Genesis GV70 Electrified: The power and the glory

What is it?

In Biblical terms, Genesis is how it all began; in the automotive scheme of things, it is similar in that Hyundai aristocratic family tree’s early sprouts have been joined by an electric powered version of its GV70 sports utility vehicle.

On the surface the Electrified GV70 – the fifth and range-topping SUV in the family – gives away little of a shift in method of propulsion, but under the skin it refuses to be ignored, showcasing the latest in luxury and advanced technology in all their glory.

The Power – The Genesis Electrified GV70 features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, with each motor producing 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

All up, (in 10-second boost mode) there’s 360kW and 700Nm available. Genesis claims a zero-to-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds.

The Glory – no fossil fuel burning polluting the Earth here; nil exhaust emissions.

What’s it cost?

Not unexpectedly, all this comes at a price – $127,800, plus on-road costs, more than $10,000 above the entry-level Genesis GV70 2.5T, at $66,400. Admittedly, the star car has much more to offer than a pollution clean sheet.

The Electrified GV70 includes a variety of advanced driver assistance systems to protect passengers from hazards inside and outside the vehicle.

With a maximum of 350kW charger, the car can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes of fast charging, cutting down the inconvenience of ‘filling up’ to a minimum.

Charging to 100 per cent comes in at less than seven hours with an 11kW capacity charge system.

On the other hand, V2L (Vehicle to Load) will conveniently charge electrical appliances up to 3600W, enabling power to standard electrical devices outside the vehicle — making toast and tea, for example.

While in the style of the traditional SUV, with the sharp corners knocked off, the Genesis GV70 is well proportioned and pleasing to the eye, an important selling point to any luxury model.

The absence of exhaust tailpipes and blanked-out radiator grille bookend the profile of the Electrified Genesis GV70, setting it apart from its petrol-powered siblings.

The aerodynamic Crest grille with signature G-Matrix pattern, new 20-inch EV exclusive wheels and minimalistic horizontal rear bumper complete the signature style.

Innovative technologies create a new level of interaction between driver and vehicle, with 14.5-inch touchscreen, advanced satellite navigation and surprisingly only wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There’s a quality 14-speaker 1050W Lexicon sound system, head-up display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

As well as the standard safety features, such as smart cruise control, blind spot warning and view monitor, and lane keeping assist found in many modern vehicles, the Electrified GV70 is fitted with forward collision avoidance assist, which automatically applies the brakes or adjusts steering if a collision is imminent.

Reverse parking warning activates if pedestrians or objects are detected and will also apply emergency braking.

Furthermore, the car will park itself, even in the tightest spots. Both steering and speed are automatically operated and can be controlled remotely by using the smart key while out of the car.

When a passenger opens a door to get out of the car and an approaching vehicle is detected behind, Safe Exist Assist will sound a warning.

If a car is detected it also keeps the Electronic Child Safety Lock activated to prevent the doors from opening.

In addition, if the risk of a rear-side collision is determined, the door is prevented from opening even if the ‘open’ button is pressed.

The electric SUV is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, pushed out to eight years on its high-voltage battery.

Buyers are also offered five-year subscriptions to complimentary servicing and valet programs, plus 10-year roadside assistance and complimentary map updates.

Genesis will chip in with the choice of a five-year subscription to EV charging company Chargefox, or a domestic AC wall box charger, including installation.

What’s it go like?

The driver-focused interior is testament to comfort and convenience, while tranquillity is enhanced by unique mood lighting.

One minor misstep: the drive control knob shares the centre console with the information system rotary controller and it is easy to mix them up on first use.

Second-row seating has been expanded, presenting a more relaxed, spacious, and luxurious experience.

Boot space is 503 litres, which can be expanded to 1678 litres with the rear seat backs folded flat. There is a 20-litre cubby under the bonnet, which is handy to take the charging cable.

The Genesis Electrified GV70 features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, with each motor producing 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

All up, (in 10-second boost mode) there’s 360kW and 700Nm on tap. Genesis claims a battery capacity of 77.4 kWh, giving a range of more than 400km on a ‘full tank’.

Over my time with the Electrified GV70, fuel consumption straddled 20kWh/100km, so with battery down to 40 per cent, it was convenient for a top-up at the local public fast charger.

After half an hour of plug-in, the battery was at 93 per cent charged – enough for more than 350km of driving – at a miserly cost of $9.38, thank you.

The Electrified GV70 retains the Preview Electronic Control Suspension that uses a front camera to scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension accordingly.

Small appliances can be powered from the battery with the exterior and interior vehicle-to-load 3.6kW power supply, while there’s also a one-pedal driving mode and regenerative braking.

The latter is not so amenable, with sharp reaction needing some smooth driver input to prevent uncomfortable grabbing in some situations.

However, with one-pedal mode dialled up to its most forceful level, via the steering wheel paddles, touching the brake is generally redundant.

Steering is superb, with positive feedback, enabling the driver to take on fast bends and sharp corners with confidence up to legal speed limits.

What we like?

• Superb steering
• Quick off the mark
• Fast charging
• Cubby for charge cable/s
• The car will park itself
• Quality 14-speaker 1050W Lexicon sound system

What we don’t like?

• The price
• Easy to confuse drive control knob and info system controllers
• Regenerative braking needs driver intervention
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The bottom line?

Not only is the Electrified Genesis GV70 carrying the weight of the SUV’s switch to full electric power, it shoulders a hefty price tag of more than $127,800, $10,000 above its petrol-powered entry-level sibling.

You pays your money, and you makes your choice.

 

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