Genesis launches three-pronged electric offensive

A rapid-fire offensive has seen Genesis launch three EVs this month, including its first dedicated all-electric model the GV60 SUV.

GV60 is available now in Australia along with the Electrified G80 sedan, with Electrified GV70 to follow later this year.

GV70 is the biggest-selling model in the lineup.

The small coupe-like GV60 sits on the EV-specific E-GMP platform, with a spacious, inviting interior that benefits from clever design elements such as a compact dash, flat floor, floating console and slim seats.

The platform is shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 models.

It is offered in two trim levels, AWD and Performance AWD, with an extensive standard Genesis Active Safety Control suite and futuristic technologies such as fingerprint recognition and digital mirrors, which replace physical side mirrors with cameras.

GV60 delivers blistering performance and a driving range of 470km (AWD variant), with the capability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes using a 350kW commercial charger.

The dash from 0-100km/h in the AWD takes 5.5 seconds, in the Performance model — just 4.0 seconds.

The new all-electric Genesis GV60.

GV60 AWD, priced from $103,700, is equipped with a 160kW motor for its rear wheels and a 74kW motor for its front wheels, which provide a total output of 234kW and maximum torque of 605Nm.

A rear-wheel-biased e-AWD system features a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) that can separate or connect the front motor and the drive shaft according to driving conditions.

The system switches seamlessly between RWD and AWD to maximise efficiency through the reduction of transmission losses.

The Performance model features a Boost Mode button on the steering wheel activates the additional performance for 10 seconds and enables GV60 Performance AWD to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds (4.6 without Boost Mode).

An Active Sound Design (e-ASD) system provides a choice of virtual driving sounds through GV60’s speakers, synced to the vehicle speed and accelerator inputs.

A choice of three sounds includes a ‘Futuristic’ sound that symbolises the direction of future mobility, a soft and sporty ‘G-Engine’ sound that’s based on engine noises, and an ‘E-Motor’ sound, which reimagines the electric motor sounds.

GV60 Performance AWD is priced from $110,700 and combines 180kW front and 180kW rear motors to deliver a total output of 360kW when utilising Boost Mode, and maximum torque of 700Nm.

Matte paint adds $2000.

Leased EVs leading the way

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

Apart from ‘drift’ mode, which enables a controlled slide, one of the most talked about features of the new Genesis is face recognition which is employed to unlock the vehicle.

Included in the purchase price of every GV60 is the choice of 5-year Chargefox subscription or home A/C charger and installation.

“We are delighted to introduce GV60, our first dedicated electric vehicle, as the beginning of Genesis Motor’s journey towards electrification,” Genesis’ Connal Yan said.

“GV60 applies the Genesis Athletic Elegance philosophy to provide an unprecedented luxury experience on a new dedicated electric platform that delivers all the powerful, emissions-free benefits of an advanced long-range, ultra-rapid charging EV.”