Luxury car brand bringing redeveloped version of popular EV to UK next year – with 300 mile-range and ‘Chauffeur Mode’
A LUXURY car brand is set to bring a redeveloped version of a popular EV to the UK next year, boasting a 300-mile range and Chauffeur Mode.
The redesign, aimed at boosting comfort and passenger experience, is the first since the model went on sale in 2021.
Korean firm Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, debuted the plush G80 electric saloon in UK showrooms in 2021.
It was first developed in 2016 as a petrol model and successor to the Hyundai Genesis – the car which spawned the stand-alone marque as a whole.
But only the second generation was sold over here in the form of the then-new Electrified G80.
Now, Genesis has sought to overhaul the model to distinguish it from the best-selling petrol variant, reports Autocar.
Where the internal combustion G80 looks to target the mid-size luxury market, the firm is positioning its electric sibling in the executive saloon and limo segment going forward.
As a result, the wheelbase has been lengthened by a few inches to provide extra legroom and headroom for passengers to stretch out in.
The rear seats can now be adjusted in 14 different ways and reclined to as much as 40 degrees.
And the cabin has variable mood lighting and a 17-speaker sound system installed.
The G80 has also been upgraded for longer trips, with a new battery pack borrowed from a Kia EV9 expected to generate a range of over 350 miles between charges – up from the current 323.
One fancy feature added as a nod to the limo market is the new Chauffeur Mode.
At the press of a button, this smooths the motor’s acceleration and braking curves and softens the suspension to provide maximum comfort and discretion.
Up front, meanwhile, drivers will benefit from a 28-inch infotainment screen and a blingy, crystal-shaped gearstick.
However, all the luxury will come at quite the price when it arrives next year.
Starting from £69,905, it roughly price matches rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Audi in the same segment.
It comes after three supercars worth over £1 million received some hilarious instant karma after parking illegally outside a Nandos.