The Genesis Electrified G80 Puts the Mercedes EQE on Notice
With more electric luxury sedans on sale than ever, competition is heating up. And in the midst of Tesla dropping prices, Polestar refusing to do so, and BMW crafting some of the most unusual-looking EVs we’ve ever seen, two models stand above the fray. While the Mercedes EQE has gotten a wealth of attention, it’s the newest player in this game that we’re excited about. Once again, Genesis is turning up the heat on its luxury competition, this time with the Genesis Electrified G80.
Genesis Electrified G80 vs Mercedes EQE: Performance numbers
We’ll start out by saying that the Genesis Electrified G80 and Mercedes EQE 4MATIC are similar in price. The G80 EV runs roughly $80k, and the Merc will take $78,000 of your hard-earned cash. But comparing the two on performance, the similarity is hard to understand.
The Genesis comes standard with all-wheel drive and delivers a combined 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The German model, meanwhile, offers just 288 ponies, though torque is considerably greater at 564 pound-feet.
In real-world time, that means the Electrified G80 gets to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while the Mercedes EQE takes six ticks to reach the same pace.
Charging and range comparison
Okay, so the Genesis leaves the EV Mercedes in the dust when the lights turn green. The German luxury EV will balance the scales with a better range, right?
Nope.
At 260 miles from a full charge, the Mercedes EQE offers 18 fewer miles of range than the Electrified G80. The Genesis charges faster as well, requiring just over seven hours to charge from 10 to 80 percent, compared to 9.5 hours in the Mercedes.
Interior space
The EQE has a clear edge over the G80 EV in cargo space, offering 15 cubic feet to the Genesis’ 11 cubes. Even considering the funky shape of the Merc’s trunk, it’s able to hold more luggage than its competitor.
Leg and headroom are slightly greater in the EQE as well, though the differences are mere tenths of an inch.
Comparing standard features in the Genesis Electrified G80 and Mercedes EQE
When looking at standard features, once again the Genesis Electrified G80 and Mercedes EQE bear a striking resemblance to one another. Both offer premium leather seating with power adjustability and heat. Both come with premium audio, though the Mercedes does so with help from master audio company Burmester.
Wireless phone charging comes stock with both vehicles, and the G80 matches the EQE for standard driver assistance tech as well. However, only the Mercedes offers augmented reality navigation, which offers a 3D projected view of streets and landmarks.
One area where the German EV bests the Korean newcomer is semi-autonomous driving. The EQE offers a hands-free drive mode; to our knowledge, the Electrified G80 does not.
The verdict?
As usual, Genesis has done a lot of things well, and for a better price than legacy luxury brands. And while the Mercedes EQE is high on the podium, it’s hard to say that it beats the Electrified G80 overall.
