Shopping for a **luxury electric sedan** usually leads you to the **Genesis Electrified G80 vs Tesla Model S** question. Both are long-range, high-comfort EVs, but they take very different approaches: one is a quiet, old-school luxury sedan that happens to be electric, the other a tech-forward EV icon built around software and speed. Deciding between them comes down to how you drive, how you charge, and how much risk you’re willing to take on the used market.
Important context for U.S. shoppers
Overview: Genesis Electrified G80 vs Tesla Model S
At a high level, the **Genesis Electrified G80** is a converted version of the gasoline G80 sedan with a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive setup, a battery around the mid‑80 kWh range (earlier U.S. cars) and an EPA range of roughly **280 miles**. It emphasizes rich materials, quiet ride quality, and a traditional luxury feel. The **Tesla Model S** is built from the ground up as an EV, with a larger battery, significantly more range (often **350+ miles** depending on trim), and much quicker straight‑line performance, especially in the Performance/Plaid versions.
High-level takeaways
Where each luxury EV sedan naturally excels
Genesis Electrified G80
Best for: Quiet comfort-first luxury, understated design, and generous standard features.
- Traditional luxury interior
- Smooth, quiet cruising
- Typically lower used pricing
Tesla Model S
Best for: Long road trips, raw acceleration, and Tesla’s Supercharger network.
- Class-leading range
- Very quick, especially Plaid
- Strong charging network access
Key Tradeoff
Choice: Comfort & craftsmanship (Genesis) vs. tech, speed & charging (Tesla).
If you can live with shorter range and fewer service points, the G80 feels special. If you road-trip often, the Tesla usually wins.
Quick Specs: Electrified G80 vs Model S
Core specs comparison
Approximate specs for recent-model U.S. Genesis Electrified G80 and Tesla Model S Long Range/Plaid trims. Exact figures vary by model year and wheel/tire choice.
| Spec | Genesis Electrified G80 (U.S.) | Tesla Model S Long Range | Tesla Model S Plaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD | Tri-motor AWD |
| Power (approx.) | 365 hp | ~670 hp | ~1,020 hp |
| 0–60 mph | ~4.1 sec | ~3.1 sec | ~2.0 sec (with rollout) |
| Battery (usable, approx.) | ~82–83 kWh | ~95–100+ kWh | Similar to Long Range |
| EPA Range (est.) | ~280 miles | ~370–400 miles | ~350+ miles |
| Max DC charge rate | ~187 kW | ~250 kW (Supercharger) | ~250 kW (Supercharger) |
| Onboard AC charger | ~10–11 kW | 11.5 kW | 11.5 kW |
Use this as a directional guide, not a substitute for checking the exact car you’re considering.
Always confirm the exact car
Design, Interior, and Comfort
Genesis Electrified G80: Classic luxury feel
The Electrified G80 looks and feels like a traditional executive sedan that just happens to be electric. You sit in a **plush, high-quality cabin** with open-pore wood, real metal trim, and stitched leather. The design language leans toward calm and conservative rather than futuristic.
- Supportive, multi‑adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in most trims
- Quiet cabin with extensive sound insulation
- Physical controls for core functions plus a wide central touchscreen
If you want your EV to feel like a modern S‑Class or 5 Series rival more than a gadget, the Genesis will speak your language.
Tesla Model S: Minimalist and tech-forward
The Model S cabin is **clean and minimalist**, anchored by a large central touchscreen that controls almost everything. Material quality has improved over time, but it still feels more tech appliance than traditional luxury sedan.
- Roomy interior with hatchback practicality
- Yoke-style or conventional steering wheel depending on year and configuration
- Very few physical buttons; almost all settings live in the screen
If you enjoy a futuristic cockpit and don’t mind learning the interface, the Model S feels cutting edge. If you prefer knobs and switches, it can be frustrating.
Seat time matters
Performance, Handling, and Driving Feel
Both of these sedans are quick by any normal standard, but their characters are very different. The Genesis Electrified G80 delivers brisk acceleration, roughly **4 seconds to 60 mph**, with a focus on smoothness and refinement. Steering is light but accurate, body motions are well controlled, and the car feels happiest at a relaxed, confident pace.
- Electrified G80: effortless passing power, tuned for comfort rather than track days.
- Model S Long Range: significantly quicker; strong push-in-the-back acceleration at almost any speed.
- Model S Plaid: supercar-level acceleration; exciting but overkill for many daily drivers.
Real-world performance perspective
Range, Battery, and Charging Experience
Range and charging are where the **Tesla Model S** usually pulls ahead decisively. A recent Model S Long Range can deliver **roughly 370–400 miles** of EPA-rated range, while Plaid versions still typically exceed **350 miles** depending on wheels and tires. By contrast, U.S.-spec Electrified G80 models land closer to **280 miles** of EPA range when new, with real-world results often a bit lower at highway speeds and in cold weather.
Range & charging at a glance
Charging the Electrified G80
The Electrified G80 uses the **CCS standard** for DC fast charging and a Type 2 / J1772-style connection for Level 2 AC charging, depending on market. In the U.S., you’ll be relying on non‑Tesla public fast‑charging networks along with a home Level 2 charger.
- Peak DC rate around 187 kW on a high-power station
- 10–80% charge in roughly low‑20 minute range under ideal conditions
- AC charging around 10–11 kW on a 240V home setup
The G80’s charging speeds are respectable, but **public network reliability** can vary by provider and region, so planning ahead is smart.
Charging the Tesla Model S
The Model S uses Tesla’s **NACS connector** and, crucially, has seamless access to the **Supercharger network**, which is still the gold standard for reliability and ease of use in North America.
- Higher peak DC rates (around 250 kW at many sites)
- Plug-and-charge simplicity: no RFID cards or apps needed once set up
- Broad coverage along major highway corridors
If you road-trip several times a year, this advantage alone can tilt the decision toward the Tesla, even if you prefer the Genesis interior.
Cold weather and range
Technology, Infotainment, and Driver Assistance
You’ll get plenty of tech in either car, but the priorities are different. Tesla treats the Model S like a rolling software platform. Genesis treats the G80 like a luxury sedan that happens to run on electrons.
Tech highlights by brand personality
Software-centric vs comfort-centric approaches
Genesis Electrified G80 tech
- Wide central touchscreen plus separate driver display
- Head-up display and high-end audio in many trims
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (typically wired)
- Well‑tuned adaptive cruise, lane centering, and blind‑spot monitoring
The user interface is less flashy but straightforward, with more physical controls than Tesla.
Tesla Model S tech
- Large central touchscreen with frequent over‑the‑air updates
- Native navigation tightly integrated with charging stops
- Streaming services, games, and built‑in apps
- Autopilot and optional enhanced self‑driving features
Tesla leans harder into software features and updates, but that also means **controls are heavily screen-dependent**.
Driver-assistance reality check
Price, Value, and Depreciation (New & Used)
When new, the Genesis Electrified G80 and Tesla Model S both occupied the **upper tier of the luxury EV market**, often cresting well into the $70,000–$100,000 range depending on options. However, their **used pricing and depreciation curves** look quite different, and that matters if you’re shopping smart.
Typical U.S. market positioning (approximate)
High-level view of how these cars tend to price relative to each other on the used market. Actual values depend heavily on year, mileage, condition, and options.
| Vehicle | Original new MSRP range (approx.) | Typical used pricing trend |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis Electrified G80 | ~$75,000–$85,000+ | Heavier early depreciation; can represent strong value as a lightly used luxury EV. |
| Tesla Model S Long Range | ~$80,000–$95,000+ | Holds value better due to brand recognition, range, and Supercharger access. |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | $90,000+ | Performance halo model; still depreciates but remains pricier than most rivals. |
Check real-time used listings on Recharged or other marketplaces for current pricing.
Where the Electrified G80 can shine
Key pricing questions to ask before you buy
1. What’s the battery health?
Ask for a **battery health report**, not just the original EPA range. On Recharged, every vehicle includes a Recharged Score with verified battery diagnostics so you can see how the pack has aged.
2. How does equipment compare?
A "base" Electrified G80 is often very well equipped, while Tesla frequently bundles features in software or option packages. Make sure you’re comparing similar features like audio quality, driver-assistance suites, and wheels.
3. What’s the charging reality for you?
If you mostly charge at home and commute locally, the Genesis’s shorter range may be a non-issue. If you regularly drive cross‑country, the Model S’s range and Supercharger access may justify a higher price.
4. How far did the car live from service?
For a used Genesis, check how close the previous owner was to a Genesis retailer that services EVs; for Tesla, look at distance to the nearest Service Center or mobile service coverage.
Ownership Experience, Reliability, and Support
Ownership experience is where the two brands feel the most different. Genesis leans into **concierge-style service and a traditional dealer network**, while Tesla focuses on **direct sales, mobile service, and app-based communication**. Each has pros and cons, especially as these cars age.
Genesis Electrified G80 ownership
Genesis offers a premium ownership experience with courtesy vehicles, pick‑up and drop‑off service in many markets, and long warranties that cover the high-voltage battery for years. However, Electrified G80 volume in the U.S. is low, and the model has been **withdrawn from new sales**, which may affect long-term parts availability and technician familiarity over time.
On the plus side, Genesis dealers are used to servicing complex luxury vehicles, and you may appreciate having a physical point of contact if something goes wrong.
Tesla Model S ownership
Tesla’s model is different: there’s no traditional dealer, and most interactions happen through the app. **Mobile service** can be convenient, and over‑the‑air software updates may improve features long after you purchase the car.
On the other hand, wait times for some repairs and parts can be longer than you’d expect from a legacy luxury brand, and you’ll want to check how far you live from the nearest Tesla Service Center when you’re shopping for a used car.
Recall and service history matters
When you’re buying a used luxury EV, you’re not just choosing a car, you’re choosing a long-term service relationship. The best pick on paper can be the wrong choice if support is far away or hard to access.
Which Luxury EV Sedan Is Right for You?
Electrified G80 vs Model S: Who each car fits best
Choose the Genesis Electrified G80 if…
You prioritize **ride comfort, quietness, and materials** over raw acceleration numbers.
You mainly drive locally or regionally and have reliable home charging, so a ~280‑mile range works for your lifestyle.
You’d like to capitalize on **steeper depreciation** to get a lot of car for the money on the used market.
You prefer a traditional luxury dealership experience and value in‑person service and loaner vehicles.
Choose the Tesla Model S if…
You road-trip often and want **class-leading range plus Supercharger access**.
You love cutting-edge software and are comfortable with a screen‑centric interface.
You want the quickest thing in the neighborhood, especially if you’re eyeing a **Plaid**.
You’re okay managing most of your ownership experience through an app rather than a traditional dealer.
Put simply, the **Genesis Electrified G80 vs Tesla Model S** decision is a question of priorities. The Genesis gives you a serene, beautifully finished luxury sedan with enough range for most daily driving and an attractive price on the used market. The Tesla counters with more range, more speed, and a far better fast‑charging ecosystem, at the cost of a more tech‑heavy, less traditional ownership experience. If you’re leaning toward a used example of either, a marketplace like Recharged can help you compare cars side by side, see verified battery health through the Recharged Score, arrange financing, and even handle trade‑ins and delivery, so you end up in the luxury EV that actually fits your life, not just the one that wins on paper.
