Boot: 334 litres
Entertainment: 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 10-level surround audio system
Interior spaceRear passengers:
Legroom: 995mm (up 83mm)
Headroom: 950mm (up 20mm)
Charging times
DC ultra-fast to 80 per cent: 25 minutes
DC fast-charge to 80 percent: 84 minutes
AC Wallbox to 100 per cent: 8 hours 30 minutes
Motoring trip for car fans
Looking for a late break that combines a love of supercars and superbikes with great food and fun? Then consider a trip to Italy's Motor Valley, which I visited recently.
Supported by legendary car and motorbike makers including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati, the initiative showcases the automotive talent and expertise of the Emilia-Romagna region.
And Bologna – home of food favourites including tortellini, mortadella and, of course, bolognese sauce – is at its centre.
The Motor Valley website (motorvalley.it) highlights 13 motor museums to visit plus other attractions such as the Ducati World amusement park (above).
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati and president of the Motor Valley Development association, says: 'Motor Valley represents Made in Italy excellence in the automotive and industrial production chain.'
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