2023 Genesis GV60

Compared with the stark and clinical-feeling cabin of the Tesla Model Y, the Genesis GV60 is noticeably more luxurious. The central floating console houses the Crystal Sphere gear selector and neatly integrated cupholders, while the panoramic display ahead of the driver looks suitably futuristic.

Interior color schemes include the sophisticated Obsidian Black or more adventurous hues like Monstera Green/Camel Beige and Torrent Navy. As with many EVs, Genesis has used sustainable materials wherever possible. Plant-based leather covers the seats and armrests, while door center trims and seat covers use fabrics produced from yarns extracted from recycled fishnets and PET bottles.

Notable features available for the GV60 include a fingerprint authentication system, a face recognition system, over-the-air software updates, and the Digital Key 2. Using this key, drivers need only touch the door handle to access the car.

The GV60 is one of the most advanced vehicles in its class. We've already mentioned features like its facial recognition system but there is a lot more that adds to the appeal of the vehicle.

It has an i-Pedal (Intelligent Pedal) that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using only the accelerator pedal. Using the paddle shifter, you can activate the strongest regenerative brake stage to enable one-pedal driving. As expected, there's a vast list of driver-assist systems like navigation-based adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, highway driving assistance, and a rear side monitor.

The car has electric-Active Sound Design, a system that plays virtual driving sounds through the speakers based on parameters like the speed and driving mode. If you tire of that, you can turn on the 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, the first such system to be equipped to any Genesis.

Accessing the GV60 will be a new experience as drivers can rely solely on biometric data. Individual driver profiles, a Near Infra-Red camera for accurate facial recognition, and digital side mirrors round out the extensive features list.

The Genesis GV60 is available with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and all models have a 77.4 kWh battery. The base model produces 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the mid-range AWD variant with dual motors produces 314 hp and 446 lb-ft. The AWD performance model is the one that enthusiasts will hanker after as its dual electric motors produce a total of 429 hp and 446 lb-ft. With an available Boost Mode, this model can accelerate from 0-62 mph in only four seconds. There's even a Drift Mode which is not a feature one would expect to find in an electric SUV.

The performance model has a range of 228 miles, which is around 75 miles less than the Tesla Model Y Performance. The less powerful GV60 AWD has a 249-mile range and the base RWD model can cover 280 miles on a single charge.

When charging at 350 kW, the GV60's battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in only 18 minutes. The SUV can also function as a mobile power source with its V2L (Vehicle to Load) system, meaning it can power other electronic devices.

Genesis hasn't yet revealed pricing for its cutting-edge EV. Although it's smaller than the Tesla Model Y, that is the vehicle that the GV60 will inevitably be compared to. As is so often the case, the Tesla's combination of range and performance is hard to beat. However, the Genesis is the more luxurious offering, looks more stylish to our eyes, and is jam-packed with clever features. Whether they all work well in practice remains to be seen but the GV60 appears to be a strong first effort for Genesis in the EV space. If it undercuts the Model Y on price, the GV60 will be a superb contender in its segment.