Genesis GV60: Fully-electric fun

What is it?

GV60 is the first dedicated electric vehicle from Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand Genesis.

Launched here in early 2022, it’s also the smallest of the three Genesis SUVs, sitting behind the mid-sized GV70 and large GV80.

Each of the three models offers different powertrain choices.

GV60 is fully-electric, GV80 comes with turbo-petrol or diesel, as does the GV70 — but with an EV option added.

What’s it cost?

GV60 sits on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

With a starting price of just over $100,000 the Genesis is significantly more expensive than the all-wheel drive versions of its two siblings.

Unlike the EV6 and Ioniq 5, which come with the option of single (2WD) or dual (AWD) electric motors, GV60 is AWD only.

Two variants are available, Lux and Performance Lux, priced at $103,384 and $113,384 respectively, plus on-road costs.

Although classed as an SUV, GV60 is very coupe-like in appearance, streamlined from the bonnet to the chunky rear spoiler, with a short front overhang.

A long wheelbase and large haunches make it look larger than its 4.5-metre length.

Unlike most EVs the GV60 comes with a front grille.

In this case it is a version of the Genesis family Crest Grille, but is located lower than models that have internal combustion engines.

This is because of the different cooling requirements specific to the dedicated high-performance EV platform.

GV60 features a Clamshell Hood that combines the bonnet and fenders for a sleek appearance.

The wide front is framed by double-stacked headlights that are common across the Genesis range.

It is available with 10 exterior colours, including two in a matte finish that are only available with the Performance variant.

GV60 is the first Genesis to combine instruments and navigation in a panoramic display, with content connected throughout in clusters, navigation and head up display.

Both the HD multimedia touchscreen display and the digital instrument cluster are 12.3-inch units.

Audio comes from 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.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wired.

Standard safety features start with 10 airbags including a rollover-resistant curtain bags, advanced ABS brakes and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

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

What’s it go like?

Rear seat passengers have plenty of legroom although the floor sits slightly higher because of the battery pack under the floor.

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

There are lots of soft touch materials throughout the cabin, with nappa leather and suede 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.

There are plenty of storage spaces throughout including large bottle holders in all doors and in the floating centre console which can be accessed from both the front and rear.

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

Another clever feature is controls that allow the front passenger seat to be adjusted either by the driver or rear passengers.

GV60 Lux has combined power of 234kW, with 74kW from the front motor and 160kW from the rear, together with 605Nm of torque.

Performance Lux steps up to 360kW, with 180W at both front and rear and 700Nm of torque.

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

Transmission in our GV60 Lux test car is to all four wheels through what you could call a single-speed automatic transmission.

Entry is helped by a sensor within the key fob that automatically pops out the door handles when the driver approaches the vehicle.

In addition, the Genesis Face Connect feature allows the driver to lock or unlock the car without a key.

Drivers need only to touch the door handle and show their face to the camera on the B-pillar. Two faces can be registered.

A fingerprint authentication system allows drivers to start and drive the car without a key.

Previous GV60 models did not have traditional side mirrors, but used cameras instead that transmitted images to small screens inside the doors.

We’ve tested this in previous reviews and found it distracting at times because the screen on the driver’s door is too close.

Fortunately, the option of including normal side mirrors was added in the latest upgrade and these were fitted to our test vehicle.

The screens are still there, but we basically ignored them throughout our test.

Rear vision is poor because the raked window is partially blocked by a large rear spoiler and rear seat headrests.

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 of our driving as we feel that’s what most owners would do.

Sport mode makes the GV60 go like a rocket, providing instant grunt 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!

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

What we like?

• Decent range
• Panoramic display
• Option of real traditional mirrors
• 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio
• Eco-friendly and recycled materials used
• Sport mode turns it into a rocket

What we don’t like?

• Poor vision through rear window
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both wired
• Sloping rear window may make it a little tight

The bottom line?

At $100k-plus the Genesis GV60 is not cheap, especially from a relatively new brand.

However it is an impressive vehicle that’s stylish inside and out, combining excellent performance with all the latest in technology.

Genesis provides an outstanding ownership program with a five-year unlimited distance warranty, plus an eight-year / 160,000km cover on the battery.

There’s also five years of free roadside assistance as well as free servicing for the same period with service intervals of 12 months or 15,000km.

The dealer will collect and return the car when it is to be serviced or provide a loan car.

Roadside assistance extends to 10 years if the car is always serviced by a Genesis dealer.

EV buyers also get the option of a five-year Chargefox membership or a free home charger.

 

CHECKOUT: Genesis G70: You can leave the Benz behind

CHECKOUT: Coupe option for Genesis GV80 SUV