Genesis GV60 EV: Show and go!

The Genesis GV60 is the smallest of three SUVs from Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand, behind the mid-sized GV70 and large GV80.

Each of the three models get different powertrain choices, the GV80 comes with turbo-petrol or diesel, as does the GV70 but with an EV option added.

Our test vehicle, the GV60, is electric only.

Genesis GV60 sits on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 with potential buyers sure to line up the three siblings alongside each other.

While the Ioniq 5 and EV6 come with the option of front-wheel drive, that is with single motor on the front axle, the GV60 is AWD only with a second motor for the rear axle.

The most noticeable difference however is price, because the the GV60 is considerably more expensive.

What’s it cost?

Though it’s called an SUV by Genesis, the GV60 is very coupe-like in its appearance.

It’s streamlined from the bonnet to the rear spoiler, has a short front overhang and sits on a long wheelbase at 2900mm.

The Genesis signature Crest Grille is in a lower position than in other GV models that have internal combustion engines.

This is to meet the different cooling requirements that are specific to the dedicated high-performance EV platform.

The GV60 is priced from $107,700 compared with the Ioniq 5 AWD Techniq ($77,500) and the EV6 GT-Line ($87,590).

All figures are before on-road costs.

It’s a beautiful car, with a gorgeous feminine rounded shape and beautiful bottom. It’s sort of half way between SUV and sedan.

By far the most beautiful thing about the GV60 EV we road tested is the aqua green sea glass colour. It is beautiful and light and jewel-like — almost like an opal.

GV60 is the first Genesis model to combine the instrument clusters and navigation into a panoramic display where the content is connected throughout in clusters, navigation and head up display.

Sound is through a premium 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen system with a sound control interface to provide a choice different sound mixes including Relax, Energetic, Bright and Warm.

Standard safety features start with 10 airbags including a rollover-resistant curtain ‘bags and advanced ABS brakes.

Other features include Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Advance Rear Occupant Alert, and Multi-Collision Braking System.

It has a five–year unlimited distance warranty on everything with the exception of the high-voltage battery which is warranted for eight years and 160,000km.

What’s it go like?

The interior design of the GV60 has what Genesis says “the ethos of the Beauty of White Space’ while seeking to create a spacious and comfortable interior.”

Combine this gorgeous exterior with a cream and sea green leather interior and this vehicle is just a delight to be in.

It brings a smile to your face.

With the super sleek remote you are set to drive off into the wild blue yonder.

Passengers in the rear seat have plenty of legroom although the floor is slightly higher because the battery pack is under the floor.

Also, the sloping rear window may make it a little tight for those travelling there.

We suggest you take anyone who will be travelling in the back seats to come along when you’re considering a GV60 and see how they find the seats.

To make the GV60 more sustainable, various parts are created with eco-friendly and recycled materials.

The seats, door armrests, console armrests, and crash pads are made with plant-based leather.

The seat covers and door centre trims have fabrics made with yarns extracted from recycled PET bottles and fishing nets.

Power and torque are almost identical to the Kia and Hyundai, at around 234kW and 605Nm, with the GV60’s range of 454km slightly less than the Hyundai (470km) and Kia (484km).

The GV60 EV Performance variant lifts power to 320kW but with no change in torque.

Both variants feature a 77.4kWh battery which provide a driving range of 470km (WLTP) per charge for the base model and 466km (WLTP) per charge for the Performance variant.

Transmission in our test car is to all four wheels through what you could call a single-speed automatic transmission.

The GV60 has space. It feels very comfortable getting into the driver’s seat.

There is plenty of leg room and the seat is not too low.

In the driver’s seat the feeling of space is increased by the sweep of the dashboard and the uncluttered instrument panel.

Wait until you see the gear control at night.

Then there’s the door mirrors which aren’t mirrors at all.

Rather the view to the side-rear of the GV60 is provided by cameras that take a picture of what is happening and transmit it to small TV screens inside the doors.

While this works well, we found it distracting at times because the screen on the driver’s door is too close.

On motorways things are flashing past very quickly, particularly when in the fast lane.

Perhaps if we owned and drove a GV60  one would learn to tune out from this.

This is a fascinating car in many ways, the door handles pop up when the driver approaches the car with their smart key.

The GV60 can recognise two faces, then adjusts the settings for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and door mirrors.

There are three drive modes to choose from, Eco, Normal and Sport.

The Eco setting makes the GV60 accelerate relatively gently. Normal mode is the one we used for most our driving as we feel that’s what most owners would do.

Sport mode makes it go like a rocket and provides instant grunt to help you overtake in a short space when you see a chance to get past a slower car during country driving.

Or you can simply use it just for the fun it provides.

The i-PEDAL regenerative braking mode enables a single-pedal driving strategy that allows acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the vehicle using only the accelerator

Step into the back seats and the car’s nearly 2950mm wheelbase affords rear passengers a huge amount of legroom, but the higher floor (due to the battery pack) and sloping rear window line may make the back seat a little less pleasant for taller occupants.

Try before you buy…

What we like?

• Feminine lines
• Gorgeous green
• Spacious interior
• Goes like a rocket

What we don’t like?

• Expensive
• Distracting camera mirrors
• Elevated floor and sloping rear window make space tight

The bottom line?

CHECKOUT: Genesis GV70 Electrified: The power and the glory