Genesis hasn't been around for too long but quickly established itself as a genuinely viable alternative to the Germans with a range of sleek, luxurious sedans. But the automotive landscape changes quickly which is why Hyundai's luxury arm has had no option but to expand. The brand's first-ever SUV, the GV80, was the first big step to claiming a bigger slice of the luxury market, and now there's another first in the form of the GV60. This is the first battery-electric Genesis model. With many advanced technologies, plenty of power, and coupe-like lines that are increasingly in favor these days, the GV60 could quickly become a big seller for the brand.
Exterior Design: It’ll Get People Talking
We suspect that quite a few shoppers will choose the new GV60 based on its looks alone, regardless of what powers it. Although there are some odd styling choices like the triangular design incorporated into the roofline aft of the C-pillar, the GV60 is interesting, athletic, and even quite sexy from some angles. The brand's Athletic Elegance design language works well and although the Crest Grille is still there, it's been moved lower down for the electric powertrain's unique cooling needs.
The Two Line headlamps are sleek and immediately link the GV60 to its siblings. The electric door handles sit flush with the body but pop out when the driver approaches the car, and there's a sporty fixed wing spoiler at the back. Overall, we think Genesis has come up with an exciting design to mark the arrival of its first EV.
The color palette includes the dramatic Sao Paulo Lime which was chosen as the signature color for the SUV, but other choices include Matterhorn White, Hanauma Mint, and Vik Black.
Interior: Luxurious Tech-Fest
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.
Technology: A Smartphone On Wheels
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.
Power And Performance: Another Rapid EV Express
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.
Price And Verdict: An Electric Start
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.